Freelancers are a growing and important staple of the modern labor force for many companies and startups. Many choose to become part of the gig economy to be able to take part in many different projects, instead of a singular corporate project, to increase their take-home pay. Others choose the freelancer career due to the allure of flexible work schedules and the ability to work at a location of their choosing, acknowledging that their skills are best harnessed when working in an environment of their choice. Hiring talented freelancers can be a challenge as it requires emphasis on having a stellar reputation, a solid direction, and a sufficient recruitment process that incorporates freelancer online job boards while implementing online management tools in a cloud setting. Though difficult to find, the best freelancers provide companies with many benefits that cannot be overlooked. So how does one attract top freelance talent?
- Ensure A Fast & Reliable Payment Method – In a survey of 1,400 U.S. freelancers and contractors, over 50% of respondents have said that they are still being paid by snail mail check with 54% saying it takes too long for their payments to arrive. Most freelancers tend to get discouraged if salaries are delayed for a significant amount of time. Invest in electronic payment infrastructure that can ensure timely and convenient payments for freelancers and even regular employees.
- Provide Interesting Work – When searching for work, freelancers tend to look at the different types of tasks that a company may ask them to work on. Though many of them don’t mind what kind of work is listed on the job description, there are those who opt to choose projects that touch on their interests the most. Find out what subjects your candidates are drawn to and find ways to incorporate that into their daily work routines – then provide different materials to inspire their creativity and push them into action.
- Offer Perks To Help Develop Their Skills – Involve your freelancers in team events and training sessions – being inclusive provides further motivation for them to stay for longer periods of time. Invite them to company retreats and conferences. Provide substantial feedback on their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can improve their craft. Constructive criticism should be used to help them and not as a tool to cast judgement over their work. Mentoring is no longer viewed as optional and is now considered essential in the freelancer field.
Beyond these three strategies, perhaps the most important factor to attracting top tier talent is having a general understanding of the freelance mindset. Freelancers are entrepreneurs who see themselves as business partners rather than just employees. It is common for freelancers to feel satisfaction when they are working for a client who has organizational respect for the role freelancers play. Flexibility in work schedule is another “plus” as well, as most of them work from home rather than in an office. Feel free to ask them directly about what their expectations are and try to work towards a middle ground to provide for their needs, if possible.
Tukko Labs is no stranger to the freelance industry – as we have helped many of our partners engage in the hiring of key talent that best suits their workflow. Reach out and contact us now to discover how we can help you in the search for top-tier talent that will contribute to your success.
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