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The Hidden Costs of DIY Contractor Hiring: Why Instructional Design Teams Need a Smarter Approach

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Hiring contractors on your own may seem like a cost-saving move—but when it comes to Instructional Design (ID), doing it yourself often leads to hidden risks and expenses that add up fast.

Let’s break it down.

Two Big Challenges in Hiring Instructional Design Contractors

One: Finding Highly Qualified Professionals—Fast

When you need contract support for an instructional design project, time is usually of the essence. You post a job to LinkedIn or another general site, and what happens next? You’re flooded with direct messages and applications.

At first glance, that seems like a good thing. But quickly, it becomes clear: not all applicants are a match. 

How do you tell who’s truly skilled in instructional design? Who’s experienced in the learning model you’re using? Who can jump into your tools and workflow immediately?

Sorting through that sea of interest to find the perfect candidate is more than a time drain—it’s a strategic challenge.

This is where Teamed stands out.

We’ve spent nearly a decade refining our approach. With a vetted network of over 40,000 instructional designers, we connect you to professionals who are available, experienced, and aligned with your project goals.

Here’s how we do it:

  • We reach out to our trusted network first.
  • We assess candidates already in our database.
  • We post strategically across social platforms and niche job boards.
  • We qualify candidates quickly by asking targeted questions and requesting relevant samples right away.

Within days, our clients receive a shortlist of top candidates who’ve been vetted not just for experience, but for fit. You can compare, interview, and select your ideal contractor with confidence—and speed.

Two: Hiring the Right Way—Legally and Logistically

Let’s say you find the right contractor. Now what?

Here’s where things get risky.

If you’re hiring independently, you need to make sure:

  • They’re classified correctly—as a 1099 contractor or a W2 temporary employee.
  • You’ve completed all necessary onboarding paperwork.
  • You have systems for tracking time, managing invoices, and handling payroll.
  • You’re making the correct tax deductions and contributing to Social Security and Medicare if applicable.

This isn’t just administrative work. These are legal requirements. And getting them wrong can mean fines, back taxes, and liability risks.

Teamed handles it all for you.

From classification to onboarding, from payroll to compliance—we take on the red tape so you can focus on the project outcomes, not HR headaches.

So What Are the Real Hidden Costs?

  • Time lost trying to find, vet, and onboard talent
  • Legal risk from misclassification or compliance issues
  • Delays in getting work started due to setup hurdles
  • Mistakes in payroll, taxes, or documentation

All of that adds up—and fast.

There’s a Better Way

Teamed was built specifically for hiring instructional design and learning talent. We’ve supported higher ed institutions, edtech companies, corporate L&D departments, and mission-driven orgs with exactly the right professionals—without the hassle.

So skip the guesswork, the legal risk, and the inbox overload.

Contact Teamed today for a simpler, faster, and fully compliant contractor hiring process—guaranteed to get your project moving in the right direction.

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