There’s a fine line of knowing when it’s best to use freelance or contract employees, and when it’s the best time to hire outright. Before you make this decision, you should take the time to analyze current staff efficiency, workload, and capabilities by asking these key questions:

• Does your staff have the skills to perform at the level the job demands?
• Do the staff have the right/best tools for the job?
• Are there responsibility overlaps that can be consolidated or streamlined?
• Are the various jobs within the organization structured correctly?

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Timing Can Be Everything

You may also find that sometimes locating the right talent can be a matter of timing. January and February are big months for job seekers, especially for hiring agencies around Denver, but it is also a time where many companies are looking to hire. This being said, there’s a good chance that those companies are going to be looking to fill the exact same positions as you are. If you’re looking to fill a specialized position, try timing your job posting before the New Year, particularly in November and December when many companies have a hiring freeze.

It is possible as well that the specific market or position you are hiring for may have highs and lows on both postings and candidates. Degree-dependent positions can have numerous applicants in the late spring months while summer sees an influx of students looking for work and fall can leave you inundated with part-time and seasonal applicants. Try to schedule your hiring spree at a time you will most likely encounter the candidates with the skills you desire.

If you simply must fill positions as quickly as possible for whatever reason, consider using a combination of temp-to-hire, freelance, and full-time employees as this can help you cost-effectively staff up or down in response to business demand. Bringing in temporary professionals can help relieve some of the pressure while you look for a full-time employee.

Another thing to consider is whether you will have sufficient staff on hand to train the new employees so that they are getting the individual attention they need in order to produce quality work. Consider seasonal trends, like hiring someone in a slow month or a busy month, and what needs to be done to have them properly trained.

Here are 6 Signs that it’s a Good Time To Hire

1. Missing Growth Opportunities – If you have the resources and business needs indicating that you should expand, but your current staff can’t handle an increased workload, hiring is likely a good option.
2. ‘Overtime’ is Normal – When overtime becomes the rule rather than the exception, or work has started to invade the home life/space, it is definitely time to consider hiring.
3. Excessive Sick Days – When your team experiences overwhelming workloads, it can severely impact their health. If you notice a steep rise in employees using sick days, you may want to evaluate the structure as discussed above.
4. Accidents or Errors Are on the Rise – Is the rush to get all the work done resulting in your staff making more mistakes or having more accidents than in the past? Pressure, high metrics, and seemingly impossible goals can cause employees to forego proper procedures or make ‘silly’ mistakes.
5. Even Your Best Can’t Do It – If your key players and top performers can’t keep up with current demands, it’s time to get them some help.
6. Increased Customer Complaints – If dissatisfied customers are speaking up more than usual about poor work quality, missed deadlines, or spotty communication, it is definitely time to take the reigns and evaluate as necessary.

When it’s time to hire, don’t delay your search. It can sometimes take weeks or even months to find the right person for the job and you don’t want your business to suffer in the meantime. Bookmark our Blog for tips for both employers and job seekers and be sure to visit our website whenever you are in the market to hire or be hired.