I'm managing a SaaS product and have found myself stepping into the DevOps role after an offshore team's lack of coverage. While I'm reasonably technical, I know I need someone with deeper expertise to get us to the next level. I'm considering bringing in a contractor to tackle significant projects like migrating from Jenkins to ArgoCD, upgrading Kubernetes, and tightening security measures. I'm also open to keeping them on part-time for ongoing support after the initial work.
I want to hear from those who've hired or worked as contractors: what's the best way to evaluate someone who's technically above you? I'm thinking about a focused technical interview followed by a paid trial session in a non-prod environment. Would that be effective? Also, where should I look for freelance talent beyond job subreddits? Are platforms like Upwork worth it? Lastly, how can I safely manage access permissions for the new contractor? I'm inclined to start with limited access but want to ensure they have what they need to be effective. Lastly, as I want this contractor to help shape our roadmap, what are the indicators to ensure they're engaged and that I should avoid? I'm looking for practical advice on these fronts!
1 Answer
First off, consider reaching out to a trusted colleague who has strong technical skills. They can help you validate the skills of potential hires. Regarding access, you can use Single Sign-On (SSO) to provide temporary read-only permissions to keep sensitive data secure while building trust. Just be cautious; if you start too restrictive, it may hinder their work.
For contractors, an ownership mindset is key. Look for people who are willing to take initiative without having ownership of the work itself.
Thanks for your insights! I actually have a couple of colleagues I can consult with. Are there any resources or platforms you'd recommend for interviewing candidates?