What you think about contractor developers?

I'm curious to know how you feel about external contractor workers that are joining your team

Comments

[Joe Mainwaring]

In addition to participating as a contractor, I have worked with dozens of short and long-term contractors. I don't really have a "feeling" about contractors, they're people just like full-time employees. Negative opinions regarding contractors tends to be a symptom of other problems at an org:

• The contractor wasn't properly vetted (hiring manager failure)
• The contractor wasn't provided the appropriate guidance/instruction to succeed (manager failure)
• The contractor didn't have an appropriate feedback cycle with the company to measure progress and answer blocking questions (manager failure)

My preference when it comes to contractors:

• Domestic or near-shore, +/- 6 timezones from my location. Communication with contractors beyond that range becomes more challenging as it typically involves arranging after-hours meetings for one of the parties involved.
• Embedded with the team. This could be as simple as being invited to the company's slack, but they shouldn't operate completely silo'd from the rest of the product development.
• Senior level. They should be experienced enough to attempt to unblock themselves if they're operating with some agency of their time.

[Marcin]

That's true, strong organisation foundation is crucial. Also, these tips are very useful. Thank you for your insight!