First and foremost, draft a job description. Understand the skills set that you’re looking for in a candidate. It will be difficult to screen the applicants if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Write down all the processes and the tasks that your future contractor will be performing. Present them in a very detailed manner.
Next, create systems that can be accessed by other people working for your business. Ideally, systems must be created as soon as you have set up your business. Whenever new procedures or tasks are added to your business operations, corresponding systems must be created right away. Set your database and other documents in the cloud. DropBox, Google Docs and Zero are few tools that you can use for cloud storage. Record videos for each of the tasks that you will be handing over to your future contractor. Generally, video instructions are easier to understand and follow than written ones.
Finally, create a test job or a set of test jobs. Ensure that they can test applicants for the competencies that you’re looking for. Ensure also that they can be administered to all applicants. Examples of test jobs include transcribing audios and videos, writing articles, setting up database systems, etc.