With staff shortages happening everywhere, very many small and medium-sized Canadian business owners have difficulty finding skilled workers. If you’re one of them, you may consider hiring a freelancer in Canada. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, a freelancer is a self-employed worker who provides services to multiple clients at once and has complete freedom to decide how much they want to work. Read on to learn how easy it is to fill a role in your company by hiring a freelancer.
Why you should hire a freelancer in Canada
If you’re looking to learn more about freelancing in Canada, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s busy world, many business owners are outsourcing freelancers to complete projects or tasks they don’t have time to complete themselves or simply because they’re having a hard time hiring for certain positions. Freelancers help fill the gaps in workloads, schedules, and current skillsets that may otherwise be hard to fill—and growing businesses need talented people. So it’s no surprise that multiple sources predict that freelancers will make up 80% of the global workforce by 2030.
There are many advantages when you hire freelancers in Canada:
Which freelance skills hold the highest value to an employer?
Here are 5 of the most sought-after freelancing positions that small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are hiring for:
1. Coder / Developer
Programming is one of the highest in-demand jobs across the world. For any organization, business, or creative project to be successful these days, they need a strong online presence. You can hire freelance programmers specializing in all areas, from front-end coders that turn pure code into a graphical interface to back-end developers who focus on scripting, databases, and architecture. When looking for a freelance programmer, look for someone well-versed in popular coding languages such as JavaScript, Java, and Ruby.
2. Copywriter / Writer
Writing jobs will never grow old—now more than ever, high-quality content is at the heart of modern marketing. Many businesses allow generous budgets for content that converts, such as blogs, guides, articles, press releases, product descriptions, and ebooks. When looking for talented copywriters, look for people who have a knack for telling great stories, excellent grammar, and well-developed writing skills.
3. Designer
A creative designer pairs well with programmers and copywriters. A designer creates projects such as web, logo, or brochure design. Experienced freelance designers may be hard to come by as they usually have more work than they can manage. When looking for a freelance designer, look for someone with a diverse portfolio so you can see the quality of work they produce.
4. HR Manager
Any successful company knows that having an HR manager is crucial for good business. Freelance HR managers can work either from your office or remotely. When hiring a freelance HR manager, look for someone who has experience in the role (or a similar one).
5. Videographer
Video captures an audience’s attention in under two minutes. When consumers watch a video, they retain 95% of its message and a mere 10% after reading the same content in written format. If video is essential to the success of your business, look for freelance videographers who impress you with their impeccable filming and editing skills and a solid portfolio.
Where to start when hiring a freelancer?
Before you begin outsourcing your work, put some time into identifying the business areas that would benefit the most from hiring a freelancer. Some possible assignments may include:
Once you know the positions you want to hire for, decide on the competencies needed for each task and the budget you’re willing to allocate to your freelancers. Only then should you start searching for your next great talent.
Where to find talented freelancers in Canada?
While Canada doesn’t have an official breakdown of how many “freelancers” are available here, there are over 2.9 million self-employed people in the country—and the number of people turning to freelance work continues to climb. There are a few ways to find freelancers:
How to hire freelancers in Canada?
Searching for the perfect freelancer involves a structured hiring process. After you’ve compiled a list of potential freelancers, the next step is to do background screenings and interviews. Asking your prospects the right questions is a critical step in navigating the freelance journey. Here are some questions to help you land a qualified freelancer for any open job positions:
A successful partnership with a freelancer requires teamwork and good client relationships. Asking the right questions during the interview process will help you determine whether the freelancer’s personality, experience, and expertise fit well with your goals, company culture, and job positioning. Once you decide whom you want to hire, consider starting them on a trial project to ensure you fit well with one another—and so you can see how the freelancer communicates, performs, and delivers on their promises.
If the person doesn’t match your expectations, be honest and respectful when you terminate the trial period. Explain to the freelancer why it didn’t work out, and if they ask for a second chance, only you can decide if they’re worth the effort. If you decide to hire a freelancer for long-term work, draw up a contract outlining the rates and services you agreed upon. Limit how much confidential information you share and have them sign a privacy agreement wherever appropriate.
Here are some things you may want to include in every freelance contract:
- (Freelancer’s full name) is not a full-time employee
- (Freelancer’s full name) is responsible for paying their own taxes
- (Freelancer’s full name) is not entitled to employee benefits, health insurance, or paid vacation
This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney or lawyer for any legal issues you may be experiencing.
