In the age of the Side Hustle, you can use the internet to find workers or work.

Advances in digital technology mean things are becoming faster and easier. Take the job market, where you can connect with staff or find people who can make use of your skills in a matter of minutes.

Increased access to connectivity plays a huge role in helping people find permanent work. It also supports the many individuals who have a ‘side hustle’ that they use to make money outside their normal job.

Popular side hustles include photography blogs, independent fashion labels, tech help and graphic design. Offline, a cleaning or hospitality side hustle can be made successful by finding one-off jobs on the internet.

Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or trying to find a contractor to do a one-off job for you, these websites can connect you to the right people.  

Airtasker

Jobs are posted on Airtasker by everyone from Jane Public to large corporate firms. If you’re looking for work, you can narrow your search by on and offline tasks and down to the area where you live.

On any given day, postings may include requests for someone to dismantle furniture, mow a front lawn, design a logo or help write a professional resume.

Airtaskers can both post and apply for jobs by creating a profile on the site. Job posters include details of how much they’re willing to pay and those applying can bid above or below that price.

Once the task has been completed, both are able to leave a review for each other.

This site makes money by taking a percentage of the job fee, but otherwise using it is free. As a job hunter, you can set up notifications for jobs that suit your skills and be one of the first to apply.

Many users go on to establish longer relationships and even permanent roles with the people they connect with on Airtasker. 

Ozlance

There are plenty of global freelancing websites, but it can be overwhelming to receive bids from dozens of overseas workers, or to find yourself up against them when making a pitch.

Ozlance caters specifically to Australia and New Zealand, meaning you can keep it local.

The majority of positions on this website are for online professionals such as graphic designers, app developers, translators, video editors and web developers.

Posting a job incurs a flat rate of $7 once you have found the right person.

As an applicant, you’re expected to be able to provide work samples, qualifications, references and quotes to help the poster choose the best freelancer for their job. 

Sidekicker

If your side hustle or business involves keeping your toe in the hospitality, catering or events industry, Sidekicker can help you find work at short notice.

To ensure the reliability of workers, this company checks all its applicants thoroughly before adding them to the database.

Once you have signed up and been approved, you will receive regular notifications about upcoming shifts in your area.

Listings include one-off or short term jobs for kitchen hands, wait staff, brand ambassadors and even digital marketing assistants.

Companies looking for workers can review each applicant’s past history to make sure they are hiring suitable people.

The benefit of Sidekicker for someone who is a student or has an erratic schedule is that you can accept jobs on a one-off basis when you have time to spare.

OneShift

Similar to Sidekicker, OneShift lets you fill your empty hours with work, or find a worker to step up to the plate for you at the last minute.

The platform also lets you advertise for casual or permanent staff in industries including manufacturing, retail, administration and hospitality.

Accessible from a large range of devices, once you have created a profile on the OneShift website you can also sign up for job notifications and allow employers to call you directly to discuss a position with you.

Your profile, resume and work experience will be available to those looking for employees so they can check you have the skills they need.

As a member, you can search listings on OneShift at any time, narrowing the field by area, salary and whether you want to work on a one-off or ongoing basis.  

The Loop

Creative types flock to The Loop to share their availability and search listings for writing, photography, illustration and social media jobs, to name a few.

There is also a ‘gigs’ section, that lists one-off jobs within Australia.

Promoting your creative side hustle on The Loop is free and the site allows you to create a portfolio with a unique link you can share to would-be employers.

These employers pay to post listings, which go out to members who specialise in that particular field.

Thanks increased access to fast broadband, employers can connect with applicants in a matter of minutes and workers can have jobs completed and paid for within days or even hours.

You don't necessarily need to change jobs to start a small business. Find out why 80 per cent of Aussies are turning to the side hustle.