Hiring a contract finance recruiter is a great choice for rapidly growing startups. They’re more cost-effective than hiring an in-house recruiter or a recruiting agency and they instantly bring expertise to the table. A great finance recruiter knows how to hire for financial roles and can quickly fill those positions for you, allowing you to direct your focus elsewhere.

To hire a contract finance recruiter, you need to take the time to find someone who is a good fit for your business. Although they won’t be an in-house employee, they’ll still be working closely with you to fill essential roles. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you find a qualified contract recruiter:

• Specialization - Startups need to fill roles with top talent fast, and you can’t waste time working with an inexperienced recruiter. Make sure to hire a recruiter who specializes in startups and who has the expertise to hire finance roles.

• Ask Questions - You and your contract recruiter will be frequently communicating and collaborating throughout the hiring process. While they take a lot off your plate, they’re still going to be working for you. They’re not full-time hires, but you should still communicate with them as if they are. Ask questions about their sourcing process, their timeline for hiring and anything else to make you feel comfortable bringing them on board.

• Proven Track Record - Experienced contract recruiters should have references and testimonials from previous clients. Make sure to check these and see if they have a history of meeting expectations and making their clients happy.

• Culture Fit - Great company culture is a pillar of successful startups. You should find a recruiter who can align with your company culture and communicate your values to candidates. Recruiters are the first point of contact for potential hires, so you want to make a good first impression if you want to fill your roles with top talent that fits your culture.

How to write an effective job post

When you start searching for a contract recruiter, you may get a lot of applications. But how many of these applicants are actually qualified to be a finance recruiter for your startup? If you want to maximize qualified applicants and weed out unqualified recruiters, you need a clear and compelling job post. Here are some tips for writing an effective job post that attracts qualified recruiters:

• Job Title - Be clear that you’re searching for a finance recruiter. Terms and phrases like “Freelance Finance Recruiter,” or “Contract Financial Recruiter,” can help the right candidates find your post.

• Qualifications - Highlight any skills and qualifications you determine are necessary for the role. List years of experience, financial knowledge you need them to have and other relevant knowledge they need to succeed as a recruiter for your startup.

• Scope of Work - It helps if you’re specific about the roles you need to fill and your desired timelines. This can help a recruiter determine if they are a good fit for the role and if they have the time and skill set to meet your needs.

• Project Timeline - A project timeline can also help a recruiter determine if they have the bandwidth to help you. Whether you just need to fill a few roles fast or you need ongoing help, being upfront ensures only recruiters with enough availability respond to your job post.