If you need to post a commission-only position or a 1099 contractor job, you'll need to take additional steps, as job visibility on job boards could be greatly altered by this compensation strategy based on visibility algorithms.
In this article:
- What are commission-only jobs?
- What are 1099 contractor jobs?
- Posting commission-only and contractor jobs on Indeed
- CareerPlug's best practices
What are commission-only jobs?
With commission-only positions, an employee's pay is entirely tied to their performance. They have no base salary, but instead earn a predetermined amount or percentage for every sale they make. So the higher the employee's performance, the more money they make.
This type of job offers an independent, flexible lifestyle and unlimited earning potential, but it lacks traditional benefits and income stability.
What are 1099 contractor jobs?
A 1099 contractor, more often known as an independent contractor, is a self-employed individual contracted to work with a company as a non-employee, rather than an employee that is hired by a company.
Like commission-only positions, 1099 contractor jobs offer certain freedoms compared to traditional work, but there are specific laws regarding 1099 contractors that you need to take into consideration. 1099 contractors must remain free from managerial control and direction, and they must also have complete and total say over when and where they work. Companies that violate these rights are subject to employment law disputes.
Posting commission-only and contractor jobs on Indeed
Indeed, as well as Glassdoor and some other job boards, requires commission-only and independent contractor positions to be sponsored in order to appear on their site to job seekers. Organic visibility is not granted to these compensation types based on their knowledge of what job seekers prefer.
In other words, if you want applicant results for a commission-only or independent contractor position on Indeed, you will need to sponsor your job. Note: Regardless of sponsorship status, your job will still appear on your careers page.
CareerPlug's best practices
Hiring is most successful when the job posting meets the needs and desires of job seekers. Therefore, when possible, a full-time or part-time direct employment role with guaranteed compensation is always recommended over a 1099 or commission-only role.
Hiring continues to be a candidate’s market, so an opportunity without financial stability or benefits is not very attractive to job seekers. Especially when you consider that commission-based jobs with a base salary are out there, applicants may look at roles like this only as a last resort. This won’t be fruitful for you as an employer in regards to retention and productivity.
Remember, your business succeeds when your employees stick around and are performing at their best. Guaranteed compensation of some amount and/or direct employment with benefits will typically yield more committed employees who have a longer tenure, especially in a competitive labor market.