Permanent or contract? Start with the work

Permanent hiring builds capability that remains with a team. Contract hiring brings defined expertise into a project for a particular phase. Neither is a shortcut for a poorly scoped role.

Ask whether the work is continuing, whether the expertise needs to be retained and how quickly it must be available. Then look at handover, team integration and the likely duration of the need.

Making that distinction early improves the conversation with candidates and helps teams plan a more realistic search.