Tip #1: State the aim of the project
Firstly, you need to give an overview of the context surrounding the proposed assignment. Even if this seems obvious, stating the aim of the project and its impact from the outset is the best way to attract the attention of freelance workers. All the more so since each freelancer has their own motivations, whether that be demonstrating creativity, sharing expertise, rising to a challenge, feeling the direct and positive impact of their actions, or something else.
As testified to by Alexis Minchella, B2B freelance copywriter and creator of “Tribu Indé”, the online reference for freelancers and creatives, “The most important thing is the impact of the proposed project: Is it a commonplace, everyday assignment or a project that will have huge repercussions internally and externally?”
Tip #2: Be as transparent as possible about the average daily rate (ADR)
Of course, an offer that clearly states the ADR has more chance of reaching its target. According to the freelancers themselves, it is important to be clear about the payment for the proposed assignment as early in the process as possible. For some people, the ADR is key to their decision on whether or not to accept an offer.
Chams Sallouh, freelancer in the data sector, coach and recruiter of freelance providers, also states “ADR should also be established upfront, honestly and within a clearly defined range.” Along the same lines, self-employed workers appreciate assurance from companies that payment terms will be respected and the processes will run smoothly.
Tip #3: Detail the CSR impact of the assignment
Amongst the criteria that freelancers take into account when choosing their assignments is the positive impact of the company and, by extension, of the assignment. In fact, the societal and environmental stakes have been highly important for a number of years, particularly among younger workers. They will naturally favor companies that are strongly committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issues. Also, if the employer brand includes CSR values in its communications, the chances of the most sought-after profiles coming their way increase.
Hannah Peters, freelancer and founder of Digi Atlas, a digital marketing training organization, states on this topic that “work must now be in line with people’s personal values and must fulfill the search for meaning undertaken by individuals.” Companies bidding for work can no longer neglect this important area if they want to remain attractive.
Tip #4: Offer real flexibility
Since the health crisis demonstrated the benefits of remote working, freelancers increasingly begrudge spending time traveling to offices, which they consider unnecessary. The question working remotely has become fundamental for many of them, who do not understand why companies insist upon on-site working.
Chams Sallouh affirms that, “You have to be transparent on this point and establish the levels of flexibility right from the start of the recruitment process.” Today, it is a given — by insisting on office-based working, companies risk losing large numbers of interesting profiles.
Tip #5: Guarantee a simple process
Last but not least, simple administrative processes and onboarding rank highly amongst the criteria for self-employed workers seeking assignments. For Alexis Minchella, “The process upstream of the assignment is often too complicated with large companies compared to smaller setups. You have to read hundreds of documents, renegotiate, go via a third party to get references checked, there are 40 meetings before you get a final answer…”
That sentiment reflects that of a lot of other freelancers who see administrative red tape as a blocker when deciding whether or not to take on work. For some people, the time demanded by the company before the work even starts is all the more problematic if other opportunities arise at the same time. When preparing the offer, companies should therefore keep in mind that simple contractual processes are key. Remember this and your attractiveness soars.
In short, the new requirements of freelance vendors—aware of their value to business—are modeled on their own personal values and their desire for freedom at work. In the present climate, companies can no longer afford to ignore their expectations in terms of CSR and flexibility, for example. They must therefore review their tenders or assignment specifications to make themselves more attractive than before and secure the best talents.
