Last week BusinessInsider published a piece called “5 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore When Hiring Remote Workers,” as told by oDesk’s Erica Benton. (Advertorial??)
In that spirit, I’d like to make the following edits and resubmit the piece to BusinessInsider on behalf of Solvate:
Title: “5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Trust oDesk”
The oDesk disclaimer:
“Finding a remote worker online is fairly easy these days. Finding a great remote contractor online can be a whole different challenge. The interview process becomes extremely important in pinpointing that remote worker who is a perfect fit for you and your business.”
Looking for someone on oDesk?
“Be especially sensitive to the following warning signs that you’re looking at the wrong person for the job,” says oDesk editor-in-chief Erica Benton.
Or skip the headache and try Solvate, a free matchmaking service that connects you to a select group of the best consultants and freelancers in the country– and guarantees your satisfaction on any and all work they do for you.
Flag #1: Poor communication skills.
Let’s face it – communication is a skill, and not everyone has it. Excellent communicators are even harder to find, but Solvate has done the work for you. Request to work with Solvate Talent like Cathy Goerz, a publicist who can coordinate media relations during an acquisition (and did it for Skype).
Using oDesk to look for stellar communicators? First, avoid the 2,628 oDesk contractors who failed their Email Etiquette Certification! (Avg pass score: 3.67/5.00). Then take some DIY tips from oDesk:
“Mastery of a certain language may or may not be relevant to the work you need performed, however, being able to communicate clearly with your remote worker is vital. Pay attention to the emails you exchange with each candidate. Are the candidates understanding your questions? Are you understanding theirs? Watch for signs of sloppiness, such as texting lingo or spelling errors. Whenever possible, speak to your top applicant by phone or Skype before making your final decision. Communication is crucial for successful remote work, so make sure that you and your candidate have laid the groundwork for a good relationship early on.”
Flag #2: Work experience that can’t be verified or a lack of credible references.
oDesk’s solution to compensate for an insufficient vetting process includes “eSlavery” web monitoring cameras and advice like this:
“Just because you are not hiring an in-house, full-time employee for your company, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your homework. Be smart. Ask for references (and check them!). Look closely to see if the candidate’s resume reflects the skills you are looking for. If the applicant’s previous work can be examined online, be sure to take some time to review it. Taking the candidate’s word for what she can do is a risk most of us can’t afford to take.”
Why risk it when you can use Solvate, for free?
We check “credible references” for every professional who contracts through Solvate. References from clients like McKinsey. American Express. JetBlue. HP. MTV. TED. New York Times. Boston Consulting Group.
We also catalog what specific services they did for those clients, so you can request to connect with people according to their actual experience, like Solvate Talent Hyun Lee, a designer who’s designed microsites for Citi, Johnson & Johnson and Emirates.
Expect more and only connect with professionals with the best references.
Red Flag #3: Delayed responses to calls and emails.
When you’re working with new contractors on oDesk, Ms. Benton warns:
“People are usually on their best behavior when trying to land a job, so what you observe in the interview phase of the relationship with your freelancer is probably as good as it gets. If a candidate seems difficult to reach, it’s probably because she is. Don’t ignore that nagging voice in your head telling you this may be a taste of what’s to come, because the voice is probably right.”
With Solvate, we’ve done the work for you and set the bar much higher. After passing through a rigorous application process that includes client recommendations and peer references, every single professional who contracts through Solvate conducts and and passes an interview with a Solvate Talent Associate.
Red Flag #4: Lack of respect for the contracts already in place.
At Solvate, you sign one contract, ever – with us, not with each new person you work with. We’ve got protective noncompete and nondisclosure policies in place, along with insurance and policies to protect you and Solvate Talent. (Questions? Want a copy of our contract? Email hr@solvate.com).
Using oDesk? Check out their do-it-yourself tips:
“Pay close attention to how your candidate speaks or writes of current (and past) employers. If your applicant is ready to bail abruptly on a previous contract commitment in order to work with you, consider yourself playing with fire. Look for candidates who are tactful when discussing previous employers and who display loyalty, integrity and a overall desire to do the right thing.”
Red Flag #5: Disinterest in your company or organization.
oDesk’s last tip is one that I totally agree with:
“A candidate who doesn’t ask questions or seek dialogue with you about your business and goals may not be interested in either one — and that’s a bad sign. A good freelancer understands the importance of understanding you, your business and your expectations of their work. Remember, it’s not just about what the applicant can do, it’s about what the applicant can do for you.”
Save time on the history lesson and connect with professionals who already understand your business, and who have a proven track record of achievement and passion for businesses like yours. Take for example Solvate Talent Amanda Sanguinet, a marketing strategist who specializes in working with retail companies. She’s consulted for for eBay, Stubhub and Shopping.com, and was Retail Team Leader when she worked at Google. She’s also a McKinsey alum.
oDesk concludes:
“The interview process is vital when hiring remote workers, and skipping it can lead to disaster.”
We don’t have time to expect disaster when it comes to working with independent professionals on our business.
Expect More. Try Solvate.
Use code “EXPECTMORE” for $100 off your first project with Solvate Talent.
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