Skip to main content

Independent contractor hiring checklist

Independent contractor hiring checklist

Hiring an independent contractor offers a flexible route to access specialised expertise for your organisation. Kindly note that a structured process is necessary to define the working relationship clearly and to comply with applicable legal requirements.

The checklist below provides a step-by-step guide to hiring and managing independent contractors, helping you maintain clarity and legal compliance throughout.

1. Define the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Provide a clear description of the work to be undertaken by the contractor.

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

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

2. Determine contractor status

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

  • Prevent misclassification:Exercise care not to direct how the contractor carries out the tasks, as that may result in employee classification.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and decide whether payment will be hourly, per project, or by another arrangement.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones—upfront, on completion of specific tasks, or upon final delivery.

4. Draft a contract

Produce a written contract that sets out the engagement terms and key provisions, including:

  • Scope and nature of work

  • Payment terms

  • Deadlines

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure

  • Intellectual property rights and ownership

  • Termination clause

Consult legal counsel to verify that 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 primary point of contact within your organisation.

  • Communication tools: Agree on preferred communication methods

  • Schedule regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Provide access to required tools, software or platforms.

  • Provide a short orientation to your company's processes, culture and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor understands and follows company security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

  • Provide regular updates

  • Conduct quality checks

  • Provide constructive feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

  • Review final deliverables

  • Make final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors offers an effective way to build a mission-driven team beyond geographical boundaries, and Remote simplifies the process.

Remote’s contractor management services enable you to hire, pay and manage contractors worldwide, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. With Remote, you can:

  • Provide effortless 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 quickly and in the correct currency

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