Attracting Independent Talent: Mind Your Language

A key element of effective contingent workforce management is the ability to attract high-value independent contractors that meet your organization’s needs. While some parts of this process are similar to regular employee recruitment, there are important differences to keep in mind—especially with regard to your communication style.

Corporate speak, a communication style rooted in the business world, is generally unappealing to high-value independent contractors, especially younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials who prefer clear, straightforward language. There are various communication styles but corporate speak is one to avoid.

The Definition of Corporate Speak

Corporate speak (otherwise known as corporate babble) often includes:

• Business jargon and supposedly trendy terms such as “move the needle” and “outside the box” can become overused, diminishing their impact.
• Abbreviations and acronyms aren’t always understood: KPI (Key Performance Indicators), ROI (Return on Investment), EOD (End of Day), OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
• Overused metaphors or phrases generally offer little to no value: “Throwing spaghetti at the wall” and “building the plane while flying it” are just a couple examples.
• And other no-good, terrible cliches: Think “synergy,” “circle back,” and “stakeholder”?

Why is corporate speak such a bad thing?

For independent contractors, who often consume content from a variety of news and information sources, corporate speak is essentially meaningless. At best, they might ignore the business jargon or other confusing language and focus on the core message. At worst, it raises a red flag about your company’s suitability as a client, creating a negative bias.

Explore: How to Create a Great Workplace Culture for Independent Contractors

Examples of Corporate Speak and Other Language to Avoid With Independent Contractors

Here are just a few examples of corporate speak that can alienate independent contractors and others who might work for your organization:

•  “We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction, and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness.” This sentence is jargon-heavy and confusing.
•  “You are a multi-disciplinary writer who excels at taking complex topics and transforming them into compelling and easily understandable copy that captures the attention of the target audience.” Defining the role with overly complex language creates ironic confusion.
• “You will be helping drive the marketing strategy to increase brand and product awareness, grow website traffic, create demand, drive leads, and improve sales velocity.” This list is overly detailed for initial communication. Leave this level of depth for the interview.
• “You will participate in the ideation process and distill our value propositions into compelling campaigns that build demand for our product.” Simpler, conversational language would resonate more effectively.

Discover: How to Successfully Collaborate With Independent Contractors in the Modern Marketplace

4 Ways to Check Your Language and Overall Communication Style

Every company has its own different types of communication styles, which may include some degree of corporate speak. While independent contractors can adapt to your “dialect” once onboard, your initial outreach should avoid company-specific business jargon to better connect with them.

Your communication style at work may vary from others, but here are four tips to help ensure it connects with your target audience:

1. Review the message for clarity. Is it as clear and straightforward as possible?
2. Read it aloud to get a better understanding. Does the flow feel natural, or do you stumble over certain parts?
3. Seek feedback from external partners. Share the communication with someone outside your company, providing context (e.g., it’s for independent contractors unfamiliar with your business).
4. Use digital tools and technology to enhance your messaging. New AI tools or programs like Grammarly can assist with tone and clarity, though you may still need to address corporate speak or other business jargon.

Take the Next Step: Attract Top Independent Contractors With These 5 Tips

Additional Support for Your Workforce Management Efforts

If you’re looking for additional support attracting independent contractors to your organization, MBO Partners offers a wealth of tools and resources to help. We cover a wide range of topics, including communication styles, employer branding, workforce compliance, contingent workforce management, and more.

Our expertise helps you craft strategies that connect with independent contractors and skilled professionals while aligning with your goals. Explore our resources so that you can start to develop stronger relationships with top independent talent.