Freelancing
A freelance worker is a self-employed person who contracts their services to another company. If you are freelancing, you will need to promote yourself and successfully network in order to find work. You will also gain valuable experience and life skills. Below are some of our top tips for freelancing:
- Set yourself work hours. Try to work set hours as though you were in regular employment.
- Network. Get your name known and establish contacts.
- Always be prepared to show your work. Prepare a portfolio of your best work and keep it current.
- Talk to other freelancers. They may pass on your name if there is a job that comes along which they aren’t available to do.
- Keep receipts. You'd be amazed what you can claim against tax.
Our favourite links
freelanceswitch.com The FreelanceSwitch blog is an online community and resource for freelancers of all varieties. You can stay up to date with the blog by signing up to the web feed or email updates.
makeyourmarkconnect.org Networking can be a great way for freelancers to develop new business contacts. Browse Make Your Mark Connect to find networking events in your area.
pcg.org.uk The Guide to Freelancing from the Professional Contractors Group is packed full of useful information on freelancing, including advice on securing work and getting paid.
Other useful links
bytestart.co.uk Bytestart covers the ins and outs of working as a freelance IT contractor.
contractoruk.com Contractor UK offers contracting news and information for IT and computer contractors.
freelancers.net Freelancers.net has a database of UK and global internet freelancers. It is free to be listed and to search for freelancers. Jobs are posted on the site mostly in internet-based work.
freelanceuk.com Freelance UK offers news and useful info for freelancers, focusing on those working in the media, creative, marketing and PR sectors.
nuj.org.uk The Freelance Fees Guide from the National Union of Journalists site contains helpful information on recommended rates for freelance journalists, writers, photographers and designers, as well as general advice for freelancers working in these areas.