Best for freelancers: LinkedIn
What began as a social media platform for professionals has blossomed into a full-fledged job searching, brand building and networking app. LinkedIn is different from the other apps on this list because it’s a networking app first and job search app second. The job search functionality is there, but to get the most out of the platform involves some long-term strategy.
Freelancers and consultants will find themselves right at home on LinkedIn. The ability to create an attractive profile page with a portfolio, list of certifications and work experience as well as post valuable content makes LinkedIn a great platform to start generating inbound leads or immediately reach out to decision makers in your network.
Pros:
- A well-constructed profile can attract clients
- Great for researching potential clients
- Huge platform with millions of users
- Platform allows you to build a brand
Cons:
- Networking can be time consuming
- There are plenty of “scam opportunities” on the platform
- Setting up or adjusting your profile in the app can be difficult
- Learning curve can be steep for beginners
Price: Free
App store rating: 4.3
Best for experienced pros: Thumbtack
Thumbtack is an app that connects local professionals with jobs that need to get done. If your business or side hustle relies on a constant influx of new local customers, this app can help you drum up more business in the form of leads. The app turns the often paralysis-inducing profile creation process into an easy experience.
Once your profile is set, potential customers can contact you anytime and you can start bidding on jobs. Thumbtack has a serious drawback, however. As a professional, you’ll be charged a fee every time a potential customer contacts you, even if you don’t win the job. If you’re adept at closing the deal, this could be an acceptable cost of doing business. For some pros, Thumbtack’s pricing model can eat into their profits.
Pros:
- Creating a profile is a breeze
- Customers reach out to you
- Huge variety of types of jobs available
- Great for more seasoned professionals
Cons:
- You’ll be charged per lead, even if they don’t result in a job
- Pros can’t send personalized messages to prospects
- Some users can inundated with irrelevant leads
Price: Free to download, pros are charged per lead
App store rating: 4.4
Best for entry level: Wonolo
Finding the perfect job can be a months-long process. While you’re sending out resumes and attending interviews, your living expenses don’t just magically disappear. Thankfully, there are apps like Wonolo, which match users up to immediate day shifts and local temp position opportunities.
Wonolo promises “no resumes, no interviews required.” Most of the gigs you’ll find are retail, warehouse or event related. Generally speaking, the kind of gigs you’ll find on Wonolo are low paying, entry level work that requires very little experience. It’s a good option if you need money right now, but it’s not exactly a long term winner.
Pros:
- User-friendly app
- No fees or commissions for workers
- Potential for long-term working relationships
- Great for people who need a flexible schedule
- Great for people looking for a side hustle with little experience
Cons:
- Not available in California and some other markets
- Most gigs on Wonolo are low paying, entry level
- Complaints about customer service are common among workers
- No remote gigs
Price: Free
App store rating: 4.8
Best for home services: Handy
Handy is a job search app for a very specific niche of professionals: home service providers. If you know how to clean, fix, maintain or remodel homes, Handy is an app designed just for you. It’s mostly viable in major U.S. cities, where you can be matched up with thousands of potential customers.
A single-industry job matching platform is a promising concept, and Handy manages to mostly pull it off. There have been plenty of user complaints about how Handy handles certain things. For example, the app runs a background check for new users without disclosing the attached fee. The app also penalizes workers for infractions such as showing up late or rescheduling a job—sometimes up to $50.
Pros:
- Access to high-payings gigs
- Great if you need to find quick work
- Variety of home service jobs are in demand on the platform
- Set your schedule, claim gigs and message customers all within the app
Cons:
- Handy charges you for a background check
- Workers can get penalized for mundane things (like being stuck in traffic)
- Workers can’t read reviews written about them
- Job descriptions can often lack key information
Price: Free
App store rating: 4.6
Best international option: Gigworks
Singapore-based Gigworks is a platform designed to match up freelancers and clients in a variety of fields. Graphic design, marketing, IT, programming, writing and translating are just a few of the professional skills in demand at Gigworks. Freelancers who sign up can create their own personalized listing, schedule meetings with potential clients and receive payments through PayPal or Stripe.
Pros:
- Growing platform for freelancers in creative and business fields
- Great for remote opportunities
- Perfect for freelancers based in Asia
Cons:
- Being Singapore-based, Gigworks might not be the best option for freelancers based in the United States
- Not the best platform to build a business brand
Price: Free
App store rating: 4.5
