Freelancers

How To Start Hiring

Start Today For a Great Future

Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to hire a full-time employee or it’s just not possible. But there’s still work to be done and innovation to unleash. That’s why nearly half of hiring managers are working with independent professionals and they expect to use even more over the next year. Deciding to work with freelancers isn’t just a matter of whether you should add headcount or not. It’s how you may find some of the best people with highly demanded or ultra-niche skills.

Now freelance platforms make it easier for people to find work they can get excited about, more top professionals are going independent.

But not every team is rushing to hire freelancers.

After all, how do you know you have the right person? Will they do as good a job?

These are all common and totally valid concerns. As when hiring full-time employees, there are a wide range of choices.
1. Define a budget
Before starting a search, set a realistic budget for the work you want done. Keep in mind that many freelancers are business owners; they pay their own taxes, insurance, and overhead. So their hourly rates may be slightly higher than an employee’s.

When estimating project costs, think about all of the deliverables you expect, then set a fair price. If you’re unsure what’s fair, ask your network how they price similar projects. You could also look at related job posts online for ideas.

Know that hourly rates can span a wide range, mainly due to the talent’s experience level and where they’re located. in Paris, France may have a different rate than one with equal experience in , Indonesia.

We all have limited budgets, but choosing the lowest-priced person may not be a sound strategy. If you engage someone to write an article then end up spending 10 hours of your time communicating back and forth and editing multiple drafts, how much are you really saving? Especially when you compare it to hiring someone who may charge a few bucks more.

Of course, a higher rate doesn’t guarantee quality work either. So, be sure to budget enough time to carefully vet each person.

  • Create a job description

    Understand that independent professionals want to do a great job. Not only because they’re passionate about what they do, but also because the better they perform, the higher their chances of getting more work.

    That’s why when they peruse a list of job posts, they’re looking for projects they believe they’ll enjoy and do well. The clearer you are about expectations and deliverables, the better able they can determine whether they’re a good fit, so you receive more qualified responses. And the more details they receive upfront, the more accurate their proposal will be.

    But don’t worry, crafting a winning job post is straightforward. You don’t need a full job description; those are only needed for employment. Here’s what a project post should include:

    Project start and end dates
    A description of the work you want performed
    Payment terms (fixed price or hourly)

  • Find the best freelancer

    Technology makes it so much easier to find skilled independent professionals located anywhere in the world. Here are some of the most popular ways to find the best freelancer for a project:

    Ask “Who do you know?” Ask your work and personal network for referrals. Consider asking for people they’ve worked with in the past and had positive results, so you can get more quality referrals.
    Reach out on job boards. Yes, these people are looking for a full-time job, but if you find someone qualified, it may be worth asking if they’d consider taking on a project. The risk here is that if they find a job mid project, they may not be able to finish the work.
    Post on social networks. A large percentage of businesses are using social media to broadcast job openings. It can be an effective way to target specific audiences and expand your talent pool. One caveat: It may take more back and forth communicating a project and vetting the candidate.
    Hop on a freelance platform. Hiring platforms make it easy for you to act as your own staffing agency, but better. Rent a Guide designed such an efficient platform that clients say they find talent faster, get better quality matches, and receive higher quality work. Compared to a staffing agency, Rent a Guide delivers it all with less work and at a savings.

  • Assess the freelancer

    No matter what the skill and project, you can evaluate if someone’s the right match within two steps. Of course, the length and detail of each step depends on the work expected and your needs.

  • Hire the freelancer

    Congratulations, you found the ideal person! Now it’s time to offer the project to them and iron out details.

    When discussing project details, understand that both of you are negotiating an agreement that covers when the person can start, and payment terms. Unlike an employee, you don’t manage or tell freelancers how to do their work, they control all that themselves.

    A helpful way to think about this is to focus on what you want, not how it’s done. Remember, independent professionals are running a business. When you go to a business, you expect them to deliver a product or service within an agreed timeframe and price, but you don’t tell them how to do it, right?

  • Create and sign a contract

    Make your agreement official with a contract. Good contracts are detailed, yet concise so they’re very clear. Your contract not only protects the business and the talent, it also serves as proof to the IRS that you’re not violating any worker classification laws.

