There’s a chance that you’re sick and tired of the word ‘outsourcing’ by now. It often feels as though you can’t go five seconds in management without hearing about this. And, we hate to break it to you, but that’s for good reason. There’s just no getting around the fact that outsourcing things like IT management is a fantastic way to bring organization to your business affairs. It’ll work out cheaper than regular employment, too. Not only can you pay less per job, but you won’t have to worry about things like holiday pay.
With benefits like those, it’s no surprise so many people are jumping into this without a second thought. But, while outsourcing is fantastic, outsourcing without thought is foolish. You wouldn’t rush out and hire any old staff member without doing checks and interviews first. Yet, this is precisely what you’re doing when you employ the first IT company you come across. As such, mistakes are made and you could find yourself facing a bad fit. To make sure that doesn’t happen, approach outsourcing as you would employment. Before making any decisions, be sure to do the following.
Interview more than one applicant
Only interviewing one potential employee is madness. How can you make sure you’re getting the right applicant this way? You can’t. And, the same can be said when outsourcing. Opting for the first company you come across is never a good idea. It may be that you come back to them after research, and that’s fine. But, you need to know what else is out there. IT management companies offer all manner of benefits and price brackets. Some take a hands-on approach while others keep a distance. There’s something for everyone, and you might not find what’s right for you until you broaden those horizons.
Know their credentials
Most bosses wouldn’t hire an employee without looking for credentials first. Either through a resume or an interview, they’ll find out about qualifications, experience, and skills. Most even find out about computer software potential employees are versed in. But, those same people are much less picky in their outsourcing choices. And, that’s a mistake. Instead of just taking a company at their word, hunt around. Ask for testimonials if there aren’t any on their site. Ask, too, what software they use. Companies using something like the CIO software offered by Strategy Overview may have smoother processes than one who develops software themselves. In short; you need to collect a resume for this company so you can judge whether they’d work for you.
Put them on probation
Even after a successful interview, most employers place staff on probation. This means that they’ll do regular progress checks, and crack down hard on things they aren’t happy with. You should do the same with your outsourced company. Keep an eye on how they settle in and don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s the only way to ensure everyone’s on the same page and working towards a mutual goal.
