- How is HotGigs different from job boards?
- How is HotGigs different from other freelancer sites?
- What are my membership options and how much do they cost?
- Other sites don't charge me a membership fee to apply to jobs, why does HotGigs?
- Are there any jobs that I can apply to as a Basic member?
- Does HotGigs charge a transaction fee when I find a job?
- How do I upload my resume to the HotGigs Staffing Exchange?
- Can I fax you my resume?
- How do I know if my bill rates are competitive?
- How can I find new clients and staffing firms on HotGigs?
- What types of jobs and contract projects can I find on HotGigs?
- How do I register or create an account with HotGigs?
- Can I work directly with clients?
- Can HotGigs help me find a full-time job?
- Can I be a member of HotGigs even if I am not currently looking for a job?
How is HotGigs different from job boards? (top)
At first glance, HotGigs may seem like a job board but it is not. HotGigs is a Staffing Exchange where consultants and contract professionals connect with the hiring companies and staffing firms who are their potential clients. HotGigs is a place to market your consulting expertise to companies and firms who are specifically looking to hire contractors.
The difference is a key benefit of HotGigs: Hiring companies go to job boards to find candidates to fill openings. Hiring companies (and staffing firms) go to HotGigs to find project resources and contract professionals from our network of firms and consultants. On job boards, candidates looking for full-time positions might post a resume one time and then shut it off once they've landed a new job. On HotGigs consultants and contractors not only set up a profile and post a resume, but then use our social networking tools to keep their preferred clients and firms updated on their status and next availability for project work. As a member consultant, you can also use tools on the Exchange to market your services to potential new clients and to check your rates to make sure they're competitive.
How is HotGigs different from other freelancer sites? (top)
Freelance sites traditionaly operate on a model where companies will only post contract opportunities that they are willing to outsource and put out to bid. This model is typicially suited only for smaller companies who need websites or widgets built, but does not reflect the way 90% of the contract and consulting workforce actually operates. As a result, This consultants are forced to bid themselves down and commoditize their services and expertise, because they sometimes end up bidding against offshore resources (and underskilled talent) who drive rates lower than highly skilled consultants are willing to work at. On HotGigs professional contractors submit their profile and rates features to mostly "on site" contract engagements, where you will perform the work at the client location for a period of time, at competitive local rates. Once the assignment is completed, you can use HotGigs to find the next project or client opportunity.What are my membership options and how much do they cost? (top)
HotGigs has both paid (Premium) and non-paid (Basic) membership options. The Premium membership enables consultants to actively apply for any and all contract opportunities on the HotGigs Exchange and market their services to potential clients. Premium memberships are available for $99.00 per year and are geared for working consultants who understand the benefit of a small investment in marketing (comparable to buying business cards), compared to hours or days of non-billable time spent looking for an assignment.
HotGigs also offers a Basic membership at no charge, which lets you see and apply to a limited number of jobs in the HotGigs Exchange. A Basic membership allows you to post your resume, view open positions and see billing rates for your skill levels. Companies and staffing firms can see your resume and will contact you if they're interested.
It's easy to become a HotGigs member. Simply click any Join Us button or link to get started.
Other job sites don't charge me a membership fee to apply for jobs, why does HotGigs? (top)
Because HotGigs is a Staffing Exchange and not a job board, the value proposition and business model are different. On job boards, employers pay to post jobs and to search for any full-time candidates who might potentially become employees. As a result they do not charge those applicants. HotGigs is a marketplace designed exclusively for free agents, consultants and staffing firms who are marketing their talent, expertise and business services to potential clients. On the HotGigs Staffing Exchange, Premium member firms pay for access to contract opportunities from hiring companies, and to gain access to the consultants and contractors on our network. Premium consultants pay to market their expertise and gain access to contract opportunities with companies and firms in the marketplace.
Are there any jobs I can apply to as Basic member? (top)
Yes, but the selection is limited. In cases where HotGigs is managing contract jobs on behalf of our client companies, or where a Premium level member Staffing firm has posted a contract job, Basic members can apply at no cost. These "free" jobs typically display first in job search results, though they are not available in every category. To restrict your search results to only show these jobs, do a job search, then use the "Filter by" dropdown and choose "Free jobs only".
How do I register or sign up with HotGigs? (top)
If you are new to HotGigs, create an account. It only takes a few minutes. If you have questions regarding this process, or any other aspect of the site, please feel free to contact us.
Does HotGigs charge a transaction fee when I find a job? (top)
In most cases, consultants will work directly with the firm or hiring company that posts their gigs (or requests consultants) on HotGigs. In some cases, hiring companies utilize HotGigs to manage their consutlants and firms using our Channel Vendor service to simplify the contract and billing activity through a single relationship. With these "managed gigs", HotGigs does charge a nominal service fee for sourcing and managing contract resources. This fee is clearly communicated to either the consultant or firms providing talent to these gigs at the time of submission.How do I upload my resume to the HotGigs Staffing Exchange? (top)
You can upload your resume instantly as part of our registration process.
Can I fax you my resume? (top)
No, HotGigs requires that you submit your resume in electronic form, either in Microsoft Word or HTML format. If you are having problems uploading your resume, try copying and pasting text directly into the fields provided.
How do I know if my bill rates are competitive? (top)
HotGigs' rate comparison tools allow you to see what companies are currently paying for professionals at your experience level. Armed with that information, you can negotiate the best rates possible for your skills.
How can I find new clients on HotGigs? (top)
HotGigs has one of the broadest selections of high-quality staffing firms and hiring companies on the market today. HotGigs.com exchange has some of the best jobs in the industry, so it will quickly become one of your best sources for finding new potential clients.
As a HotGigs member, you can use your HotGigs private network to maintain links to your favorite companies and staffing firms. We'll keep you connected to your clients and, at your option, send them updated information on your contact data, new/enhanced skills and your availability. When you're interested in accepting new work, you can quickly broadcast your change in availability and give your favorite clients first chance to respond.
New companies and staffing firms are joining the HotGigs Staffing Exchange every day, so it pays to regularly check HotGigs and add new potential clients to your list. Even if you don't need a new contract right now, you can add those companies and staffing firms to your list. When you do need a job, you'll have a great mailing list to market to.
Can I work directly with clients? (top)
Yes. If a company directly posts a job or project on HotGigs, any interested Premium member can apply for the job. If the company is working through a staffing firm, you'll be asked to apply through that firm.Can HotGigs help me find a full-time job? (top)
Possibly. Although our focus is exclusively on contract, not full-time jobs, HotGigs does allow companies and firms to post "Temp-to-Perm" contract positions. This is a way to ultimately become a full-time employee at one of our hiring companies. You can see if jobs are "Temp-to-Perm" while searching for gigs. Additionally, if you upload your resume online, you can designate that you are willing to convert to full time within your resume/profile.However, if your goal is to find full-time employment, and you are not interested in working as a consultant or contractor, HotGigs is not a good fit.