    Here are essential information that should be included in most contracts:

    Names, contact information, date
    Role (deliverables and responsibilities)
    Payment terms (fixed price or hourly?)
    Deadlines (include milestones)
    Confidential information clause
    Independent contractor terms (what the client won’t do nor provide the talent)
    Limitation of liability
    Termination terms
    Indemnity clause

Working

How it works

Manage Your Profitable Account

Work the way you want
Find the right work for you, with great clients, at the world’s work marketplace.

 
  • Create your profile (it’s free)

    An eye-catching title and client-focused overview help us match you to the work you want. Include your work history, your skills, and your photo. Add more, like an introduction video, to create a profile that really stands out.

  • Explore ways to earn

    Work and earn in different ways. Bid for jobs. Pitch your projects. Discuss your in-demand skills with our recruiters so they can find opportunities aligned with your passions and career goals. Do all three. Create a predictable pipeline and build your network.

  • Get paid securely

    Choose how you get paid. Our fixed-price protection releases client payments at project milestones. Hourly protection bills clients every week. However you work, our service fees are the same. Spend less time chasing, more earning.

Working

How payments work

Focus on Your Work & Team

Whether you’re paid hourly or on a fixed-price contract, all the work you complete comes with payment protection.

All in one place
Invoice clients and track your earnings on Upwork for a simple and streamlined process.

Choose how you get paid
Use what works best for you—including direct deposit, Wise wire transfer, and more.

 
  • No fees until you complete your work

    Our service fees are taken as a percentage of your earnings. We charge you based on lifetime earnings with each client:

    3% for the first $500 you bill your client
    2% for total billings between $500.01 and $10,000
    1% for total billings over $10,000

  • Transfer Fees
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    EURO 5% 4% 3.00% EURO
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    EURO 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    EURO 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    EURO 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    USD 5% 4% 3.00% USD
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    USD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    USD 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    USD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    GPB 5% 4% 3.00% GPB
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    GPB 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    GPB 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    GPB 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    CAD 5% 4% 3.00% CAD
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    CAD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    CAD 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    CAD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    AUD 5% 4% 3.00% AUD
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    AUD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    AUD 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    AUD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    CHF 5% 4% 3.00% CHF
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    CHF 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    CHF 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    CHF 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    HKD 5% 4% 3.00% HKD
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    HKD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    HKD 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    HKD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    NZD 5% 4% 3.00% NZD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    NZD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    NZD 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    NZD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    MYR 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% HKD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% EURO
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% USD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% AED
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% AUD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% BGN
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% BRL
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% CAD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% CHF
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% CZK
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% DKK
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% GPB
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% HRK
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% HUF
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% IDR
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% INR
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% NOK
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% PLN
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% RON
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% SEK
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% SGD
    MYR 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    PLN 5% 4% 3.00% PLN
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    PLN 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    PLN 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    PLN 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% SGD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% MYR
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% HKD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% EURO
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% USD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% AED
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% AUD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% BGN
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% BRL
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% CAD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% CHF
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% CZK
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% DKK
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% GPB
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% HRK
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% HUF
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% IDR
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% INR
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% NOK
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% PLN
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% RON
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% SEK
    SGD 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    HUF 5% 4% 3.00% HUF
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    HUF 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    HUF 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    HUF 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    RON 5% 4% 3.00% RON
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% PLN
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% MYR
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% HKD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% EURO
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% USD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% AED
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% AUD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% BGN
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% BRL
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% CAD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% CHF
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% CZK
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% DKK
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% GPB
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% HRK
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% HUF
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% IDR
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% INR
    RON 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% NOK
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% NZD
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% RON
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% SEK
    RON 6% 5% 4.00% SGD
    RON 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
             
    PAY       RECIVE FREELANCER CURRENCY
    EMPLOYER CURRENCY FAST TRANSFER EASY TRANSFER ECONOMY TRANSFER IN WISE ACCOUNT
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% TRY
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% SGD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% MYR
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% HKD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% EURO
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% USD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% AED
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% AUD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% BGN
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% BRL
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% CAD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% CHF
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% CZK
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% DKK
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% GPB
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% HRK
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% HUF
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% IDR
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% INR
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% JPY
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% NOK
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% NZD
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% PLN
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% RON
    TRY 7% 6% 5.00% SEK
Working