The Best Job Search Apps for Gig Workers, Contractors, and Freelancers
September 20, 2021
Whether you have your own business or just a weekend side-hustle, bringing in new clients is one of the biggest keys to making your venture a successful one. Here are the apps you need to land that next gig.
As an independent contractor or freelancer, you know that a huge part of your life is networking and keeping the client pipeline moving. Searching for that next gig isn’t always easy. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps out there that make the client hunting process a little less pain inducing.
In this guide, we cover the best of the best in job search apps for gig workers. Whether you’re a freelancer, home services professional, or just looking to dip your toe in the “side hustle” pool, there’s an app on this list for you.
(And if you lean strongly towards one of these apps, be sure to vote on your favorite at the end!)
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Best overall: Indeed
Best overall: Indeed
Indeed
Indeed is one of the world’s most widely used online jobs boards. The platform pulls listings from thousands of online job directories, classified listings and other websites. And while Indeed is primarily used by people looking to land a traditional 9-to-5 job, there are endless opportunities for self-employed individuals looking for contract work.
The app has a built-in resume builder (you can still upload your own) and defaults to your location in job searches using your phone’s GPS. If you’re torn between work opportunities, you can use the company reviews function to get an idea of how current and past contractors rate a company. Overall, Indeed is a great choice because there are listings for just about any type of work.
Pros:
App is extremely easy to use and navigate
Features make it easy to bypass the desktop version
Huge variety of available jobs
Detailed job listings with number of applicants displayed
Cons:
Indeed’s search algorithm can deliver some questionable results
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
It’s your turn
Indeed may have won in our battle of the job search apps, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to second opinions. Which app is your personal favorite?
Which app do you use most for finding work?
Indeed
LinkedIn
Thumbtack
Wonolo
Handy
Other
Vote
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Written on September 15, 2021 | Last updated: September 20, 2021
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