Independent Contractor: What is the cost of hiring?

Why hire an independent contractor?

Independent contractors can provide a versatile skill set to your company, but they can also change your current company dynamic. A great independent contractor can help your business:

• Increase your available workforce while minimally increasing your exposure
• Excel during seasonal demand or on short-term projects
• Open up the time and resources of full-time employees to focus on higher priority projects

What are the types of independent contractors?

Independent contractors can either be general contractors with knowledge in multiple fields or specialize in a specific area, such as: 

• HVAC: HVAC contractors are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining equipment and systems related to heating, cooling and ventilation.
• Masonry and stonework: These contractors focus on building homes and furniture, such as fire pits, out of stone. 
• Roofing: Roofing contractors help home and business owners construct, fix and replace roofing systems. 
• Landscaping:  Landscapers have experience creating and maintaining healthy, attractive lawns for both residential and commercial properties. 
• Carpentry: Carpenters work with wood products. They’re available to help clients build homes and furniture, such as cabinets, tables and bureaus. 
• Ironwork: Ironworkers construct items made with iron and metal, such as fences, gates and metal supports. They also work to renovate older structures and make them more stable. 
• Plumbing: Plumbers work with water-related equipment in clients’ homes and businesses, including piping, water heaters and sinks. 

Where to find independent contractors

To find the right independent contractor for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Hang flyers in the community and at your place of work: Hanging help wanted signs can increase awareness of the position in the community and attract quality candidates. 
• Network: Building relationships with contractors may open avenues of communication with other independent contractors who are looking for employment. 
• Search for independent contractors online: Many independent contractors advertise themselves online. Finding these advertisements may lead to quality candidates who are available for one-time and ongoing jobs. 
• Hire from within: Some of your current employees may already have the required certifications for independent contracting and may be quality candidates for the position. 
• Post your job online: Try posting your independent contractor job on Indeed to find and attract quality independent contractor candidates.

Skills to look for in a great Independent Contractor

The skills to search for in an Independent Contractor will solely depend on the type of work you need completing. All Independent Contractors you hire should have a handful of consistent skills and qualities.

Hard skills:
• Proof of required certifications and insurances
• Able to provide the requisite tools and materials for the job
• Proof they are legal to work in your country

Soft skills
• Versatility within your workplace
• Compatible personality to work with the rest of your team
• High-level problem-solving skills to complete jobs on their own

Writing an independent contractor job description

The job description for an independent contractor will be entirely dependent on the work needing completion. Researching job descriptions for full-time employees in the same role can be an excellent starting point. Be sure to include an enticing summary of the role and list out the duties, responsibilities and skills for the position. Be sure to highlight that the role is designed for an independent contractor.

When writing your independent contractor job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting . These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on independent contractor jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Independent contractor
• Independent contractor driver
• Remote work from home
• Delivery independent contractor
• Contractor
• Delivery driver
• Cargo van
• Courier
• Driver
• Weekly pay

Interviewing independent contractor candidates

Strong candidates for independent contractor positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Their ability to work independently and complete the required need
• Work with a professional rapport and adhere to any confidentiality agreements

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of independent contractor interview questions for examples (with sample answers).