The Lady Programmer

Freelancing is similar to a corporate job which is geared to climbing up the ladder towards management. If you have tried your hands in being the rank-and-file employee, then being a supervisor, then being a manager – freelancing jobs is very much similar in that degree. Freelancing starts with competing with a big crowd of applicants, then doing well for the first job and as your job experience and reputation grows, you price yourself a bit higher when you feel experienced enough.

photo credit: coniferine (SXC)

The sad thing is that there are so many freelancers out there who are also starting out just like you. If you are marketing yourself in a global marketplace then you will soon realize that competition can be very tough as there are so many people who can do the job. The client would always prefer the one who is well experienced to do a particular job to those who are still out to get their feet wet.

If you are a new freelancer, then how would you make yourself stand out?

1. Identify the strongest skills that you can use in freelancing.
2. Polish your profile and write down relevant experiences.
3. Speak to the client with a custom cover letter.
4. Always learn new things through continuous trainings and self-learning.
5. Give yourself a good market price for your skill.
6. Do not sell yourself cheap.
7. Do not overprice yourself either.
8. Follow up with clients who expressed interest.
9. Write thank you letters after an interview.
10. Respond promptly through interview invitations.
11. Create a profile around your special skills.
12. Put some effort in creating a professional-looking profile.
13. Be prepared for possible questions that the client may ask during an interview.
14. Have several means of communicating through the client – voice, chat, email.
15. Compose a tag line or title that you think will catch the client’s eye.
16. Be focused on the needs of the client, rather than your own.
17. Find jobs that really fits your skill.
18. Put something in your portfolio. If necessary, do some sample work to fill in something for that portfolio.
19. Prove your skills by taking online tests and listing down acquired certifications.
20. As much as possible, be one of the earliest applicants for the job.

My list here is not limited to this. If you have something to share, then let the world know through the comments below.

2 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

1. 

   chubskulit
   October 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm #

   Wow, what a thorough list of DO’s, pwede rin ba akong maging free lancer hehehe… Hubby is against with me working because its taking so much of my time time away from them.. but when you have a family to support to, mahiraP DIN iasa sa income ng hubby, although willing sya, kaw pa rin mahihiya.. ewan… thanks for sharing this Gem!

   Im digginbg out your old posts lol!

2. 

   Gem
   November 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am #

   @chubskulit
   Thanks! hehehe. I understand he is against it. For many women who is into their careers or businesses, they had to keep a balance.