How to Win Any Job on Any Freelance Job Website
As an employer with over 30 staff at Interspire, most of the time when I need something done I can call on a staff member in the office and they will take care of it for me. However, sometimes I need the skills of an experienced freelancer for one-off jobs, such as writing a user guide or putting together a product overview video in Flash. In these situations I turn to freelancers on eLance, oDesk or Guru.com.
After posting a job ad, the responses start to come in within a few hours. 95% of the time the candidates have no idea how to reply to the job ad and will either send over:
* The same old copy-paste reply which they use for every job ad * A vague reply in which they don’t sell themselves to me
Having been on both sides of the fence – as an employer now, and as a freelancer about 5 years ago – I’ve come to learn what makes a great response to a job ad on a freelance site such as those listed above, and I thought I’d give you a few pointers in this article to help you win any and all freelance jobs you apply for.
1. What’s in it for me, the employer?
If you’re replying to my job ad for a freelancer, you need to sell me on your skills and the benefits of hiring you. The best way to do this is with a short list of bullet points, such as:
* Expert technical writer whose written for Microsoft and eBay * Fully dedicated to your project with a keen eye for detail * 100% money back guarantee if not satisfied for any reason * Fast turn around time
In the example above let’s assume I’m a freelancer trying to win a freelance job relating to technical writing. First up I “name dropped” Microsoft and eBay. As an employer this would get me thinking “wow, this guy’s written for Microsoft and eBay. He must be good, I’ll keep reading.”
Next, you’re telling me that you’re a harder worker and you’re SO confident in your work that you’ll give me my money back if I’m not happy. That eliminates all risk for me from the get go.
Finally, you’ve guaranteed me a fast turn around time, which I like because I have 100 other things to worry about and don’t have time to micro manage you.
2. Does your subject line get my attention?
When I post a job for a freelancer, 99 times out of 100 the subject line will be something like “Re: Technical writer position”. If I have 85 emails in my inbox then that wont get my attention.
Be creative with in the subject line of your email and do whatever it takes to get the attention of the person who posted the job. Here are some good examples that have worked on me:
* “You will NOT find a better technical writer than me. Guaranteed.” * “Delete your post on eLance – read my resume to find out why” * “I’ve worked with 2 of your closest competitors” * “I am an expert at using your product and can write your user guide with my eyes closed.”
Compare the subject lines above to this:
Re: Technical writer position
… and you can see what a huge difference just the subject line can make.
3. Are you a real person?
You’d be surprised how many candidates don’t include contact details in their reply to a freelance position. Just because you work from home it doesn’t mean your only communication methods should be email and IM.
Employers want to know you’re a “real” person, so to get the ball rolling and have a better chance of winning the job, try ending your email with something like this:
“I’m located in Los Angeles, California, and am able to begin working on your job right away. Please feel free to call me on 555 0199 to discuss the project any time. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Even if the person who posted the job is comfortable dealing with you via email, just showing you have an open line of communication can make a world of difference when it comes to winning a freelance job. You’d be surprised by how many offshore freelancers pose as being from North America.
Watch the video related to freelance jobs
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Watch the video related to freelance jobs
www.yourhomebasedwork.com A lot of freelancers are making a lot less then they could be because they don’t know how to get targeted traffic to their site. This video will teach you a great technique to drive more targeted traffic to your freelance service(s). Don’t forget to click the link at the top and sign up for the Home Based Head Quarters newsletter to learn more traffic tips and ways to improve your freelance/ work at home business.
Help answer the question about freelance jobs
Where can I find freelance writing jobs online?I love writing and am interested in finding paid freelance jobs. I have a strong interest in creative writing and am an English major in college.
About Author
This article is brought to you by Mitchell Harper, Interspire’s co-founder. Interspire is a web software company that specializes in ecommerce shopping cart software and email marketing software. Read more on the Interspire Ecommerce and Email Marketing blog.
