A Guide to Finding and Hiring Remote and Gig Workers
The article "A Guide to Finding and Hiring Remote and Gig Workers" by Allie Blackham explains how employers can adapt their hiring strategies to attract and recruit remote and gig workers—employees who work outside traditional office settings, often from home or flexible locations—highlighting the growing popularity of such roles due to jobseekers' desire for flexibility and independence in today's labor market.
A Guide to Finding and Hiring Remote and Gig Workers
Jul 24, 2023
Applicant Tracking, Applicant Tracking Systems, Blog
When you’re looking to fill a role, you may need to think outside the box in today’s uncertain labor market. Many jobseekers are looking for flexibility and independence, which is why remote and gig work have become more popular. However, it’s not as easy to find and hire workers who fit into these categories, especially if your company is used to putting a “now hiring” sign in the window.
This guide outlines how to update your hiring practices to source and hire people who may not fit the traditional mold of a full-time, in-person employee.
What are Remote Workers?
A remote worker is an employee who performs the duties of their job from a location that’s outside of the traditional office environment. Many remote workers choose to do their tasks from home, although some opt for co-working spaces or public locations with internet connections.
As technology has continued to advance, coupled with the pandemic response, remote work has skyrocketed across many industries. It’s estimated that 27 percent of American workers are able to work remotely at least some of the time. Offering remote work can be appealing to jobseekers who want a better work-life balance and improved flexibility.
What are Gig Workers?
Gig workers perform specific duties for a particular project on a short-term basis. They are not bound to any type of long-term employment contract, but rather take on tasks as they desire. A gig worker is part of the gig economy, which is characterized by an on-demand and highly flexible pool of laborers. Examples of well-known gig work include food delivery and transportation (such as rideshare drivers).
Many gig workers seek the independence and flexibility of this type of professional venture. Those who choose gig work may also enjoy variety, as they can tackle different projects for various clients to keep their work life more interesting.
Find and Hire Talent for Your Organization
Hiring remote and gig workers is different than hiring in-person employees, as you may not physically interact with them on a regular basis. But with the right process, you can find and bring on top talent to fill the needs of your organization.
Use the Latest Tools
No company can afford to waste time and effort on manual hiring processes anymore. Be sure you’re using all the tools available at your disposal, including a hiring and onboarding platform that simplifies the process of finding and bringing on new hires. With the latest technology, you can cast a wider net and find top talent, whether you want to hire a gig worker or bring on a new remote full-time employee.
Remote onboarding is easy with ApplicantStack, a fully integrated platform that allows new hires to review and sign onboarding documents and update their personal information. Your hiring teams will love it too, thanks to features like simple onboarding checklists, reminders, and reports that provide insights into the success of your process.
Craft Detailed Descriptions
A detailed job description is vital, whether you’re hiring a gig worker, a remote employee, or an in-person team member. Strong descriptions attract the right candidates with the experience and skills needed in the role. You can also establish expectations from the start while ensuring legal compliance with applicable labor and discrimination laws. Ensure your job listings are highly detailed, free from potentially discriminatory language, and clear.
Make Sure Your Listings are on All Boards
Gig workers tend to use different job boards and hiring sites than those seeking full-time work. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure your job ads are visible across multiple platforms to get the widest possible reach.
If you’re hiring for a remote position, look for job boards in major cities that locals may use to find work. Be sure to note the flexibility of the location for the role you’re trying to fill.
Stay in Communication throughout the Process
Whether you’re hiring remote or gig workers, it can be difficult to stay in contact. But maintaining an open line of communication speaks volumes about your organization and the overall employee experience. Make sure you’re finding ways to stay in touch with those who have applied for open positions.
Since gig workers are always on the go, it’s important to reach them where they are – on their mobile devices. Texting is an effective communication method that’s built into the ApplicantStack platform. Hiring managers can send quick texts to let their top candidates know where they are in the process and what to expect.
By following these steps, you can improve your efforts when hiring remote and gig workers to fill various roles with your organization. ApplicantStack makes it easier to find and bring on top talent with powerful features and customization options. Plus, it’s built (and priced) for small businesses. Take a closer look now!
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