- Jesi Bolandrina
- August 10, 2021
Have you ever walked into a crowded room and wondered to yourself, “How could I possibly remember even half of the people in here?” When you’re a hiring manager, you get this feeling often. This is especially true if the hiring manager works with the gig economy, where they may be meeting new workers on a frequent basis. Even if you’re only working with that manager for a short period of time, it can be worth your while to show them that you’re a hard worker.
Managers can have a hard time finding workers they really enjoy in the gig economy. If you make yourself stand out in a crowded room (or large roster), you could set yourself up for future jobs, gigs and success.
3 Traits that Hiring Managers Love Seeing in a Hard Worker
Communication
You have the opportunity to make a lasting impression far before you even set foot on the job site. After you’re hired, make sure you show that you understand and value solid communication. This can be as simple as confirming your shift and details before you start and following any other pre-job instructions.
Another way to showcase strong communication skills is by keeping an eye out for any messages and replying quickly. In the days leading up to your job or gig, make sure you look for incoming calls, emails or messages that have more important information. If they need a reply or answer from you, getting back to them right away shows your commitment.
A Little Something Extra: If it’s your first time working a job or you’re going to a new job site, it can be a good idea to reach out to your hiring manager ahead of time. Feel free to ask them any questions you have that aren’t answered in the job description, like where to go when you arrive or if there’s a place you need to check in. It’s better to ask ahead of time than to waste time and be late on your first day.
Engagement
There are several ways you can be engaged before, during, and even after your job. Like I mentioned in the last section, communication is key and it’s often the easiest form of engagement to practice. But, when your job starts, these are other ways you can show you’re a hard worker who is engaged with their work.
Engage with the Manager
A simple “Good morning” or “Hello” can actually go a long way. While both you and your hiring manager are there to get a job done, a little greeting can make it a more pleasant experience for you both. Introducing yourself and thanking them for the opportunity to work can also help them put a face to a name and remember you after you clock out.
Engage with Your Work
You don’t always have to love every task you do at a job. But, you can make the best of it. Whether you’re at a high-energy brand ambassador position, or you’re doing something repetitive like inventory management, you can try to take pride in the work you’re doing. If a hiring manager sees you focusing on your job and giving it your all, they don’t have to worry about checking in on you as often. And, if you’re doing a good job, they may ask for you to return to keep up the good work.
Engage with Others
While you don’t go to work solely to make new friends, it can be helpful to contribute to a comfortable and welcoming work environment. Don’t be afraid to say hello and be polite to your coworkers. If you see someone struggling, help them or help them find someone who can better assist them.
If a hiring manager is managing a large group, they’re often keeping an eye out for workers who are going the extra mile. These workers are often the ones who come to mind when they need a team or shift leader in the future. That could mean getting hired again and possibly even a pay raise.
Sincerity
Sometimes, it can be difficult to feel and act sincere, especially when you’re switching jobs and positions so often. The gig economy is great because it’s so flexible, but it can also make you feel very temporary or even disconnected.
As a hiring manager, I love when a hard worker feels comfortable being sincere and honest with me. Some of the best workers I’ve worked with have given very helpful feedback on the job they performed. This could include:
- Parts of the job they liked
- What went well during their shifts
- Parts of the job they didn’t like
- How a job could go better next time
It’s not your job to give feedback and have these conversations with your hiring manager. But that extra step can really leave a large impression on them. It shows that you were engaged with your job and are comfortable enough to communicate with your manager. And it shows that you would like to see that job and manager’s continued success by providing your own honest feedback.
Showing You’re a Hard Worker Can Be This Simple
None of these tips are focused on skills, experience or expertise. Instead, these are small and easy things that any worker can do in any industry. Over the years, I’ve met workers who have showcased these 3 skills. Now, whenever I need someone for a project or team, those are the people I call on. You can experience similar success without having to spend any extra time or money.
About the Author: Jesi Bolandrina is the Content Marketing Manager at Jobble. As a former gig worker, she knows how hard it can be to feel like you know what you’re doing in an ever-changing workforce. She’s your go-to for news and information from career development, to health and wellness, to finances and more. She curates Jobble’s blog, articles and is the editor of The Everyday Hustle newsletter. If you have any ideas for topics Jobble should cover, let her know.
