Pro tips for landing a shift

Getting started with anything new can be challenging, right? You have the enthusiasm and the drive, but it’s tricky landing that first opportunity, or in this case, a shift! Fortunately, there are ways to get rolling on your journey as a FreeFlexer. In this article we’ll reveal some insider tips to give you the best possible chance of landing a shift.

How the pros grab a shift ‍

As soon as you start working shifts, you’ll start building your profile ratings, which in turn makes you more appealing to clients. There are some tricks and tips to help you succeed, here are the top tips for finding shifts:

1. Use filters to search – try ‘few applicants’ and ‘no applicants’ to find shifts that may be less popular. These shifts are the perfect opportunity if you’re looking for experience or just want to build your profile ratings.  
2. Apply for last minute shifts – if you have flexibility, take a look at shifts happening today that still need to be filled. There’s a chance clients will be willing to take on someone new to the platform if they need to fill the shift. 
3. Sign up for several shifts on multiple days – on average, you need to apply for 15 shifts to be chosen for one. If a client has several shifts on multiple days, apply for any you can make to show you’re keen and available. Don’t worry, overlapping shifts will expire if you’re not selected.‍
4. Use your soft skills – search jobs that may not rely on previous work experience, such as cloakroom attendant, packer, warehouse assistance or service employee. In some cases clients may be happy for you to learn on the job, and a positive attitude goes a long way.

Tip! Did you know you can now save search filters to use later? For example, if you regularly use the ‘substitution’ or ‘few applicants’ filters, you can save the search, and easily find them later under Saved searches at the top of the Filters screen.‍

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How about skills?

You’ll have more success applying for shifts where you tick all the ‘required skills’ boxes. If the client has listed required skills, including specific languages, they expect you to have them. So, when you apply for a shift, always make sure you speak the required languages and have the right skills to be a success. If you manage to get a shift but don’t really have the skills, you could end up with a poor rating on your profile and the client may not want to work with you again. 

If a shift specifies pre-training, then always find time to do this beforehand. Also, don’t hold back from learning new skills, either take a course in your own time or pick up skills during your shift. For example, if there’s a quiet period on your restaurant service shift, perhaps ask for some barista training from the bar staff. These new skills may boost your chances of landing another shift in the future.    

How to keep on a roll

If you feel like you have a good relationship with a client after you work for them a few times, ask if they can invite you to their flexpool. A flexpool is a group of hand-picked FreeFlexers the client wants to work with regularly because they have proven themselves to be reliable and skilled. Once you’re in a client’s flexpool, you’ll be auto-accepted when you apply for a shift with them. Curious to know more? Check out this FAQ about flexpools. 

Don’t forget your profile!

You’re raring to start work but it’s vital to make sure your profile is looking as appealing as possible. Once you apply for a shift, the client will take a look at your profile to see if you’re a good fit, and get an idea of what you’re all about. At the start, you won’t have any ratings, so they will be focused on the information you’ve added about yourself. So it’s important to spend some time making your profile stand out. Find profile enhancing tips in this article: 3 Steps to make your profile stand out and optimise your earnings. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and picked up some tips. Good luck on landing your next shift – you’ve got this!