Flexible, Skilled, and Cost-Effective: The Case for Contract Instructional Designers

Here’s a synopsis of this article in podcast form compliments of Google Notebook LM

Why Hire Contract Instructional Designers?

1. Specialized Expertise

Instructional designers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every project may require different skills, whether it’s for eLearning development, instructor-led training (ILT), or blended learning solutions. Contract instructional designers come equipped with the specialized knowledge you need for your specific project—whether it’s creating interactive simulations, designing microlearning modules, or integrating gamification. Their expertise ensures the project is done right the first time, saving you both time and money.

2. Flexibility & Scalability

Business needs change, and contract instructional designers offer the flexibility to scale your team as needed. Whether you’re dealing with a large-scale training rollout or need help on a shorter timeline, you can bring in contract talent without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee. This ability to adapt and expand your team on demand allows you to remain agile and responsive to evolving learning needs.

3. Cost-Efficient

Hiring full-time instructional designers can be costly, especially when considering salary, benefits, and onboarding. Contract designers eliminate these overhead costs, and since they’re hired on a per-project basis, you only pay for the work you need. This is particularly useful for eLearning projects, which often require specialized skills but may not be a constant need in your organization.

4. Fresh Perspectives 

Sometimes, your internal team can benefit from an external viewpoint. Contract instructional designers often bring new ideas and industry best practices to the table. Their experience working with a variety of clients means they’ve likely encountered challenges similar to yours and can offer innovative solutions that might not be immediately apparent to your in-house team.

This article goes into more detail about how to unlock efficiency using instructional design contractors.

Download a copy of: 5 Reasons to Hire an Instructional Design Consultant 

How to Choose the Right Contract Instructional Designer

Finding the right fit isn’t just about skill sets—it’s about alignment with your company culture and project goals. Here’s what to look for:

• Experience in Your Industry: While instructional designers can adapt, it helps to work with someone who understands the nuances of your field.
• Portfolio of Work: Request to see examples of their previous projects, especially ones similar to your needs (e.g., eLearning development, blended learning).
• References: Don’t hesitate to ask for references. A good instructional designer will have a list of satisfied clients happy to vouch for them.
• Cultural Fit: Since they’ll be working closely with your team, it’s important that a contract designer meshes well with your work culture and values.

This article has some tips on how to optimize your interview process for hiring instructional design contractors. At TrainingPros, we ensure that all contract instructional designers we recommend have been vetted for both skills and cultural fit, so you get not just a talented professional but the right person for your team.

Download a copy of: 10 Interview Questions to Ask an Instructional Design Consultant

When Should You Consider a Contract Instructional Designer?

• Short-term Projects: You have a limited-time project and need specialized skills without a long-term commitment.
• Scaling Your Team: Your internal team is maxed out, and you need extra hands to meet a deadline.
• Skill Gaps: You need niche expertise, such as AR/VR training development or gamification design, that your internal team doesn’t have.
• Fresh Ideas: You’re looking for someone who can bring a fresh perspective or innovative approach to your current training programs.

How TrainingPros Makes It Easy

When you partner with TrainingPros, we take the guesswork out of finding the perfect contract instructional designer. Our relationship managers work with you to understand your needs and match you with professionals who not only have the right skill set but also align with your team’s work style. Plus, our network spans a wide range of industries, ensuring we can find someone who understands the unique challenges of your field.