Questions to Ask Before Using a Talent Marketplace

Is your company missing out on top independent talent? If you’re not using a talent marketplace, you just might be. These online platforms connect employers with independent professionals—and they’re only becoming more popular. 

In fact, 75% of Independents using talent platforms said they are either a primary source of work (38%) or an important one (37%), according to our State of Independence research. 

Why Should Companies Use a Talent Marketplace?

Talent marketplaces like MBO’s make it much easier to connect with skilled independent professionals. They streamline the recruiting process, reduce costs, and help you find the right talent fast. 

Keep in mind, though, that independent contractors aren’t the same as employees. Misclassifying them can expose your business to fines, compliance audits, and legal issues. 

Whether you’re just getting started or already using a platform, asking the right questions will help you avoid risk and maximize results. 

How does the marketplace ensure workers are qualified and properly classified?

Bringing someone on as an independent contractor when they should be classified as an employee can lead to serious penalties for your company. Yet many platforms don’t verify a worker’s classification status at all—they just connect people to their client’s projects. That’s a big risk. 

Every contractor in MBO’s network goes through a compliance review to ensure alignment with both local and federal laws. We also offer multiple engagement models tailored to your business goals and contractors’ needs—all backed by comprehensive legal reviews to protect your operations. 

Learn More: How Compliance Issues Undermine Your Relationship with Independent Contractors

Can the talent marketplace integrate with your existing systems?

If a marketplace doesn’t work well with your internal system, it can create extra steps, delays, and hidden costs. That kind of friction can make it harder to scale your independent contractor program effectively. 

MBO’s platform integrates directly with leading vendor management systems (VMS), making it easy for your team to post opportunities, discover talent, and manage engagements from start to finish—all in one place.

Does the onboarding process align with your company’s requirements?

Onboarding sets the tone for the entire working relationship. If it’s slow or confusing, it can delay projects and frustrate your talent. 

Independent professionals value clear communication and efficient processes. MBO’s customizable onboarding system keeps things simple while ensuring all compliance boxes are checked. We also guide contractors through what to expect—so they can start strong and stay focused on the work ahead. 

Discover: 7 Ways to Make Onboarding Easier

Will your talent solutions provider offer additional support to keep contractors engaged?

Completing the project is one thing—building long-term loyalty is another. Top independent professionals want to grow their businesses, expand their skills, and feel supported by the clients they work with. 

MBO provides robust support that keeps contractors engaged. From back-office services to access to a dedicated business manager and a library of growth resources, we help contractors succeed—which makes them more likely to work with your company again. 

See: How to Attract Top Talent: Tips on Becoming a Client of Choice

What happens after project completion?

Some marketplaces focus only on the initial match. But if you’ve had a great experience with a contractor, bringing them back should be easy. After all, they already know your company’s processes, culture, and expectations. 

MBO makes it simple to re-engage proven talent. Whether you want to repost a project, tap into your existing network, or use our platform to discover new matches, we help you move fast—with no need to start from scratch or worry about compliance gaps. 

Interested in learning more? See how you can find high-value talent with the skills and experience you need through MBO’s talent marketplace. 

More Workforce Tools and Resources Available From MBO Partners

For more information on contingent workforce management and how to work with independent contractors, visit MBO’s blog for the latest news and insights. We cover topics such as workforce compliance, AI technology, and much more to help you stay informed.