The contractor's rates and billing terms may or may not be negotiable, so this is important ground to cover during your interview process. If you're serious about a candidate, it's time to start checking his or her references. Three client references Try to get three references from clients. If this contractor has worked at length for the same company, request the names of managers from three different projects. At least one project member from each reference Remember that members of each project can offer valuable insights into the candidate's work ethic and skills.
Managers have a valuable perspective but coworkers provide equally important references.
With the continuous growth of the contract workforce, odds are that you're already interviewing contingent workers. These workers are often more experienced and savvy at interviewing than their permanent, full-time counterparts. They interview more, and over time contractors learn to market and sell themselves very effectively. As a result, your interview needs to be well planned and your questions must be targeted to the free agent workforce. A combination of conventional and contractor-specific interview techniques and questions will get you started on your way to hiring the right contractor for your job.