OnwardSearch: Staffing Site for Creative Talent

What is OnwardSearch?

OnwardSearch is a staffing company that specializes in creatives, marketers and technology experts.

How it works

The site encourages workers to sign up online and post a resume and links to past work. OnwardSearch will then try to match you with employers who need full-, part-time or temporary workers with your qualifications.

Employers on this site hire workers in a wide array of technology and creative positions — project management and account services, web and game design and development, content and copy writing, video, animation and production.

Some are looking for part-time hourly workers; others are seeking full-time staff. However, in most cases, workers are considered employees of either the hiring company or OnwardSearch. As such, they qualify for a variety of benefits including retirement plans and health insurance.

Benefits

Indeed, OnwardSearch lists a litany of benefits available for those who successfully find employment through the site. These benefits include education reimbursements, flexible spending plans, wellness programs and professional development training.

Overall

This can be an effective way to find work in creative and technology fields. And, all things being equal, it’s better to be an employee than an independent contractor. (Independent contractors don’t get benefits, like paid time off or subsidized health insurance.)

However, you should realize that OnwardSearch is only half on your side. It’s also working with the company to get the best people at the best price.

So, when the site offers to help you “negotiate” pay, be wary. Make sure they don’t get you to take a substandard salary. Always investigate the going rates for your skillset. If OnwardSearch offers less, keep negotiating or keep looking.

Referral bonuses

You can also make money with their referral program. If your friend signs up and works more than 300 hours for an OnwardSearch client, you get a $250 bonus. If you report an open job from a non-client, you could earn a $500 bonus.

Recommendations:

You can sign up with OnwardSearch here. You may also want to check out WorkingNotWorking, FlexProfessionals, or FreeUp.

What their users say (from Glassdoor):

I was affected by the massive Disney layoffs & Randi Etienne reached out to me via LinkedIn about a potential role in the Entertainment Industry for a Social Media Manager role. My overall experience working with my recruiter was great. Throughout the interview process to the call with the offer, she was very consistent, always checks in, resolves any issues immediately and was very kind throughout the process!

Can help you get into a job quickly when you’re looking for work. But I had serious questions about certain aspects of my employment, took them to my supervisors and never heard back.

I worked with Onward Search through my job search and they helped connect me to a contract with an awesome client and role! Shoutout to both Lisa and Lacey! Lisa brought me introduced me to Onward Search and recommended me for this role which was just a perfect fit!

from Indeed

During the period of less than two months I worked with Onward Search, I had three different representatives due to turnover at the firm. I learned to ask a lot of questions when working with a recruiting firm. I learned to trust my instincts when I feel I am in a situation with apathetic and weak support.

*Updated 1/14/2024