Independent Contractor recruitment checklist

Independent Contractor hiring checklist

Bringing an independent contractor on board lets you access specialised expertise on a flexible basis, but it's important to adopt a methodical process to define the working relationship and meet legal obligations.

This detailed checklist will guide you through hiring and managing independent contractors, helping to establish a clear and legally compliant arrangement.

1. Define the scope of work

• Identify the project or tasks: Set out precisely the duties you need the contractor to carry out.

• Set project timelines: Specify the start date, key deadlines, and anticipated completion date.

• Specify deliverables: Itemise the outcomes, products or services the contractor must deliver.

2. Determine contractor status

• Verify classification: Confirm the worker meets local legal criteria for independent contractor status.

• Avoid misclassification: Exercise caution about directing how the work is performed, as this may reclassify the worker as an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

• Prepare a budget for the project or task.

• Agree on payment terms and decide whether payment will be made hourly, per project, or on another basis.

• Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones — for example, upfront, on completion of specific tasks, or at the end of the project.

4. Draft a contract

Prepare a written contract that sets out the engagement terms and key clauses, including:

• Scope and nature of work

• Payment terms

• Deadlines

• Confidentiality and non-disclosure

• Intellectual property rights and ownership

• Termination clause

Seek legal advice to confirm the contract complies with applicable laws.

5. Obtain necessary documentation

• Proof of insurance (if applicable)

• Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

• Primary contact: Appoint a single point of contact within your organisation.

• Communication tools: Agree the preferred communication methods.

• Schedule regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

• Provide access to the tools, software or platforms required.

• Give a short orientation to your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

• Ensure the contractor understands and follows your company security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

• Regular updates

• Quality checks

• Provide feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

• Review deliverables

• Make final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors is an effective way to assemble a mission-driven team across borders, and Remote simplifies the process.

Remote’s contractor management services support hiring, paying and managing contractors globally, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

• Provide simple onboarding for contractors

• Manage contractor agreements using our in-built custom contracts

• Ensure compliance with local employment laws and tax practices

• Safeguard your intellectual property

• Process contractor payments swiftly and in the correct currency

Find out more about our contractor management services, or if you’re ready to begin onboarding contractors, sign up today.