7 Tips to Help Maximize Your Freelance Job Hunting Success
Are you hoping to find freelance work? The freelance market can be a highly competitive space and you need to stand out from the crowd to achieve success. Here, we’ll be offering some practical tips to increase your chances of success in your freelance job hunt!
1. Create a comprehensive portfolio
Having an up-to-date and comprehensive portfolio can set you apart from the competition and show your potential employers why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Try to include a good mix of projects that demonstrate your core knowledge and skills, as well as any current projects you’re working on. Make sure it’s easy for the viewer to find what they need and pick out your best works.
2. Have a clear personal brand
Your personal brand is your unique personality and what you’re seen to represent. Decide what you want to be known for in the industry and be consistent in the message you put out to clients. Ensure your personal brand is accurately depicted in all aspects of your job search, such as your portfolio and social media profiles.
3. Take your time & target appropriate roles
You may be tempted to blanket multiple job types with a standard response. However, if you’re serious about increasing your chances of success, you should focus your efforts and tailor your portfolio and pitch to each role you’re applying for. This will also save you a lot of time from sending out generic responses.
4. Network & put yourself out there
Although applications and submissions are important, networking with potential employers and industry colleagues can also prove to be beneficial for your job search. Use your existing contacts and reach out to relevant people and companies. Don’t limit yourself to try and just find a job, but instead look for the opportunity to build relationships and add value to the industry.
5. Conduct market research
Understand what is happening in the industry, which areas are growing, who the players are and what they need, as this will all add up to help your job search. Use this information to tailor a unique pitch that articulates all the ways you can fit into the industry.
6. Don’t be afraid to offer discounts
Discounts can be an effective way to win over your potential employers, as it reflects how flexible you are as a freelancer. If you’re able to demonstrate your willingness to take on discounted or pro-bono work, this can increase the value employers see in you and help you to stand out from the competition.
7. Follow up & maintain relationships
Find out the best way to follow up with prospective employers and follow the protocols they’ve set in place. Be patient and professional and, when the timing is right, use social media to your advantage. This will allow you to maintain relationships even if you don’t secure the job and increase the chances of finding your next ideal opportunity.
By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to finding the freelance job of your dreams! The job market is competitive, but through persistence and creativity, you can skyrocket your success rate. Good luck!
