New research suggests freelancers who demonstrate work commitment through an incremental career path, by moving between similar—but not identical—types of jobs, are the most likely to be hired. The findings also conclude that competitors who work on only one type of job or on too many disparate types of jobs are disadvantaged when it comes to winning assignments.
The study, “Dilettante or Renaissance Person? How the Order of Job Experiences Affects Hiring in an External Labor Market” by Ming D. Leung, assistant professor, UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, appears in the February issue of the American Sociological Review.
“Previous findings would suggest that freelancers should specialize in a particular type of work so prospective employers know what they’re good at,” says Leung, “But I was curious about how freelancers can demonstrate their skills and commitment in an online world to acquire more jobs. My research suggests that employers on Elance.com appear to value freelancers who demonstrate their commitment by making incremental moves between jobs.”
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Tricks of the trade: Study suggests how freelancers can land more jobs.
Related articles
Job Market Monitor 
Discussion
No comments yet.