Employees usually work under close supervision and are told when, where, and how to do their work. Independent contractors are given an assignment and left to accomplish it. Employees are usually given special training by their employer. Independent contractors come to the job fully trained and ready to go. Employees usually do work that is an integral part of their employer's business.
Independent contractors provide peripheral services.
Employees usually do the work themselves. Independent contractors may send a substitute. Employees are usually provided with assistants by their employers. Independent contractors hire assistants themselves. Employees work for their employer on a regular basis, usually every business day.