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Independent Contractor hiring guide and checklist

Independent Contractor hiring checklist and guide

Hiring an independent contractor is an excellent way to introduce specialised expertise to your organisation with flexibility. For your reference, it is vital to follow a structured approach to define the engagement clearly and to ensure legal compliance.

The checklist below will assist you in navigating hiring and managing independent contractors, so you secure a transparent and legally compliant working relationship.

1. Define the scope of work and objectives

  • Identify the project or tasks: Clearly describe the assignment and the work you expect the contractor to complete.

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

  • Specify deliverables: Enumerate the expected outputs, products, or services the contractor must deliver.

2. Determine contractor status and classification

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

  • Avoid misclassification: Exercise caution against specifying how tasks are performed; excessive control may lead to the worker being deemed an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and determine whether compensation is hourly, per project, or structured otherwise.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones — upfront, upon specified deliverables, or at project completion.

4. Draft a written contract

Prepare a written agreement that sets out the engagement terms and essential provisions, including:

  • Scope and nature of the work

  • Payment terms

  • Deadlines and milestones

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations

  • Intellectual property rights and ownership

  • Termination clause and notice provisions

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

5. Obtain necessary documentation and credentials

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or professional references

6. Establish communication protocols and cadence

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

  • Communication tools: Agree on preferred communication channels and tools

  • Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress.

7. Onboard the contractor effectively

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

  • Offer a concise orientation to your company’s processes, culture, and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor is familiar with and adheres to company security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality throughout the engagement

  • Regular progress updates

  • Quality assurance checks

  • Provide constructive feedback

9. Finalize and formally close out the project

  • Review final deliverables

  • Process the final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors is an excellent way to assemble a mission-driven team beyond geographic boundaries, and Remote makes the process straightforward.

Remote’s contractor management services help you hire, pay, and administer contractors worldwide, allowing you to focus on scaling your business. With Remote you can:

  • Provide streamlined onboarding for contractors

  • Manage contractor agreements using our built-in custom contracts

  • Ensure compliance with local labour laws and tax practices

  • Protect your intellectual property

  • Process contractor payments quickly and in the correct currency

To learn more about our contractor management services, or if you are ready to start onboarding contractors, sign up today.