Introduction

Hiring a contractor to work for you on a specific project could raise heaps of questions, especially if it’s new territory for your business.

By reading this article, you’ll be able to understand some of the most common myths or misconceptions about hiring a contractor and decide if it is still the right decision for your business.

Who are contractors?

Although there are a few definitions of the word ‘contractor’ when it comes to the technology and professional world, contractors are generally independent professionals who offer their services to a business at a fixed hourly or daily rate, short-term or long-term.

Contractor vs Employee in NZ

Among the benefits for contractors in NZ, is the autonomy and flexibility that comes with contracting. The downside is they do not receive the same benefits as a regular employee (i.e., health care/insurance and paid  time off i.e., annual leave or sick leave).

Hiring a contractor is common for companies who want to save money, scale their business, or require flexibility in their workforce.

Here are some of the most common myths about hiring a contractor and the truth behind them:

Myth #1: “Complicated and costly.”

Fact: Not always true.

Talent services or agencies like Recruit I.T. help companies scale their business, by enabling the cost-effective hiring of contractors.

Compared to a regular employee, hiring a contractor could save you money as you only pay for their hourly rate without having to cover their health insurance, annual leave, and other benefits.

Partnering with a recruitment agency like Recruit I.T. to assist in hiring a contractor can also open up new opportunities to secure suitable talent when there are certain shortages of skills onshore – they can leverage their networks to help you source international candidates abroad. Everything is done for you – from sourcing, screening, to onboarding.

Less hassle on your end, less complicated, and cost-effective.

Myth #2: “Invoices take too much time and effort.”

Fact: You don’t have to do this tedious task; your partner agency can help look after the admin.

Recruit I.T. is BTCI (Buyer Tax Created Invoice) approved by the Inland Revenue Department.

We provide your contractors with an invoice, minimising effort, and problems on your end. We also use cloud-based timesheets and pay slips for contractors so it’s easier to manage and distribute.

Much of the admin is done by us, so you won’t have to worry about any of these technical and time-consuming tasks!

Myth #3: “Less efficiency / I won’t find the skills I need for the job.”

Fact: Contractors have already built and mastered their skills through years of experience.

Most of these independent professionals are sought-after, especially in competitive fields like IT. Plus, if you partner with an agency like Recruit I.T., a thorough screening and selection process will be conducted before onboarding to ensure the quality of contractors you will receive.

Myth #4: “Contractors are only for short-term work.”

Fact: You can hire independent contractors even for projects that will take years.

Not all contractors are only in it for a short ride – some of them offer their services for longer periods; with some even happy to commit to projects that will take years to complete.

Contractors are also keen on working with clients whom they’ve already built a relationship with.

When hiring a contractor through Recruit I.T., you automatically have access to our carefully curated networks and talent pools. . This will help you build and establish strong relationships with contractors and easily connect with them in the future.

Myth #5: “Managing contractors is hard.”

Fact: You can always rely on your agency to communicate with your contractor and discuss your requirements.

But always remember: communication plays a crucial role in building all successful client-contractor relationships.

Start by defining your goals, vision, requirements, and expectations at the onset of the contractor hunt. Be specific with your job descriptions so your agency can connect you to the best candidates.

Once applicants are screened and a contractor is chosen, you and your partner agency can draft a detailed contract defining the scope, goals, and requirements of the project.

Always be clear and intentional when communicating with your contractor to minimise problems in the long run.

Myth #6: “Project-based economy is not sustainable; it’s temporary.”

Fact: If you’re still caught up in the past, it’s time to be more open-minded and consider other ways to scale your business for success.

Contrary to popular belief, a project-based economy is here to stay. If you don’t adapt, you’ll be left in the mud.

Many traditional employees are starting to go contracting as they realise the demand for project-based opportunities at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At present, more and more professionals want to work as a contractor for a more flexible, agile, and high-paying career.

Benefits of hiring a contractor through Recruit I.T.

• Recruit I.T. will serve as the intermediary and an advocate for your business to find the perfect contractor to work on your project.
• We have a dedicated group of Consultants who are constantly looking for talent and suitable contractors for every project-based opportunity you may have. You will have access to a wide pool of talent across the globe whenever you may need it.
• Less burden and hassle on your end as all payroll work will be done by us. We prepare and process invoices and use cloud-based timesheets and pay slips which are readily available for your contractor to view at any time.
• Less exposure to risk as we’ll be the ones sourcing, screening, and onboarding the candidates.

If you want to know how you can hire contractors or source international talent to fulfill your business goals and project objectives, get in touch with one of our Consultants or visit our website: www.recruitit.co.nz.