How to Help Outsourced Talent Establish Credibility

Hiring outsourced talent always involves risk. Even the best freelancers may not be the best fit for your culture. Your reputation and perceived competency can be on the line. But there are a few things you can do to help freelancers establish credibility in your company:

• Before you hire, ask for similar work samples, check references, have the freelancer create a mock-up or audition. Have a few key people evaluate the freelancer's work, if appropriate.
  

• Discuss with the freelancer how she intends to get the information she needs to create the work required. Pay attention to attitude, willingness to go the extra mile, perception of boundaries and ability to relate to executives.

• Talk openly and privately with the freelancer about any concerns you have regarding credibility. You don’t want to make him nervous, but you do want him to have the opportunity to consider the situation and be prepared to address questions that arise. Discuss your culture, past experiences with freelancers and what others are expecting. Let the freelancer know what is riding on the hiring decision and in particular, how it can impact you and your job.

• Build a partnership with the freelancer and get to know him as a person.

• Decide who is the most important person to establish credibility with—once you are relatively certain that you’ve hired the right freelancer, create opportunities for your boss to meet, speak with and review the freelancer’s work.

• Introduce the freelancer to other colleagues and key stakeholders and have them sit in on conference calls or meetings with the freelancer.

• If you and your boss are happy with the freelancer, let others in your company know what a great job he’s doing.

• Ask for feedback from colleagues, if appropriate.

• Trust your instincts. Everyone in your company will have their own opinion and idea about outsourced talent. But in the end, your instincts can be the best guide.