Using contractors in your business

How contractors can add value to your business

For some industries contractors have been a key and strategic resource which have been an integral part of how they develop their business and how they manage long-term and short-term growth. While some organisations see contractors solely as a means of plugging planned and unplanned staffing shortfalls, others have employed contractors as a significant force for change. For some industries and companies though, contractors are only just becoming a viable and valuable source of expertise.

What to look for when interviewing contractors:

They have the skills and experience to do the job
They are confident and assertive, without being too pushy or arrogant
They are likeable and can work with people of different levels and personality types
They are clearly focused on delivery and success
They have good communication skills, can motivate others and are not afraid to listen
They are inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions
They have a proven track record in your industry and with similar projects
They are commercially aware

What to be careful of:

They are too focused on how they can benefit rather than how you will benefit
They are overly creative when talking about previous experience
They talk too much and like the sound of their own voice
They are too forceful with their opinions
They are focused purely on the project and do not consider the commercial implications of delivery
They are not open to other perspectives
They lack flexibility
They do not ask questions about your company or look to learn more about the project/assignment