Beverlee Rasmussen CEC PCC Taking the time before posting your job on ODesk to define EXACTLY what you need your new team member to be accountable for is the first step to adding an “A” player to your team. Considerations could include the cost, the timing, the quality, expectations around communication, and trial periods for new hires.
When hiring technology expertise outside of your personal ability, use specific questions in your interview that gives the candidate an opportunity to teach you or show you what they know at a basic level. A small test project to start is one way to gain confidence in this relationship. When you set up your first contract, start with a few hours per week as a maximum until you are ready to let them run full speed with the project.
ODesk offers a robust selection system that can help you narrow down your search. Go to the “Recruit” tab in ODesk then select “Find Contractors” . On the left you will see options to refine your search. Use the “Feedback Rating” as your guide for finding candidates in the 4.5 -5.00 Star category. “Hourly Rate” goes up with experience and “Hours Billed” will give you insight into how popular and or successful your candidate has been. Further down you can choose from the top 10% in test scores as an indicator of strength. Before you hit the hire button be sure to view their portfolio, read comments from past employers and visit their off ODesk web presence.
You may never meet your ODesk team so it is even more important that you both monitor and encourage these valued members of your team. In the “Manage my team” tab on ODesk you can monitor work by viewing screen shots and on a daily basis view productivity by time logged. As work is delivered be sure to comment one way or the other what is working and what you see needs to be changed. Finally don’t wait until the end of a project to send a bonus for great effort or exceptional communication. Encouraging words are great along with few extra bucks on ODesk go a long way in securing the best of the best for your team.
To get started set up your account at www.odesk.com
