The workforce looks significantly different from how it did even 5-10 years ago. There have been some major societal shifts in the way that both employees and organizations alike look at the role of a job in an individual’s life. Not only that, but the way in which careers are built and advanced is wildly different than how things used to be. In years past, it was expected that young professionals get a job as soon as they completed their last stage of education, and stayed in that same position, with that same company, for decades and decades.
This simply isn’t how the modern generation operates. More than ever before employees are putting an emphasis on flexibility in the workplace and in their work environments. On top of that, they’re also prioritizing job fulfillment and satisfaction, fair compensation, and a better overall work-life balance.
As such, quality employees in today’s market often jump from position to position and company to company. Modern employees look for advancement opportunities, and if they can’t find them, will often make their own. This same entrepreneurial spirit is often seen in successful freelancers, who can be tempting to hire on as full-time employees.
“The growth of entrepreneurs worldwide is not only limited to online businesses. According to the Kauffman Index of Startup Activity, over 550,000 Americans launch new businesses every month because of cultural and economic factors. You’re searching for the advantages of having your own business.”
– Dragan Sutevski, Founder and CEO, Sutevski Consulting –
How Long Have They Been Freelancing
Whether you are a freelancer or the recruiter looking for your next hire, the length of time that the professional has been freelancing is certainly worth considering. This is an important factor for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it gives an immediate understanding of how long the person has been at this. The longer a person has been freelancing successfully, the more industry knowledge they likely have. Additionally, they’ll likely have a more robust and lively network of other like-professionals and clients. Finally, an experienced freelancer will have exposure to a wide variety of project types within their industry, making for a more well-rounded professional.
“I’ve met a lot of freelancers, but it’s the people who have been at it for 3+, even 5-10+ years that make for great hires if you can get them. They just have a different way of honing their craft, and the longer they’re at it, the better they get, the more versatile they are, these are just high-caliber professionals at every level.”
– Drew Sherman, Director of Marketing and Communications, Carvaygo –
Considering Previous Experiences
When it comes to evaluating a candidate, prior experience is always somewhat important. This can be the case with freelancers in certain contexts as well. In some instances, freelancers start off because they simply made a career change. In this instance, the previous career may or may not have anything to do with the field that the professional enters as a freelancer. There may be some skills and experiences that carry over – for example, project management is applicable to almost any field. A professional who makes a career change from project management to a specialized field can still use many of the project management strategies in their day-to-day and week-to-week as a freelancer. While the freelancer may use some of these previously cultivated skills, the two careers themselves may not be relevant to one another whatsoever.
In a different circumstance, a professional could leave their full-time employment to pursue independent freelance work in the same field. In this context, the candidate’s previous experience in the same industry could be extremely relevant and helpful to understand fully.
“Everyone has a story. I think it’s important to be a good listener and to practice empathy. Especially in today’s day and age. Y’know some people don’t find their passion until they’re in their 60s or 70s or later. Who am I to judge someone that didn’t find their passion till their mid 30’s? If the talent and the passion are there, that’s all it comes down to in my eyes.”
– Chris Bridges, CEO, VITAL –
Competitive Compensation
When considering hiring a candidate that has been freelancing professionally for some time, it’s important to offer fair and competitive compensation as well. This matters for a few reasons. Mainly, freelance rates are often higher than full-time rates in the same industry. This is because freelancers don’t get the same benefits from an organization that regular employees do. However, this typically means that freelancers need to acquire independent insurance plans. In today’s day and age, though, these plans can be relatively more affordable than the massive group plans in which companies enroll.
As such, an experienced and high-quality freelancer may be a little hesitant to sacrifice the flexibility and high take-home pay without an offer that includes a competitive salary and compensation package.
“Identifying freelancer talent early on is crucial because if they’re really good, it won’t take them long to start earning more on their own than a company is typically willing to pay for similar responsibilities. Plus with independent insurance policies becoming more popular, ‘job security’ is only so valuable.”
– Daniel Tejada, Co-Founder, Straight Up Growth –
Personal References
No matter who you’re hiring, personal and professional references can always be incredibly insightful. It’s unlikely that a professional is going to direct a potential employer to someone who will openly speak poorly of them. However, getting a firsthand account of what it’s like to work with someone from a person who already has in the past, can be very insightful and enlightening.
“I always check references, but it’s really one of the last steps in my hiring process. 99/100 times if I’m checking your references, I’ve already made a decision to move forward with an offer. It’s just good to hear what someone else has to say about them as a professional and a person.”
– John Berry, CEO & Managing Partner, Berry Law –
Wrapping Up
The working world looks completely different than it did even just a handful of years ago. There’s no right or wrong way to make a career, and that’s more true today than it ever has been before. Be your own best advocate and keep reaching for your dreams.
“So at every point of your career, it’s really important to celebrate your achievements and it’s also okay to say “this is my dream job” even if you have more career goals along the way. I firmly believe a dream job is a mindset. It’s something we construct within ourselves because my dream job will greatly differ from someone else’s.”
– Kimberly, Career Mindset Coach, Work Life Money –
