Want to get hired in freelancing platforms? Becoming a freelancer comes with hustles that have to be overcome to succeed.
Freelancing Skills You Must Have to Get Hired as a Beginner |
Freelancing Skills You Must Have to Get Hired as a Beginner-digitalskillsguide.com
Want to get hired in freelancing platforms? Becoming a freelancer comes with hustles that have to be overcome to succeed. Starting is not easy as many think. You must be multi-skilled to get hired and reap the real benefits of working as a freelancer.
ÂFreelancing Skills You Must Have to Get Hired as a Beginner
It may sound quite different from what we are used to as in 9-5 jobs it requires only one primary skill to excel. A freelancer has to learn various skills to bit competition and get hired, excelling in freelancing.
Here are some of the essential skills you must have to get started.
1. Basic Computer Skills
A freelancer must have some basic knowledge of computer skills to work. You can search for jobs from the internet through your mobile phone, but you will not be able to perform that work. It rarely depends on the nature and uniqueness of that job, e.g., setting an appointment.
Basic knowledge of creating a simple word document using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and Email. If you don't have one of these skills, don't worry. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to grab these skills from any computing center. Don't forget to get this knowledge by reading books, online resources like Google, YouTube, etc. Remember, you need to have a desktop or laptop for your daily use.
2. Self Motivated Learning Skill
Self-discipline is highly required to be a self-motivated learner. You must be passionate to acquire new skills to be self-motivated. Having different skills as a freelancer will increase your chances of biting the competition and getting hired in various jobs.
This requires a lot of self-discipline and commitment to achieve as no one will push you or tell you what to learn or remind you of what you have to complete. With self-determination, it is possible.
3. Time Management
Self-discipline is highly demanded when managing your time as a freelancer. This is because no one will be there to remind you of your job schedules. It would be best to create your plans and strictly stick to them without compromising.Â
Plan your activities to be a successful freelancer and excel. Failure to achieve this means you won't meet deadlines, which brings a bad reputation before clients and may negatively affect your ratings.
Freelancing Skills You Must Have to Get Hired as a Beginner
4. Communication Skills
One of the most essential skills a freelancer should have is communication skills. This includes writing, listening, speaking, and observing. These skills will facilitate you to enter the job market and start bidding for a job. You win the job if you can convince your client why they should hire you.
Communication is vital even after you have got hired. The client would love to work with a freelancer who communicates on the job progress and responds timely and in an exemplary manner.
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5. Confidence and Negotiating Skills
Communicating with a client should not scare you. It would be best to embrace trust and confidence in expressing your skills and qualifications to the client. Be sincere and express your passion for the job, showing that you can do it readily.Â
You have to describe the unique qualifications and skills that distinguish you from freelancers. Always negotiate the best rate you're comfortable working at, don't undervalue yourself.
6. Creativity
Are you wondering how I can be creative? When it comes to creativity, that's the most demanded skill clients are looking for. You must be insatiably curious to become creative. You can become creative by incorporating your daily life with innovative practices like; being focused on what you are doing, being smart, being sensitive to details, being realistic in everything, being modest, being passionate in your endeavors, etc.
Creative freelancers come up with new ideas and approaches to solving problems. You must always ask yourself why and how it is that way and not that way. When you are creative, it makes you more productive hence more attractive to clients. Your creativity will also help you identify various freelancing platforms and their tricks to get hired.
Freelancing Skills You Must Have to Get Hired as a Beginner
7. Ability to Seek Proper Information
The ability to seek helpful information goes hand-in-hand with creativity. A freelancer needs to know the right places to get correct information. Information like knowing which are the excellent freelancing platforms, how to start freelancing, how do the freelancing platforms differ from one another, what to expect as a freelancer, how to land your first client, and more are worth to be searched.
You can get more information from mentors who have been freelancing for a long time. You can also get it through reading books, online tutorials, Google, YouTube, etc.
8. Patience and Stress Management
No one will tell you about this. As a beginner, when you hear about freelancing, you may think it's that simple and easy thing.  It's not as you think at all. Landing your first job is not a joke! Some long-time freelancers say it took them up to 3 months to get their first job. It's somehow hectic. But getting your first client eases things up and helps build trust and reference to clients.Â
If you are not patient enough, you may give up! And guess what, you will be stressed. Learn how to be patient and how to control stress during difficult times. To achieve your goals as a freelancer is not an overnight dream; it takes a process. You may never know; you can be lucky enough to land your first job within your first week. Stay optimistic and focused.