The most difficult part of being a freelancer is actually getting clients. When you are a beginner, it can be hard to convince clients of your skills and capabilities when you don’t have any experience yet. For this article, I will share with you three tips that I personally use that led me to land freelancing contracts even though I was a beginner then.
The primary platform I use is onlinejobs.ph. This is because it is free to register. Secondly, new job opportunities are being posted daily. Third, the daily limit of ten applications per day is more than enough! I only use up to three applications in a day. Lastly and the most important one, the platform does not deduct any percentage or commission from your salary. Yay!!
Let’s jump in on my tips!
Tip #1: Optimize Your Profile
Never rush to look for a job! The key to landing a contract is first making sure that your profile is attractive. Therefore, take your time to fill in all the details, do not take this step for granted! You can ensure that you have been able to optimize your profile when you have accomplished the following:
Completely fill out all your personal details – make sure to input your educational attainment, salary expectations, as well as a catchy profile description.
Verify your account – Provide all the documentary requirements such as valid ID, proof of address, and mobile verification in order to increase your ID Proof Points. Some job openings require much higher ID proof score and if yours don’t measure up, then you can’t apply.
What are ID Proof Points?
ID Proof Points are accumulated points based on the proof of documentary proofs you have submitted. Each document has a corresponding point equivalent. The more you submit, the higher your points are. The higher your points are, the more jobs become available for you to apply.
3. Take all the tests – there are three tests that you can integrate with your profile. The IQ Test, the English proficiency test and the DISC test. Each test does not take more that 30 minutes so make sure to accomplish each and upload a screen shot of the result on your profile.
4. List all your skills – Onlinejobs.ph showcases your skills together with your profile. Make sure to highlight your best skills possible. Do not lazily do this. Make sure to take your time. Mine looks something like this:
Tip #2: Write A Proper Job Application Letter
Why are you sending an email? – Cite your purpose
Why are you the best fit for the position? – Cite past work experience or other relevant experiences
Why should the client choose you? – Cite your skills
What are your rates and when can you start? – Set expectations
In following the above-mentioned questions, your job application letter may look like this:
Dear [employer name], My name is [your name] and I am writing to apply as a [position]. I believe that I am the best fit for the position because [cite experiences]. You should consider my application because I am skilled in [cite your skills]. I can work for [hours] per week and my rate is [rate]. If you choose me, I can work [how soon can you work?]. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Sincerely yours, [Your Name]
Take note that there are two cases over which my four-paragraph format does not apply:
When the employer provides a specific format and questions to answer in sending an application letter
When the employer provides an external link to apply.
In the two above-mentioned cases, you must strictly follow what the job post requires. Always remember that following instruction is the first stage of a client’s vetting process of whether or not you will be shortlisted or not.
Tip #3: Have The Right Mindset
You have to understand that you have to go through a lot of “NOs” before you get your YESses. This is the reality of finding a client, it will be unfair if you expect to land a contract every time you send an application letter – that is just pure unrealistic.
Sometimes, clients on onlinejobs.ph only actually have an account under a free plan. This means that they don’t have access to the platform’s premium features like replying to job applications and hiring a freelancer. In this case, it’s not you, it’s them.
Believe me when I say that I’ve been there. I have also been the person who feels so upset and suicidal if I don’t hear back or get rejection emails instead. But when I realized how much clients are actually out there looking for VAs, my eye was opened that it’s not me who needs them….it’s them who needs me! With everything that I have to offer, it takes a lot of NOs to find that special client that best fits me. Despite everything that I’ve discussed and mentioned above, ultimately, what you have to learn is to take a “NO” as a redirection rather than a rejection. This way, you’ll spare yourself with a lot of disappointment.
The moment that you become desperate, that’s when you lose your leverage. If some mediocre job offer comes along, then you would say yes even though you don’t agree to some of the terms all because you are desperate to find a job! Therefore, the best thing to do is stand your ground, accept NOs, move on, and try again! A clear mind and knowing what you really want will help you land your dream job soon!
You're very talented! I know I can do more like you. I will always take a heart on this advice. Very clean intention. Thank you!