Get More Value from Contract Hires

by Alisa Jenkins

Businesses can gain big advantages by using short-term, non-employee help to get through special projects and busy seasons. To reap the greatest returns on investments in these hires, companies need to bring them up to speed quickly on business objectives and job responsibilities. Doing this while running day-to-day operations can be a challenge.

“Like any company resource, project-based hires need to be utilized strategically, which requires planning – something busy companies sometimes overlook,” says Melissa Palmer, a partner in Sterling’s professional recruiting division and contract-placement specialist. She offers these tips for getting contract help working productively as quickly as possible:

Prepare

Create a detailed job description before looking for the right candidate. Pinpoint “must-have” skills and qualities. Palmer recommends including success measurements in the description to help your team determine quickly if a new contractor is meeting expectations once he or she arrives.

Put Your Recruiter to Work

Palmer suggests partnering with a recruiter who is interested in meeting your staff and touring the facilities. Having a deeper understanding of your company culture will help them target the right candidate. “Project-based work is often time-sensitive. The right person needs to be put in the position the first time, and companies shouldn’t have to compromise on quality because it’s only a temporary job. The person who comes in should be good enough to be considered for a full-time role,” she says.