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7 ways to find jobs as a freelancer

The search for freelance projects is a regular and necessary task. In the highly competitive market, as a freelancer you have to constantly hold your own against others. The good news is that there are many ways to find the projects that really suit you. We'll show you 7 promising options and how to make the most of them.

1. use private environment and contacts to old employers

It often starts with a simple question: "You're a copywriter, can you rewrite some of our product texts?" Many freelancers recognise their first opportunity through such questions from friends or acquaintances. It's often a gentle introduction to self-employment - perhaps only as a sideline at first, but one that can grow quickly.

Keep your eyes and ears open and inform those around you about your services. Friends and acquaintances are important multipliers who can pass on your offer when they hear about someone who is looking for exactly your skills.

You can also get new jobs through your former employments. Your former employer already knows your qualifications and the way you work - this is a decisive advantage for freelancers. Depending on how good the relationship was and how the collaboration ended, it may be worth asking about freelance projects or supporting tasks. If you are unsure whether you should contact your former employer directly, talk to former colleagues. They can give you valuable advice on whether there is a current need or whether it makes sense to make an enquiry.

2. FIND PROJECTS IN THE HAYS PROJECT EXCHANGE

In our project exchange you will find a variety of projects from the fields of IT, Engineering, Construction & Property, Finance, Healthcare, Life Sciences, HR, Legal, Procurement, Retail, Sales & Marketing and many more. You can also search for projects with a partial workload if you are not yet working at 100% capacity.

Project exchanges are a valuable platform, especially for those at the beginning of their career as a freelancer. They serve as a springboard for gaining a foothold in the world of freelancers, gaining experience and building a network.

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3. Create a job alert

Create a job alert on our website. All you need is a Hays account and you're ready to go.

You set your criteria and receive regular updates in the form of e-mails as soon as there are new projects matching your search criteria.

A clear advantage of Job Alerts is the time saved. Instead of constantly searching for projects yourself, you receive notifications about new projects that match your profile. This automates part of the acquisition process and allows you to focus on the essentials: Your work.

Create a job alert on our website. All you need is a Hays account and you're ready to go.

You set your criteria and receive regular updates in the form of e-mails as soon as there are new projects matching your search criteria.

A clear advantage of Job Alerts is the time saved. Instead of constantly searching for projects yourself, you receive notifications about new projects that match your profile. This automates part of the acquisition process and allows you to focus on the essentials: Your work.

4. CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Your own website is more than just a digital business card. It can be the decisive factor that underlines your professionalism and competence as a freelancer. With your own website, you signal to potential clients not only seriousness, but also that you are established in your industry. Visibility in search engines such as Google is an undeniable advantage. An optimised web presence attracts interested parties looking for your services in a targeted manner.

Another advantage is the versatility and flexibility with which you can present your work, your projects and your portfolio. Unlike third-party platforms or social media channels, you have full control over the design, the content and the way it is presented. Furthermore, having your own blog or regular content not only adds value for your target audience, but also consolidates your position as an expert in your field.

5. USING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Social media open up numerous opportunities to make oneself visible and to find and also approach potential clients. Platforms such as LinkedIn are particularly relevant here. By specifically sharing professional articles, commenting on current topics or networking with industry experts, you gradually demonstrate your expertise and make a name for yourself in your sector.

By sharing content about your views and values, you develop your image and thus your personal branding. Take advantage of this opportunity and place topics that inspire your target group. You can do this on your profile - but also in Facebook or LinkedIn groups or forums on relevant topics.

Many companies and private individuals also use these platforms to specifically look for freelance support. If you are regularly active and follow developments in your network closely, you can find interesting projects directly in your timeline.

6. Build a network

Another tool at your disposal as a freelancer is your network. It goes far beyond the boundaries of social media and forms another basis for sustainable client acquisition. Every person you come into contact with can be a future client.

But it is not only digital channels that offer networking opportunities. Take part in physical and virtual events, trade fairs or industry-specific meetups. Here you will not only learn new things, but you can also exchange ideas with other participants. Intense dialogue and personal exchange will make an impression and increase the chance that you will be remembered.

Network intensively with other freelancers. A strong community of like-minded people not only provides emotional support, but can also provide you with valuable referrals and assignments. There are even special LinkedIn and Facebook groups where freelancers distribute assignments among themselves. This way you create a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Another tool at your disposal as a freelancer is your network. It goes far beyond the boundaries of social media and forms another basis for sustainable client acquisition. Every person you come into contact with can be a future client.

But it is not only digital channels that offer networking opportunities. Take part in physical and virtual events, trade fairs or industry-specific meetups. Here you will not only learn new things, but you can also exchange ideas with other participants. Intense dialogue and personal exchange will make an impression and increase the chance that you will be remembered.

Network intensively with other freelancers. A strong community of like-minded people not only provides emotional support, but can also provide you with valuable referrals and assignments. There are even special LinkedIn and Facebook groups where freelancers distribute assignments among themselves. This way you create a win-win situation for everyone involved.

7. Place advertisements

In today's digital world, as a freelancer you have a variety of options to draw attention to your services in a targeted way through advertisements. Advertising systems such as Google Ads or social networks offer you targeted options to reach potential customers.

Start with a manageable budget and experiment with different approaches and formats. Sometimes it's the creative and unusual ideas that go down best. By trying out different variations, you maximise your chances of finding the right approach for your target group and thus successfully gaining new customers.

In today's digital world, as a freelancer you have a variety of options to draw attention to your services in a targeted way through advertisements. Advertising systems such as Google Ads or social networks offer you targeted options to reach potential customers.

Start with a manageable budget and experiment with different approaches and formats. Sometimes it's the creative and unusual ideas that go down best. By trying out different variations, you maximise your chances of finding the right approach for your target group and thus successfully gaining new customers.

CONCLUSION: CHOOSE THE WAY THAT SUITS YOU BEST

There are many ways to win jobs. From our project exchange to job alerts to personal networking - each strategy has its advantages.

Before you start looking for projects as a freelancer, you should consider where your strengths lie and what kind of projects you are looking for. This will make it easier for you to target your search.