Employing Security Freelancers
There are countless reasons why employers are turning to security freelancers to complete their projects. Freelancers have a flexible schedule, flexible pricing, and can be hired on an as-needed basis.
Who Can Employers Hire As Freelancers?
Employers can find freelance security professionals who specialize in a variety of fields. From cyber security to private investigation and close protection.
Depending on the specific needs of a company and the position that needs to be filled, they can easily choose from hundreds of thousands of professionals from around the world to work remotely. For bodyguards and positions that require the agent to come in-person, companies are also finding luck with the uprising of new marketplaces.
Where To Hire Security Freelancers?
Online marketplaces and communities aimed at connecting employers with freelancers in the security field are growing rapidly. The need for freelancers in these sectors is un-doubtable, and is providing many with new opportunities. And Freelance-Security.net is here to help you.
The ISACA, a non-profit information security advocacy group, predicts there will be a global shortage of two million cyber security professionals by 2019
–Forbes
Freelance security agents are starting to fill more and more positions, both new and old.
Senior positions in many companies are being taken over by operatives who provide better flexibility and often-times more experience due to the way in which they work (going from company to company as needed).
Additionally, with the improvement of technology, the inevitability of increasing cyber attacks is opening many new positions to qualified individuals across the globe.
The Benefits of Hiring a Freelancer
Hiring a freelancer over a full or part time employee offers countless benefits for a business. One of the most significant being monetary. Freelancers hired as contracted agents do not require paid time off, vacation time, or a set salary.
Employers only need to pay freelancers for the work they do, and they do not have to have them come in when they aren’t needed.
More than that, freelance operatives often have diverse experience because of their varied employment opportunities. They also have a more flexible schedule. Especially in the case of bodyguards, can often be hired for the “grave yard” shifts and weekends at a more affordable rate.
Remote Agents
Hiring a remote agent can save clients money in multiple ways. If a position only requires someone to work remotely, then an employer can outsource to areas of the world where payment is habitually lower.
Also, remote agents typically charge less for their work. Because there is no need for them to commute—saving them time and gas money.
Remote agents can easily fulfill most IT/cyber security jobs. Can also do investigation work in certain cases. All from their own office, without having to charge you miles.
Yet, there are some things to keep in mind before hiring a remote agent:
Where are they located? Even though they will be working remotely, their location can determine if they’ll be able to work in your time zone, speak your language, and potentially effect the speed of their work (because of poor internet connection)
Are they trustworthy? Hiring a professional is always the best choice, but you’ll have to pay a bit more for any freelancer who comes with a wealth of experience and references. But, it’s likely worth it. When someone is working remotely, it’s nearly impossible to tell how much of their billed time was actually spent working on your project.
To avoid issues with unproductive time being billed to your company, building a relationship with agents you hire is a great tactic. Just like you would with employees, connecting with freelancers will help build a viable business relationship. Can help jobs get finished quicker and potentially for less.
Hiring Freelancers Locally
The pool of freelancers to choose from will vary in size depending on where you are located. Smaller towns and cities often have only a few choices, whereas large cities and places around capitals can have thousands of options.
image by International Security Academy, Israel
In any case, hiring a local freelancer is still a process. While you won’t necessarily need to interview them in the traditional way (considering you’re not offering a full or part time position), you should have a quick conversation with them.
One great aspect with freelance agents is that if you don’t like their work, you are under no obligation to continue paying them. Your business can simply locate another operative without having to pay the freelancer anything more.
What to Look for When Hiring Freelance Agents
When you’re hiring any freelance agent for any position, you should look for these things:
- A resume or portfolio. An operative should have some way for you to see their past work, or at least examples of their work.
- References. New freelancers might not have many, or any, but the more references, the better.
- Reviews. Marketplaces allow users to review freelancers after they have hired them. Look for reviews.
- A professional homepage or other professional profile. Look for reviews and recommendations.
As consultants, these professionals must possess solid communication and negotiation skills. The best consultants will possess in-depth project management knowledge
–CBR Online
Finding the right freelancer is actually a rather simple process. The options you have are expected to only increase as time goes on.
Conclusion
Freelance agents are in demand, so expect to compensate them fairly for their time. Even though their hourly rate might seem a bit steep for certain types of work, it will likely pay off due to their experience and the fact that you’ll only need to pay them when you need them there.