How To Find Legitimate Freelance Jobs
I’ve been freelancing since 2017, and I’ve seen a lot on my journey as a freelancer. When I first got started, as a freelancer with little experience, scams were everywhere. One of my first applications on Upwork was to a scam job. I’ve talked about that on the podcast before. I am passionate about teaching other freelancers online safety so they can make great decisions, and stop chasing after the wrong job listings.
Related Listening: 5 Places To Find Freelance Clients
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How To Find Legitimate Freelance Jobs
As long as the internet is here, there are going to be scammers. We have to come to terms with that. Scammers adapt with the technology we have all the time, and our leaders aren’t able to keep up with that. We have to take our safety into our own hands. Here are some things to think about as you try to find those legitimate jobs.
Stranger danger doesn’t apply if you want to make money as a freelancer.
When I was young, there was still a sense of “stranger danger,” when it came to being online. If you want to make money online, the people you connect with will probably be strangers. There are things you can do to protect yourself, but you can’t be afraid of strangers if you want to work online.
Be wary of the files you send and receive.
I’ve said this on the podcast time and time again, be wary of the files you open. Not everyone has your best interest at heart. If you can, scan all the files you download, and don’t open files with weird file extensions.
Some files are to be expected, think about the job you are accepting. For example, if you are a video editor, you’ll likely get a .MOV file or an .MP4 file. If you are a writer, you might get a .PDF or a .DOC/.DOCX file.
Never pay anything to a client (if you can help it.)
Reimbursement happens, but you shouldn’t be doing that upfront. Use your common sense and build trust with that client. Don’t spend a ton of money on a client before you build trust.
Ask for a deposit.
On the first project, you might ask for a 1/4 or 1/2 of the project upfront. If they can come up with that amount upfront, they’ll likely be able to come up with the other amount later. Asking for a deposit also makes the project run smoother because everyone has skin in the game. Clients answer questions, and you get their deliverables in on time.
Make sure the company and person is legitimate (if you can.)
Do your research on the company you are going to be working with and the people at that company.
If you get an email from them, make sure the URL of their company email matches. For example, if you are emailing a content manager at Nike, their email should end with @nike.com.
Use an escrow to hold the money.
Companies like Upwork hold your money in an escrow. Escrow means that the client has paid the amount, but you won’t have access until you’ve submitted your work, and the client approved it. Find an escrow service to work with your clients in, if they agree to it.
Trust your gut.
Trust your gut. She knows what’s up! If it doesn’t feel right, lean into those feelings. Don’t shy away from them.
Don’t fall trap to sunk-cost fallacy.
Sunk-cost fallacy will tell you that if you only sink a few more hours into this project, it will turn around. If you didn’t trust your gut and you know you are trying to make a bad project good, stop it. It’s essential to see projects through as much as you can, so you don’t develop a bad reputation. It’s also important to look after your mental health. I’ve let plenty of clients go on my journey as I realized they weren’t great clients.
Know that you find scams in the same place you find legitimate jobs.
As much as I’d love to give you a definitive list of where to find legitimate jobs, it doesn’t exist. Everywhere you find scams, you also find legitimate jobs. Scammers are getting great at infiltrating places where people find great jobs. Don’t use that fact to sit on the sidelines. Dig in knowing you might come across a scam, but you know how to look for the right jobs and protect yourself.
Check Out My Journals For More Help And Resources
Did you know that I created two freelance journals in 2019? These journals are perfect for freelancers who are just getting started.
Utilize The 90-Day Ambitious Freelancer Planner to plan out your first 90 days as a freelancer.
Use Client Calls Simplified to organize and take notes before, during, and after client calls. This is a great journal to take notes on any clients you chat with. Do things add up? Do you feel good about your interaction with the client? There is plenty of room to reflect and ponder your thoughts after each client call logged in this journal.