How to Get More Freelance Jobs

When you work in a regular job you're stuck with the hours and income. You can't decide one day to earn more -- unless that job has tons of overtime opportunities. As a freelancer you're in complete control of your income. Of course, that could also be a bad thing. If you want to make more one week (or one month) you need to know how to get more freelance jobs. Getting freelance work isn't easy -- you have tons of competition! But, there are ways you can stand out when you fill your applications and turn them in.

Keep reading to learn how to get more freelance jobs....

Sign Up to Get Freelance Jobs

There are tons of sites that help you get freelance jobs. These include sites like ODesk.com, Elance.com, and FreelanceSwitch.com. Literally there are dozens. You can also browse jobs on sites like CraigsList under their Editing and Writing sections.

Create a Portfolio That Applies to the Freelance Job You Want

If you're applying for a job as a blogger on a wedding website, don't flood them with samples of technical writing, IT articles, etc. You need job-relevant samples and experience. Fill up your resume with jobs that apply or correspond with the wedding industry -- such as fashion experience, retail, etc. Each resume you submit and the samples you send in for review should correspond with the industry and type of job you're applying to. By using industry-specific information you'll stand out and possibly land that freelance job.

Do not lie on your resume or fluff it with experience you really don't have just to get freelance jobs. while you might get the job, this is unethical. I only promote ethical freelance work. If you're looking for how to get more freelance jobs the unethical way, this blog won't help you.

Take Time with a Custom Sample
Most companies and sites require a custom sample while getting freelance work. They often ask for a custom sample to make sure a) you're a real writer, b) you're not submitting samples from other people, c) you can write quality work on the spot. Even though you're not paid for this sample, take your time and do it right. Proofread the work and make sure all of the client instructions are followed -- a lot of clients use custom samples just to see if you can follow instructions.

Before you submit it, proofread it for passive voice, grammar errors, etc. You can proof your work for free on sites like PaperRater.com, GingerSoftware.com, Grammarly.com, and OnlineCorrection.com. I personally use PaperRater.com and Grammarly.com.

Flaunt Your Skills to Get Freelance Jobs
Your skills and writing capabilities matter, but if you don't flaunt them it's unlikely you'll stand out. Make bold statements in your cover letter and gear your writing toward the hiring manager's industry. For example, fashion/trendy blogs want a writer that is casual, engaging and fashion-forward. Use common terms and lingo from that industry. If you're applying to a technical position, use very straight-forward, informative writing. If you're applying as a copywriter, you need to sell yourself. After all, why would they hire a copywriter (a person who often writes sales copies and advertisements) who cannot sell themselves?

There are a lot of tips out there for howto get more freelance jobs, but these are all ones I use. When I apply to jobs I get hired on 2 out of 5 applications -- which is an excellent ratio. I suggest saving your industry-targeted resumes so that you can reuse them (it's a time-waster to constantly remake resumes). Have an in-depth portfolio and organize your samples by industry/type for quick and easy access. I have mine organized by:

• Blogs
• Articles
• Guides/How-To/Tutorials
• Technical
• Landing Pages
• Sales Advertisements
• Emails
• Newsletters

And then I separate them in those folders by industry, such as Home Improvement, Consumer Products, etc. 

Getting freelance work takes work and skill. You need to look great on an application, but you also need to look great once you're hired. Don't apply for high paying jobs you really don't qualify for. A bad rating could destroy your chances for future freelance jobs.