Elance Series: Part 4
How to Maximize Your Potential
While Elance narrows the job search, the competition can be tough. It's overwhelming to find a lucrative, exciting job only and to discover dozens of others have bid on the same job. Take a couple steps to beef up your chances of getting that job.
Develop Your Profile
Don't forget to add details to your profile. Provide your relevant work experiences and education. If you have had dozens of opportunities, choose a handful that showcase the skills required for the specific job. Don't forget volunteer work such as: spouse club fundraisers, PTA positions and community work that test your skills and prove your competence. Link to online samples and upload some published clips or examples of your work. In the description sections, be personable and professional. Approach it as if you're talking to a friend. Be approachable and thorough. Include some personal interests and goals. While the profile shouldn't be too intimate, it can still be casual and interesting.
Take the Tests
Take advantage of the free tests Elance provides as they help illustrate your capabilities. You can scroll through the exam options and choose the ones that best fit your career goals. Take the tests that interest you, each will last 20 to 40 minutes. Once you're done, you'll be able to see your score. If you like the results, you can choose to publish it to your profile. If not, you can wait a couple weeks and take the test again. The test scores can set you apart from others, especially if you are talented in a specific area. If you are just getting started, the tests can solidify your qualifications.
Include a Cover Letter
When you find a job you want, the first chance you have to "meet" the employer is through a cover letter, or message in the bid. In just a few short paragraphs, you have to convince them that they need you. Jessica Lynn, an Air Force wife and cover letter extraordinaire, recommends using the first paragraph to tell a short, relevant story about yourself. Talk about a time you've done similar work or experienced a similar situation. Lynn recommends that you help the employer get to know you personally so that when he is thinking over his options, he will remember you and your anecdote.
Research the Bid
When putting together your bid, think carefully about how much time the project will take and how much your time is worth. Keep it fair, but don't undersell yourself. No matter how new you are to your field, your time is precious. Scroll over the number of bids to see what the highest, lowest and average bids are. If you can afford to go lower than the average, go for it. If not, don't stretch yourself. Just let the employer know, through your cover letter and profile, that you are worth the bid.
Tiffany Silverberg is a Navy wife and independent writer. Tired of rebuilding a career every three years, she set up a home office and started writing. Four years later, she has found a career writing for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. With experience ranging from grants to blogs, online and offline pieces, Tiffany Silverberg has the flexibility and passion necessary to be a successful military spouse freelancer.
www.tiffanysilverberg.com
Disclaimer: featuring Elance does not imply endorsement by the NSMN. Elance is one of several online options for freelancers and consultants. It is simply the preferred provider of our writer. We encourage you to research the best solution for your needs.