Outsourcing a job to a contractor is a cost-effective option for any business. But with so many service providers out there, finding the right one is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
One way to narrow down your choices and ultimately pick out the most suitable candidate is to interview them individually and ask the right questions. Here are some of the questions that can help you peer into each prospect’s qualifications.
What previous projects related to my business have you accomplished?
While many companies can carry out the task or project you are outsourcing, not all of them have prior experience, which is essential when gauging overall expertise. An experienced team would most likely have already encountered and dealt with the issues that may arise in your project. You don’t want a team that will treat your project as a training ground.
What do your previous or existing clients say about your work?
Find out if their previous clients were satisfied with their work. You can ask them directly and cross-check their feedback on independent review sites. Most companies are not allowed to divulge their clients’ identities, but some of them have actual testimonials posted on their websites, with the author’s name below each of them to confirm they are authentic.
Are you licensed? Do you comply with government rules and regulations?
Legality is a must when enlisting service providers. This isn’t new to business owners and managers like you. More than the intention to stay legal, license and certifications may also serve as a guarantee that you’ll get high-quality services. After all, they wouldn’t be able to obtain those documents if they failed to meet specific criteria, which most inexperienced service providers will hardly manage to meet.
Are your employees insured?
If an accident results in an employee’s injury, you’ll be in deep financial trouble if you hired a team that isn’t sufficiently covered. Furthermore, providing insurance is a tell-tale sign that a company takes care of its employees and complies with the Labor Code.
How do you manage your employees at the job site?
Ask them straightaway about the step-by-step process for getting their services so you can tell if it fits your needs and system. Specifically, ask what happens after they deploy their employees to the job site. Will your management team be monitoring and evaluating them? Will their company provide a management team? Knowing this part of the process will help you get a good sense of your responsibilities and how that should be accounted for in the costing.
Who can I talk to if I have problems with a particular employee or you need to hire more people?
You don’t have to ask this question if the contractor will have a management team onsite. But if they won’t, find out who to call to address your workforce concerns. Choose a company that doesn’t hesitate to replace underperforming or tardy workers and is willing to deploy more people when needed.
Being inquisitive could mean the difference between a successful partnership with a service contractor and a failed one. Keep in mind that your decision will significantly impact your workflow, so it’s only right to be meticulous and wary. Once you find the right company to hire, it will all be worth it, and you’ll see it reflect on your revenue.
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