How to Evaluate a Professional Before Hiring
Hiring a professional—whether a plumber, developer, or consultant—involves making a decision with incomplete information. Here's how to improve your odds.
Beyond Star Ratings
Star ratings compress complex experiences into a single number. A 4.5-star electrician might be perfect for simple jobs but terrible at complex installations. The rating won't tell you which.
A Practical Evaluation Framework
1. Specificity of Experience
Don't just ask "have you done this before?" Ask for specifics:
- How many similar projects?
- What went wrong and how did you handle it?
- Can you describe the process you'd follow?
Competent professionals can speak specifically about their work. Vague answers are a red flag.
2. Communication Patterns
Pay attention to how they communicate during the evaluation:
- Do they ask clarifying questions?
- Are they responsive and clear?
- Do they set realistic expectations?
How someone communicates before the job predicts how they'll communicate during it.
3. Clear Scope and Pricing
Request a written scope of work and clear pricing before starting. Professionals who resist this are either disorganized or planning to expand the scope later.
4. Verification of Claims
If they claim certifications or experience, verify them. Legitimate professionals expect this and make it easy.
When to Walk Away
Trust your instincts if something feels off. The cost of a bad hire almost always exceeds the cost of continuing your search.
On FixOrFlex Services, professionals go through verification before they can offer services. But even with verified professionals, these evaluation principles help you find the right match for your specific needs.