Freelancers, Part-timers & Interns - Which should you hire?

The hiring dilemma is real. As remote and hybrid work arrangements are becoming more popular daily, more companies are adapting to the trend and recruiting a mix of freelancers, part-timers, and full-time employees. 

Moreover, the rise of the freelance generation has seen more win-win for both sides of the desk than the conventional full-time work arrangements. Companies may experience more cost savings with independent contract workers while employees use freelancing to have a better work-life balance, increasing productivity and satisfaction. In fact, according to Forbes, 90% of big companies believe freelancers are crucial to their workforce.

Nevertheless, whether you’re looking to hire freelancers, part-timers, or interns, there will always be pluses and minuses, so you must understand what suits your company best. Below, we’ll walk you through each option's differences, pros, and cons. When we’re done, you will (hopefully) discover exactly who to recruit.

Before you start hiring, note down exactly what your company needs. Some common questions to ask yourself:

1. What is the budget?

2. Is it cheaper to pay hourly or per project?

3. What experience or skills are needed to take on this role?

4. Do I need this task or project to be done as soon as possible? How much time do I need to dedicate to train this individual?

5. Which tasks do I have that I do not have the time to do?

6. How long do I need this person? (till the project is complete or on an ongoing basis?)

7. Do I need someone to oversee this individual?

Once you’ve got the answers to these questions, it will roughly help you decide whether a contractor, part-timer or intern is the best choice for your company. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of these options.

Freelancer/ Contractor

A freelancer is a self-employed individual who works wherever and whenever they want. They are usually paid based on the projects or tasks completed. Since they are independent contractors, they do not need to sign written contracts with employers. 

Suppose your company is looking for employees who are self-driven and independent. In that case, freelancers are your top choice as they are usually very driven self-starters who do not need you to coddle them throughout the project. 

Pros

• Reduced costs as employers do not need to provide additional benefits and perks such as retirement benefits, medical insurance, etc.

• Quick and simple hiring process 

• Ability to hire skilled freelancers worldwide without any geographical restrictions 

• Freelancers require very little of your time to finish a task

• They are mostly experienced and are usually experts in their field

• They’re independent, so you don’t have to tell them what to do or oversee their work

Cons

• It may be more expensive as they usually charge more than part-timers or interns

• There may be potential language or cultural barriers based on where you outsource the task to

• Unavailability and lack of responsiveness as employers have no control over how and when a freelancer works

• They usually handle their paperwork, i.e. proposals, quotes, invoices, etc.

Part-time Worker

As the name suggests, a part-timer is someone who works part-time. Unlike self-employed freelancers, part-timers are considered company employees and typically work 30-35 hours per week. They may have fixed work hours or work in shifts, which is generally more common in the retail and food industry.

Pros

• Best for work that requires staff on the weekends or later into the evenings

• Usually paid less than a freelancer

• Provides greater flexibility and seasonal support for when the company needs an extra level of support

• Reduces workloads of full-time employees

• More cost-effective and fewer employee benefits as compared to full-time employees

Cons

• Potential for inconsistent or underperforming work 

• May or may not have prior experience or required skills

• Not as familiar with the company’s goals and policies 

• Less invested in learning the ins and outs of the company and may lack valuable knowledge

• Less loyal and may leave the company anytime

Intern

Interns are typically college or university students who want to gain exposure or experience in an occupation or profession. When you hire an intern, you’re responsible for building an engaging learning experience that meets the requirements of the college if the intern is going through the internship for college credit. Since they are temporary positions that may lead to full-time employment, companies often offer them as a way to attract top talents and help develop employees within the company.

Pros

• Cheaper alternative from freelancers or part-timers 

• Ease the workload and provide more assistance in your company

• Adds new and fresh perspective to the team 

• It gives you a ‘trial’ timeline that lets you decide whether you want to offer them a full-time role

• Offers your full-time employees an opportunity to serve as mentors or leaders

• They are usually very engaged and eager to impress 

Cons

• Lack of commitment as internships are short-term

• Poor performance and experience

• Time-consuming and may require lots of training and overseeing

Conclusion

It all boils down to what your company or business needs. When hiring your ideal job candidates, consider all the pros and cons, and don’t forget to weigh the long-term benefits and cost-savings of hiring a freelancer, part-time worker, or intern. 

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