reesmarx | Global Recruitment and Business Expansion
Picture of Ray Tomasco

Ray Tomasco

Share this blog post:

Are Freelance Professionals a Risky Hire or a Gold Mine for Talent?

Into every talented professional’s life, a little “freelance” phase may fall.  For some career candidates, freelance becomes a flexible lifestyle and entrepreneurial opportunity to “be their own boss” and enjoy both the risks and the rewards of full-time contract work.    For other professionals, freelance is an option when facing under-employability, or during a transition from one career to another, and a valuable way to broaden experience and career networking.

The number of individuals who are freelancing at least on a part-time basis is growing rapidly.  The “giganomic” movement allows professionals to utilize their skills in an ever-growing marketplace of one-time projects.  Other consultants and executives can find lucrative opportunities to serve during interim leadership periods, and gain insights into new industries, or unique corporate environments.

Should your business hire individuals who have lengthy experience on their CV as a freelance professional?  We’ll discuss some of the risks and the rewards for considering candidates who may be moving back from freelance to full-time salaried employment.  We will also talk about the culture of freelancing, and why it can sometimes present a conflict in the workplace between traditional salaried workers, and entrepreneurial minded new hires (and why this is a positive disruption in some cases).

The Advantages

If you are looking for an employee who is resourceful, knows how to cut costs without cutting corners, and works well with little supervision, your business may benefit from hiring a professional with freelance experience. In the United States alone, there are more than 53 million part-time to full-time self-employed; resilient, skilled professionals that sometimes seek full-time career opportunities.

Technological proficiency is another advantage of hiring a former freelancer for a salaried position.  While competitively self-employed, candidates are required to remain on the cutting edge of their skills; it’s difficult to convince contract employers to hire you, if you are not figuratively “the best at what you do”.  More than bringing exceptional skills to the table, former self-employed individuals have a drive to stay proficient, and are typically apt to develop their skillset, without prompting or encouragement from employers.

Potential Disadvantages

Because every career professional is not the same, we want to make sure that we are not drawing sweeping assumptions and conclusions about individuals with freelance experience.  However, given the culture of independence that self-employed workers have, some businesses can experience difficulty integrating them into a conventional, 9-to-5 team.

Even after being hired, many freelance professionals may choose to continue to work evenings and weekends as consultants, or service providers.  While after hour’s work doesn’t imply a threat to performance for the employer, there can be a lack of commitment to a corporate job and integration, if the candidate is still committed to growing their small-business or ‘side-gig’ as supplemental income.

Another concern is that there may be a conflict of interest, when a middle manager or executive is consulting on the side.  Non-disclosure agreements and non-compete clauses should be considered, to prevent proprietary information from being shared with potential competitors.

Our advice to employers is to consider a candidate with freelance experience to be a potential asset, but in the interview process, it is important to understand the career goals of the worker.  If they have tried self-employment for a period of time, and are ready to rejoin a corporate team, they can be an invaluable resource.  However, employers should also be aware that these exceptionally talented workers can be more difficult to retain, as they have the experience to create other income options for themselves successfully.

Thank you for reading!
If you enjoyed the post, feel free to share it with your network:

Related Resources

Blog Post
Michael Hancock

Hiring Talent in the U.S vs the U.K : A Guide for U.S Companies

Expanding your workforce internationally is a strategic move, but navigating the complexities of hiring in different countries can be challenging. In this guide, we break down the key differences between hiring in the U.S. and the U.K., from employment laws and compliance to payroll structures and employee benefits. Whether you’re a U.S. company looking to tap into the U.K. talent market or seeking to streamline your global hiring process, this blog will help you make informed decisions.

Read More »
Blog Post
Michael Hancock

The Top Recruitment Challenges for Business Expansion into Poland

Expanding into Poland offers businesses access to a skilled workforce, a strategic location in Europe, and a growing economy. However, hiring in a new market comes with unique challenges. From navigating local labor laws and talent shortages to understanding cultural expectations and competitive salaries, companies must be well-prepared to build a successful team.

In this blog, we explore the top recruitment challenges businesses face when expanding into Poland—and how to overcome them.

Read More »
Blog Post
Michael Hancock

Understanding Recruitment in Costa Rica: Challenges & Strategies

Costa Rica has become a hotspot for business expansion, offering a highly educated workforce, a strong service sector, and a favorable business climate. However, navigating the local hiring landscape comes with challenges—ranging from talent competition and evolving labor laws to cultural nuances and industry-specific demands.

In this blog, we break down the key recruitment challenges in Costa Rica and share strategies to help businesses attract and retain top talent in this dynamic market.

Read More »

Contact Us

Ready to watch your business grow?

We are always open to new inquiries regarding how we can help your business reach success through global recruitment, expansion, and growth-centered initiatives.

If you have any questions concerning what we do here at reesmarx or if you’re ready to make the next step and take your business to the next level, please contact us using the form.