Job Sharing: How and When to Find a Job Share Partner
A successful job sharing arrangement starts with finding and choosing a
compatible work partner. I recommend you complete this step before you actually
develop and present the proposal to share your existing position.
With that person identified, you can present a realistic, workable job sharing
proposal filled with the details which the two of you have discussed.
Referencing the person's experience and skills within the proposal, and
attaching her resume, are also part of the ‘sell’ to your manager.
Ways to Find a Job Sharing Partner
Who's looking for a better work-life fit? Employees from the Gen X and Y are
practically demanding flexible work, especially as they become new parents.
Among older workers, there are baby boomers who want to stay on the job but on a
scaled-back schedule. They're out there.
Here are five avenues to finding your work partner.
1. Your Current Workplace: A compatible coworker or temporary worker who
replaced you or a coworker during a leave are both possibilities. A pairing of
two currently valued employees whom your employer would rather not lose could be
your most favorable approach.
2. Professional and Personal Networks: Start putting the word out about
your job partner search to contacts in your professional association, your
LinkedIn, Twitter or other social media networks, colleagues
from previous jobs, people in your exercise class, etc., all of whom can be a
direct or indirect source of referral.
3. Employment Agencies, Offline and Online: If there are nearby agencies that specialize in
your field, you may want to let them know about your potential opening.
Emphasizing the reduced hours involved in the job sharing arrangement will
probably be a draw for many job candidates.
In some areas of the country, there are flexible staffing agencies which
might be able to link you up with a suitable partner.
Flexible Resources is the most well-established.
Online, you'll find several flexible staffing and job board sites such as Job
Share Connection and FlexWork Connection.
4. Placement Offices: Those of nearby colleges and universities might be
a good source for identifying leads as many students are past traditional
college age, with families.
5. Advertisements: Classified ads, either online (e.g., on Craigslist) or
offline (e.g., your regional business newspaper) may yield
last-resort results if other avenues aren't fruitful.
Time and persistence in pursuing these pathways should result in finding several
prospective job-share partners. From among them, your next step is choose a
compatible, cooperative co-worker who is a good communicator and who has similar
or complementary job skills.
The Fastest Way to Write a Job Sharing Proposal
If you're looking for a fast-track way to put together a professional,
organized, convincing job sharing proposal, order the Job
Sharing Proposal Package.
“I submitted my job share proposal and it has been accepted! My director and
our CEO commented on how thorough, creative and progressive the proposal
was. My new schedule totals 20 hours weekly working Tuesdays, Thursdays and
half-day Fridays. I can't tell you how much of a difference this will make,
giving me the flexibility to spend more time with my hubby and young
daughter. I can't thank you enough.” Lathonia D.
Oates, Human Resources Recruiter, West Houston Medical Center, Houston, TX
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Related articles:
How to Choose the Right Job Sharing Partner
Job Sharing: Advantages to Your Employer
Which Job Sharing Schedule is Right for You?
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