Choosing the right freelance profiles: 5 questions to ask yourself

Working with freelancers, yes! But how do you choose the right profile? At WEEM, we can help you with this process. If we could give you one piece of advice: ask yourself the right questions. Here's our feedback on the key points for finding the best profiles.

Depending on the context and the need for support, profile selection criteria will vary:

You need specific expertise

For a strategic or operational project that falls outside your teams' area of expertise (e.g. market research for a new activity, the need to upgrade functional skills...). Today, certain professions are in very high demand, and the experts in question are well aware of this: many have chosen to become independent consultants (freelancers). These may be people with specific technical skills (Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certifications, cybersecurity specialists, or experts M&A), or the "five-legged sheep" who have accumulated very specific functional and sectoral experience.

TIP: If this applies to you, you'll have a much easier time finding the perfect freelancer. Their skills will be your deciding factor.

You need to strengthen your teams on a temporary basis

To manage your various projects, from business peaks to interim management, you need competent profiles who can quickly jump on board to reinforce your in-house teams.

TIP: Experience and soft skills will be the keys to your choice.

An outsider's stance helps us achieve our mission

As is the case with traditional consulting firms, an independent consultant can provide you with an external position as well as a neutral viewpoint in the definition and deployment of your strategy. With greater flexibility and pragmatism, he or she will be able to co-construct the methodology around your company's specific needs.

TIP: In this case, the priority criteria will vary according to the nature of the assignment. For example, the consultant's experience and credibility, ability to synthesize and analyze, and diplomacy.

Steps in selecting a freelance consultant

Here are the questions we answer with our customers to help define a successful mission.

1. Identify your mission

First of all, you need to ask yourself a number of questions: What is the scope of the assignment? Are you already using a methodology, or do you want the consultants to suggest one? Who will manage the assignment? What is the workload, and how much time do you estimate the assignment will take? Finally, what concrete results do you expect?

2. Determine the characteristics of the profile(s) you're looking for

This is a key question. As the Chinese proverb says, "Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it".

At WEEM, assisting client in defining the profile(s) required is one of the key moments in ensuring that the assignment adds the most value.

For example, the first instinct is often to look for someone with experience in the industry, but is this always advisable?

TIP: You already have strong sector expertise, and in some cases, choosing a consultant with the right methodologies and a fresh perspective on your sector will be more relevant.

The key questions we ask our customers to define the profile they are looking for:

First of all, what skills do you already have in-house? What experience would be useful for the success of the assignment? Do you need specific technical expertise? Is knowledge of your industry necessary, or would a fresh eye applying ideas from other fields also be beneficial? What level of seniority is required? Do you want to work with a consultant or as part of a team? Finally, what are the logistical constraints of the assignment? Do you need the consultants on your premises? How many days a week?

TIP: Don't forget to think about the soft skills you're looking for: do you need someone with strong powers of conviction to better engage your teams, someone who is very analytical to find the right strategic directions, someone who is very efficient, or someone who is empathetic and focused on co-creation?

3. Framing the mission

Decide on the level of expertise you're looking for, the duration of the assignment and the budget that will follow. If you have constraints, you can sequence your needs and reduce the scope of the mission to the most important elements. We can then advise you by proposing different options.

TIP: In certain situations, for example in a co-construction context involving your operational staff, it may be worthwhile to spread out the assignment by working part-time.

4. Meet candidates and choose the right profiles

The real added value of independent consultants lies in the people you choose to work with. In the contexts in which we operate, having a bond of trust and getting along with your collaborators is essential to the success of your projects. That's why, when you meet candidates, make sure they have the skills you need to bring your project to fruition. Also, make sure they fit in well with your company's culture and way of working. If you work with a team, you choose the range of skills you need.

Another key point to bear in mind is that freelance consultants are sought-after talents. If they work with you, it's because they've chosen you and are motivated by the assignment.

5. Successful onboarding

Now that you've chosen the right consultant or team, all you have to do is work with them. First, you'll need to brief them on your expectations, co-construct a customized methodology, gather the data they'll need and, if necessary, prepare a dedicated physical space on your premises. Finally, you'll need to introduce them to their various contacts within the company, so that they're fully equipped to succeed.

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