Explore the World's Best Ideas
Join today and uncover 100+ curated journeys from 50+ topics. Unlock access to our mobile app with extensive features.
The "test assignment" trap
There are several reasons why people consider unpaid freelance work. Those new to freelancing may think that they need to build up experience and a portfolio. Even seasoned freelancers sometimes consider doing unpaid work in the hopes of breaking into a niche area.
However, some "test assignments" are borderline scams. It's usually exploitative to expect someone to work for free.
12
93 reads
Building your portfolio without selling yourself short
Completing a free 'test assignment,' that's 'testing' several other freelancers is giving too much power to someone who's making money off your expertise. However, at times a quid-pro-quo agreement is in order, such as working for experience or exposure.
Other ways to build up a portfolio includes starting with small, quick jobs on gig-finding sites instead of unpaid freelance work. In addition, building up testimonials and customer feedback gives evidence of your skills.
9
80 reads
Convincing clients to pay
Some companies ask freelancers to submit test assignments out of ignorance. However, freelancers can use creative ways to convert unpaid work requests into paid gigs.
For example, when a client approaches you for an unpaid SEO opportunity, identify their websites strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. Then, during a short phone call, you can review your findings without providing deliverables for free.
10
81 reads
IDEAS CURATED BY
Problem solver. Award-winning reader. Devoted food geek. Certified travel evangelist. Incurable explorer.
Thea T.'s ideas are part of this journey:
Learn more about career with this collection
Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges
Developing adaptive thinking and problem-solving skills
Effective learning frameworks and approaches
Related collections
Similar ideas
13 ideas
4 ideas
14+ Quick Ways To Find Freelance Jobs Right Now
freelancinghacks.com
6 ideas
How To Get Started As A Freelance Writer
informationprime.wordpress.com
Read & Learn
20x Faster
without
deepstash
with
deepstash
with
deepstash
Personalized microlearning
—
100+ Learning Journeys
—
Access to 200,000+ ideas
—
Access to the mobile app
—
Unlimited idea saving
—
—
Unlimited history
—
—
Unlimited listening to ideas
—
—
Downloading & offline access
—
—
Supercharge your mind with one idea per day
Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.
I agree to receive email updates