Have any questions about Stopgap's marketing recruitment service or how we can help you to find your next freelance or permanent marketing job?  This is the place!

What sort of companies do you deal with, ie. how big or small?

Stopgap’s clients vary hugely in size. We deal with the majority of the top 100 advertisers plus all the top marketing agencies. In addition, there are smaller companies on both the client and agency sides that ask us to find them people.

Are most of your clients based in Sydney?

Officially we cover all of Australia. However, the majority of our marketing clients are based in Sydney. We do occasionally get briefs from Melbourne and Brisbane.

Should I register with other marketing recruitment agencies?

By all means register with other marketing recruitment agencies - you want to make sure you are giving yourself the best opportunity possible to find your next marketing job. However, please let us know who they are and who they have sent your CV to. We will be completely honest with you through the whole recruitment process and will expect the same from you.

Can you help me find freelance and permanent work at the same time?

Of course - when you register you'll be asked whether you’re looking for a freelance marketing job, a permanent marketing job or both. When you come in for an interview you will meet the Stopgap recruitment consultant dealing in the areas you have specified an interest in - if you want to explore both, you'll meet both the freelance and permanent consultants working in your area of expertise. They will be able to co-ordinate your marketing job search for you and ensure that any client who employs you is aware of your ultimate goal.

What happens to my application when I apply for a marketing job through Stopgap’s website?

Once you've fully registered, your details are sent to the most appropriate recruitment consultant, depending on your experience. They'll take a look and then let you know if we think we are the right agency for you and therefore able to take your application further. If not, we'll let you know that too so you won't be left in the dark.

How do I make sure that my CV can be seen by more than just the consultant I have met or spoken to on the phone?

We work with a unique, open database which allows all the consultants access to your details at any time. They'll know if you fit any of the criteria for the vacancies they are handling and will contact you directly if they think we can help.

Specific to freelancing

Could freelancing damage my future career prospects?

Why should it? By freelancing, you have proved that you are flexible, motivated, able to communicate well and adapt to any situation. That in itself is extremely attractive to a future employer in addition to the added experience and skills you will learn in each position. However, you might love it so much you'll decide to make freelancing your career.

How long do freelance marketing jobs last for?

It really is a case of how long is a piece of string! Every freelance marketing brief we receive is different and can be from a couple of days to a year or so. However, the majority of freelance marketing jobs last for 3-4 months at a time and can often extend beyond the initial period.

Is it possible to get freelance work in an industry or marketing discipline that I have never worked in before?

We won't force square pegs into round holes, but we'll not limit them to square holes either. We're interested in what you're able to do, not just what you've done in the past. For us, personality attributes are just as important as technical skills. If you have the personality that fits plus you meet the majority of the criteria being asked for by the client we will have no hesitation in putting you forward for the marketing job in question. Having said that, quite often the client asks for specific skills that only someone with relevant previous experience would have.

What can I expect to earn freelancing?

Please take a look at our on-line Ratecard - this is a guide to what you can expect to earn. However, it is the job that determines the rate, not the candidate. Some clients may prefer to pay a pro-rata salary - this is especially true if the assignment is expected to be of a quite substantial duration.

Do I have to set up my own limited company or register as self-employed?

Historically, freelancers have used various methods when contract working to reduce, or simply to control, the amount of tax they pay - setting up as a company or going self-employed being the most notable. New legislation, however, has since closed most benefits of doing this so in the majority of instances, freelancers working through Stopgap will be paid through our payroll, or our client’s payroll.