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[article:450]
Watch the video related to freelance jobs
www.yourhomebasedwork.com A lot of freelancers are making a lot less then they could be because they don’t know how to get targeted traffic to their site. This video will teach you a great technique to drive more targeted traffic to your freelance service(s). Don’t forget to click the link at the top and sign up for the Home Based Head Quarters newsletter to learn more traffic tips and ways to improve your freelance/ work at home business.
Help answer the question about freelance jobs
Where can I find freelance writing jobs online?I love writing and am interested in finding paid freelance jobs. I have a strong interest in creative writing and am an English major in college.
About Author
This article is brought to you by Mitchell Harper, Interspire’s co-founder. Interspire is a web software company that specializes in ecommerce shopping cart software and email marketing software. Read more on the Interspire Ecommerce and Email Marketing blog.
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Is the website down or something?
Do you really need an "excuse"? You have a very valid REASON: You have a better opportunity elsewhere.
Give them your letter of resignation and say that you've found a position that allows you more growth and a higher income than your current position. Give them positive remarks like "While I've completely enjoyed working with you", "The staff here is extremely friendly, competant, and supportive", and be sure to thank them for the opportunities they've given you.
The worst case scenario is that they'll try to up your salary to keep you. The best case scenario is that they accept it graciously and you move on.
Hi,
Most people use PayPal for payments. And how often? It depends on you and the buyer. simply agree before how to do it. I would suggest you ask for payment in advance. Do not ask for the whole amount but for a part. complete the part, submit and get paid for the next part and start working on it. Most fair in my opinion.
I can say you have a great website after visit.Many people do not know what is their niche and keywords. As a SEO service provider, i can tell you one easy way to find out the keyword.
Sign in to Adwords and check for the keyword cost. Choose those high keyword related to your website and fous on those keyword. Make those keyword as your keywords, then you will get great PPC ads
Honestly, please see your therapist or Psychiatrist. If you're on meds, you might need an adjustment. It's not okay to feel so anxious that you are not eating or sleeping. Everyone has some anxieties about our economy, jobs and money but I would agree that it seems like you're having a hard time. BTW normal successful people often see therapists or psychiatrist regularly
You have a lot on your mind. Best wishes.
Answer number 2. The unemployment $$ that you did not claim will be available at the end of your unemployment claim.
Whether you freelance or not is your decision. If you do not claim $$ in that week, it doesn't matter to UI what you are doing.
Remember that your benefit claim year is different than the regular year. So always file another claim when your first one runs out. You may have worked enough time in the required quarters (or earned enough money) to be able to open a new claim for another benefit year.
This is obviously one of those times in life when you've gotta get tricky….You need to look at the whole situation as a challenge and as bad as it gets you have to come back even trickier and more willing to overcome your obstacles. Try turning everything on its head and look at it all from a different perspective – try to come up with unique, even bizarre ways to solve each issue. You could even start at the most bizarre answers and work backwards until you arrive at something do-able. Have you considered starting in a volunteer position, posting an unusual resume in unusual places, bartering for rent, or offering your friends the benefit of your skills or becoming something altogether different -maybe a caretaker job would offer a place to live and some cash or you could find a like minded, successful, adult to coach you, or_____ etc. It would help if you handle it all like a time of great possibility and focus only on 'cures' instead of looking things negatively. Don't spend time listing your woes, but list your crazy and sane answers to it all instead. They call it brainstorming I guess -Oh and yeah, brainstorm with others, network as much as possible. And don't forget the peace that some find in having only the basics in life. It is said that it's not a matter of getting the things in life that will make you happy, but of being happy with what you've got. Good luck. PS: You might benefit from seeing a counselor or joining a support group before you get any more frustrated. It'd be a shame for your health to suffer any more than it has and depression is a real possibility. Hang in there, something will break and it doesn't have to be you!
Don't bother with email. Send her registered, return receipt letters stating the facts and requesting payment.
If there is no response to at least 3 such letters, you can probably take her to small claims court. Make sure you have all of your documents lined up.
Did she sign an agreement? Do you have the agreement in hard copy form?
Did you do the work? Can you prove it is your work and not that of some other person?
Did you request payment and did she not pay you?
Since you were a freelancer, state agencies that handle employer "failure to pay wage" cases are, in most cases, not able to help.