If you want to summarise a great brief, it's [almost] all about the what, the why, and the how. What you're looking to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and how it's going to be done.

Simple enough to remember. Not always as simple to execute.

Here's how to create the perfect project brief, gain the right candidates with the right skills, and the checklists that will help you get it done.

The fundamentals

Communicating the basics of your project can never be underestimated. Here's a quick checklist:

• Budget. This should be reflective of the skills and experience needed. Including a project budget rather than a day rate will help attract a wider pool of talent, and reduce the risk of eliminating quality professionals simply because your budget was outside of their fee range.
• Projected Timeframes. Unless you’re an agency looking to outsource, it’s not always feasible to dictate a timeframe for your project. But, most freelancers will be able to take your brief and advise on how long it’s likely to take them based on their experience and capacity.
• Location. Hiring a freelancer doesn’t always mean remote working. If you need in-office time or even some travel, include it in your brief. It'll mean you're not shortlisting candidates who are thousands of miles from your HQ.
• Engaging, Accurate Headline. Generalist titles are fine if you’re outsourcing work or filling a FTC role (like ‘Fractional CMO’ or ‘Account Manager’) but for optimal results, think: engaging, exciting, enticing. 'SEO Strategist Needed for New Drinks Brand' will pique more interest than ‘SEO Support For a Website’.

Unsure about current going rates for freelance talent? Check out our 2023 Day Rate Guide for the latest on what to budget, what to pay, and what to consider with your next hire.

The devil's in the details

This stage of your brief is all about adding context and colour to your project and brand.

Here's a quick checklist:

• Objective(s). Clarity on what you're looking to achieve and why will attract the right skills and keep expectations clear. Even a general goal (i.e. “media coverage”) will help freelancers better understand your project, and what they’ll  be measured against. 
• Skills & Industry. Include any specific skills and experience you need to fulfil your business needs. The same goes for industry. If you’re looking for advanced knowledge of the sustainability sector, that should be front and centre.
• Personality. Company culture isn't only for permanent employees. Demonstrating the essence of your brand will make it far easier to engage a wide pool of talent, find a freelancer with the right mindset to reach your goals and gel with your team. 
• Values & USPs. Many professionals select who they work with based on a brand’s values or a great opportunity. So if you have something worth highlighting in your brief, it could make you stand out from an array of similar projects or clients.

After the Brief

The perfect project outcomes start with the perfect project brief - but it doesn't end there. When it comes time to shortlist, how you communicate with candidates will set the tone for any future partnerships.

Be sure to keep communications clear, honest, and genuine, and manage freelancers’ expectations around scheduling if you can.Connecting with the person behind the screen is just as important in establishing a strong working relationship that leads to successful outcomes.

Want to remain anonymous during the shortlisting stage?

Or not completely fixed on what you're looking for? The Work Crowd offers hands-on support to help you find the right consultant, freelancer, or advisor for your project.

Talk to us about your business and project, and we’ll match you with the best suited individuals. We can support with shortlisting, interviews, and finalising contracts too.

To find out more about our process and what you can expect, visit our website.