Always hire outside, being respectful (8)
I believe the answer is:
reverent
'respectful' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'always hire outside' is the wordplay.
'always' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'hire' becomes 'rent' (synonyms).
'outside' indicates putting letters inside (some letters go outside others).
'ever' placed within 'rent' is 'REVERENT'.
'being' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for reverent that I've seen before include "Respectful, deferential" , "humble" , "showing much respect" , "Showing deep respect" , "Showing profound respect" .)