To our talent community,I am writing with the sincerest wish that this message finds you and yours well and safe. The Covid-19 outbreak is unlike anything we’ve seen before in modern history, and we here at 24 Seven, like everyone, are trying to manage a fluid situation, sorting facts from the ground noise.While much is changing, one thing remains the same. When 24 Seven was founded exactly 20 years ago, we recognized that there were three pillars of our business: our job candidates, our clients, and our internal employees. And today, just as then, these people are central to our decisions and we continue to be dedicated to supporting them as best as we can in this time of uncertainty.Specifically for our candidates, to ensure their health & safety, we quickly adopted a number of changes to our processes. And we’re continuing to make adjustments so that we can be best work together, though apart:
All candidate interviews are being held via phone or video conference
Our Account Management team is readily available for questions/concerns and are checking in with Freelancers currently on assignment
We are reaching out to clients to position our highly-skilled Freelancers as an important element during a remote-work talent strategy
We’ve increased our output of training and thought leadership for our talent community, including our guide to working from home, best practices for video collaboration, how to stay motivated and productive, and so much more. Keep checking our blog as we are updating content more frequently than ever.
While, depending on the industry, some of our clients are still hiring, it is not at the volume they have in the recent past. We are doing everything we can to keep our talent community working, and in our small part, the economy moving. But while we may not be able to provide you with an assignment right now, we can point you to resources and give you some options to consider that will keep your creativity flowing, your skills current, and your awareness up about government support available to you:
For the 57 million Americans making up the gig workforce, recent legislation impacts you directly, and you may be eligible for additional benefits for the first time. Know your rights and how this may apply to you.
To keep developing professionally and if you find yourself with extra downtime, consider taking that online class you’ve always wanted. Or if you need ideas on what might be the best use of your training time, we have a list of most-in-demand skills according to hiring managers we have surveyed.
To strengthen your position for the next gig, now’s an opportune time to work on your personal brand. Review your resume and portfolio and ensure all your self-promoting materials are up to date.
Reach out to your network. Whether you’re checking in on former colleagues or alumni for professional or personal reasons, human connection is critically important right now. People do want to hear from one another.
Consider taking on pro-bono work. There are a number of non-profit organizations looking for some creative support. Lending a hand will keep you professionally sharp while doing a good thing and will add to your portfolio.
Take time for self-care. Stress levels are high as we all feel anxious about what may or may not happen. Make sure you’re prioritizing your own mental wellness - set aside time for physical exercise, meditation, reading, or calling a loved one.
Please stay in touch with your 24 Seven Account Manager and continue to apply to the jobs on our site. No one can predict what the next weeks and months will bring. Just know that we are navigating the uncertainty together and will continue to forward relevant information to our talent community the moment we learn of it.
Celeste Gudas, CEO & Founder