Identity and professional consistency
Name and professional profiles are reasonably consistent.
Contact information matches the person or business you expect.
Relevant work history can be explained.
Major contradictions have been clarified.
Portfolio
Portfolio work is relevant to your project.
The freelancer can explain their role in the work.
At least some claims can be independently verified where appropriate.
Quality is reasonably consistent across examples.
Project fit
The freelancer understands the deliverables.
Timeline expectations are realistic.
Revision expectations are clear.
Required files and handoff are defined.
Payment structure
Payment stages correspond to meaningful work.
Large upfront exposure has a clear justification.
Payment destination is verified.
Platform or escrow terms are understood.
The checklist does not make the decision for you.Its purpose is to expose missing information before the missing information becomes expensive.