5 fatal mistakes when hiring contractors

Like most things, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. But, how do you find the RIGHT technical contractors? In this article, the top 5 business mistakes companies are continually making are revealed.

Mistake One
Choosing a recruiter that keeps calling you, thinking that they'll be able to offer you the right technical engineering contractors for your business. Just because they keep calling does not mean they are the right choice for you.

How You Can Avoid This
Identify a specialist consultancy that has expert knowledge in your specific engineering or technical sector. You need to be able to speak to knowledgeable consultants who understand exactly what you require. This will save you valuable time because once they have taken a detailed job specification from you; they will be able to deliver you the right contractors first time.

Mistake Two

Hiring contractors that turn out not to have the correct skills for the job. How annoying and what a waste of your time. You've tried to train them and it's clear that they just haven't got the right skill set.

You can avoid this
Use a straightforward four or five MUST HAVE tick list for the work you need doing. An external recruiter should ask you this at a minimum and should LISTEN and UNDERSTAND what you are saying and know why it is important.

Mistake Three
Hiring contractors that haven't been thoroughly referenced.  Oh dear, more of your time wasted. The contractors staff you've been supplied with may turn out to be totally unsuitable.

You can avoid this.  Always get references on the people that you take on, even if it is for a short time period. By checking out contractors' backgrounds with previous short term employers, and how well they have worked with both other engineers and fellow contractors in the past, any issues likely to happen can be avoided.

Mistake Four
Not having a thorough and smooth on boarding process when hiring technical contractors. Contractors will quickly get frustrated if your business has not thought a thorough and effective process which means they might be losing money. 

You can avoid this
Create a smooth on boarding process so your contractors can hit the ground running. Time you invest in the process will pay dividends in the long run. Why not get them to have a mentor or shadow someone in the their first week?

Mistake Five

Not comparing your daily rates to your competitors and the current market. Contractors are highly skilled and they are looking for contract rates that refelct this. Make sure your rates are competitive. 

How to Avoid This
By using a specialist contract recruitment consultancy, they will offer up to the minute market advice on what other businesses are currently offering within your marketplace. 

If you're thinking about hiring skilled temporary staff but not sure where to start, contact one of our team today and they will talk you through your options and how they can help your business. 

Call the team today on 0116 254 5411 or email hello@precision-people.uk.