Freelance work can be very beneficial to job seekers and those just entering their job search. These opportunities afford you the opportunity to work with a variety of different people, and on different projects. Where can you find freelance opportunities though? The answer might be closer than you think. Below we’ve included five sometimes overlooked places to look for freelance gigs.
1. Your hometown.
Sometimes the best outlets for hearing about freelance work are back at home. Unless you grew up in a big city, it’s likely that you and your family cultivated a network in the city you grew up. That network consists of people from a number of professions who may need help with a particular project. You’ll have a leg up, since you’ll have that personal connection, and it could expand your network as well.
2. Your university.
I went to a big state school near a big city. While some of my professors were full-time, many were visiting professors or part-time faculty who worked in the profession they taught. Don’t just look at your school’s job board, talk with former professors who may know people looking for help, or who themselves may need help with a project.
3. Your friends and family.
This is one we’ve discussed a lot, but it remains a tried and true solid. Use your friends and family to put you in touch with people that might need help and can offer you freelance work. Another option: if you’re looking at writing or public relations jobs, ask about pitching your family and friends to their university alumni magazines on new positions, promotions, etc… You’ll hone your skills and you’ll help them get recognition.
4. Your religious- or any other service- organization.
This one sort of goes to the community-based environment like your hometown, but even a bit more personal. Religious and service organizations are voluntary memberships and align you with people of similar interests and convictions. One friend of mine, a cooking student, started a catering business with clients built up from his church. Other patrons may need help in their businesses as well.
5. Company websites.
Sure, many places seek full-time employees in job ads, but not all. Often times you can find some part-time gigs in job ads. You may also find specific events that the company or organization is working on. It also doesn’t hurt to email the event coordinator to see if they need temporary help with the event.
Working freelance jobs can both boost your resume and your wallet while in your job search and finding positions isn’t as hard as it seems. If you know where to look there are plenty of opportunities out there, so get looking!
Is freelance work your main source of income? Where do you find your gigs? Share with us in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of ahitagni blog
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