Contractor FAQ
Frequently asked questions from Tempo contractors
Should I send an email or a slack message?
If you want anything to be documented into your file (updated state, resume, insurance, something related to your job application) please email us.
Slack messages are there for a quick response and quick conversation. If it’s something of note, something you want us to remember, or something that requires our attention/action, please email!
I feel like I have applied for so many positions and haven’t been picked yet. What can I do?
We rarely get any feedback from clients as to why they picked one contractor over another. Oftentimes we send them resumes and cover letters and they pick people to interview or make a selection based on those 2 items.
Beef up your resume (check out our resume think tank for some ideas) and make your cover letter stand out (only a paragraph is necessary) as to why you are the perfect candidate for this specific position.
Slack etiquette for Tempo - don’t be THAT person!
We pride ourselves on keeping the notifications down on the Job Postings Channel. Everyone wants to have the notifications on because jobs are filled very quickly, so it’s important to apply early!
Please do not comment “applied” on a job posting or message Barb and say “I applied! So excited!” or give relevant information to your application. This data will get lost and not be applied to your application. All relevant information should be in your cover letter.
Please do not use the Job Posting Channel to find people you need for your show. The community was curated over the years for Tempo’s business. If it is a role Tempo can’t fill, please run it by us first – she is happy to share the love and help you out if it does not conflict with Tempo’s business.
Where do I go to find jobs?
95% of the time we post on slack under the job postings channel. If we don’t get enough candidates or don’t feel like we have the right candidate, we will email out the position to people who listed that expertise in their Tempo profile and invite them to apply.
5% of the time we do not post on slack and only email candidates with the relevant expertise. This is in a very quick time crunch or for a very specific role.
How do I know that my application went through?
Once you hit apply, you should see a confirmation page. You will not receive an email confirmation, only the webpage after submitting an application.
Does Tempo staff full-time or part-time positions?
Most of our jobs are per show, so it just depends on the client’s timeline. We occasionally get full-time positions, but the majority of roles are 1-7 days long.
Our contractors do not depend on Tempo for full-time contract work. Please consider us “gravy” to your usual income.
How do I update my profile in Tempo?
As of right now, the only way to update data is to email the contractors@ email alias with any changes related to your profile. If it’s related to payment, W9, business name, etc, use the finace@ email alias.
Questions about your paycheck, when will you get paid, have you been paid?
Please use the finance@ email alias.
Do I need general liability insurance?
Yes! It is easy to get a policy. We have two leads on brokers:
Angie Mascaro, CLCS | Inside Sales Supervisor | Small Business D: 515-440-5672 angela_mascaro@ajg.com at Gallaghersmallbusiness.com
Hadley Wood, hadley@hlinwood-insurance.com 760-828-0403
A message from our insurance broker: Please advise your 1099 contractors to describe their job descriptions specifically, but with consideration that the insurance underwriters do not know production jobs well nor do they necessarily have exact class codes for the jobs. If a contractor is primarily on a computer, behind a desk in some type of office setting, they should be a clerical worker/admin class. If they are show-calling on a live set/stage, then they can be classified as a misc production assistant. Most of them will only need to carry General Liability but if some are doing higher-end work (producer, writer, director), then they should also carry Professional Liability. If the contractor has any employees, they will need to have work comp as well.
What happens if I refer people to Tempo?
If Tempo gains a client because of your referral, you share in the revenue for every contract with that client. Ask us more about it!
Since it costs nothing to be a part of the Tempo database, tell all your friends! We’re happy to support more freelancers and grow our community.
What is the Tempo Think Tank?
We meet about every month or so on Zoom to cover event production topics relevant to freelancers. Keep an eye out for the meet-ups! We post them on Slack and in the monthly newsletter. If you are in the Tempo Database, you will receive the newsletter. Join us here!
What is the New Member Meet Up?
New members can and should join this monthly Zoom meeting to learn the ins and outs of Tempo! Keep an eye out for the meet-ups! We post them on Slack and in the monthly newsletter! If you are in the Tempo Database, you will receive the newsletter. Join us here!