Opportunities For Freelance Jobs Are Plentiful
Posted January 8, 2009 – 3:03 pm in: careerFreelancing it’s the dream of many. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, and being able to come and go as you please. It definitely has its upside. And with the world at our fingertips via the Internet, finding legitimate freelance work has never been easier. If you’ve got some marketable skills that translate well into the freelance arena, it’s a venture definitely worth considering. You may be concerned about the stories you’ve heard regarding work-from-home scams. The scams are out there, to be sure. But on the bright side, there are quite a few legitimate freelance sites as well.
As an example, for those seeking administrative, secretarial, or data entry work can find work through a variety of online websites. Extensive job listings are commonly presented and compensation generally ranges from $9 up to $35 per hour. To be awarded these positions, freelance applicants need to apply and interview.
Those seeking work in web programming, multimedia design, legal work, and engineering also have plenty of options. One popular option is for freelancers to compete for jobs by bidding on the projects they prefer. These types of sites have been doing business for years and offer just a few of the legitimate working possibilities that can be found on the web. Some of these sites do charge a nominal fee to cover their expenses.
When first beginning the search for freelance jobs, you’ll likely be surprised at the sheer volume of jobs available online. But you must remember that you are competing in a global economy and American citizens are not your only competitors. You’ll face competition from India, China, Australia, Mexico and more. In order to present yourself properly, you need to know a few things.
Create a resume designed for your freelance career. Develop a portfolio featuring work you’ve done that best demonstrates your skill. Have your skills tested and certified at a skills assessment site such as www.brainbench.com. This will add to your credibility. Create a profile that explains what your skills are, and how much experience you’ve had in your chosen field. Throw in a picture of yourself, if possible. Being able to put a name with a face can be significant to some clients. Elance.com will verify your credentials i.e. past employment, and references for a small fee. Some of these sites work on a feedback system. Your best bet for competing globally, is to keep your clients happy and aim for 100% satisfaction.