đź“ť Build Experience and Land Jobs with Freelance and Gig Work (Even Without Formal Job Experience)
Hello Hello,
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away I started my gig business after quitting my fulltime job. This was back in 2009. It was a scary time. Butterflies all over my stomach.
At the time I advertised my services on a site called oDesk.com (later it became Upwork.com). I set the goal of making $10K in 3 months. A month and a half in and I had achieved my goal.
I didn't look back and I went full-time on my new gig endeavor. It was tough but it was worth it. In the years to come I hired a few freelancers to work for me and we grew the business.
Eventually I let it go for reasons beyond the time we have here.
Today I would like to open your eyes to the possibility of you trying one of those gig sites to build your experience. You don't have to turn it into a business, but you could start to put in practice what you have learned, by doing real projects. Nothing like a client chasing you to push you to deliver a project. It is a great way to motivate yourself and show real work that you have done.
Thank you, and enjoy the read!
Aderson.
Dreaming of a career in tech but feel held back by a lack of formal experience? Here’s a question: What if you could build a solid resume and portfolio by doing freelance or gig work? Freelance projects and short-term gigs are some of the best ways to build real-world experience, showcase your skills, and stand out to employers—without waiting to land a full-time job. Let’s dive into how you can make it happen.
3 Key Points to Leveraging Freelance and Gig Work
- 🌟 Start with Small Projects and Build Your Portfolio
- đź› Choose Platforms That Fit Your Skills and Goals
- đź’Ľ Showcase Freelance Work Like a Pro
🌟 Start with Small Projects and Build Your Portfolio
When you’re starting out, taking on small projects is a smart way to build experience and create work samples. Every project—no matter how small—adds to your body of work, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and showcase real-world results. The goal here is to focus on projects that align with your career goals and create tangible examples of your abilities.
How to Do It:
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what type of work you want to be known for. If you’re aiming for a web development career, focus on building websites or small apps. If content creation is your path, look for writing gigs or content management tasks.
- Start with Friends or Local Businesses: Offer your services to people you know or local businesses that could use help. These initial projects can be unpaid or low-paying, but they allow you to gain hands-on experience while delivering value to real clients.
- Add Each Project to Your Portfolio: For every project, keep a record of your work. Create a portfolio section on your LinkedIn profile or build a simple website to showcase what you’ve done. Each project, no matter how small, adds credibility to your resume and gives future clients or employers a reason to trust your skills.
Even small projects provide invaluable experience and credibility. They help you learn the ropes, create deliverables you can show off, and give you the confidence to take on more challenging work over time.
đź› Choose Platforms That Fit Your Skills and Goals
When it comes to freelance and gig work, choosing the right platform is key to finding relevant projects and clients. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to bid on projects that match your skill set and experience level. Finding the right platform can connect you with the right opportunities for building experience in your field.
How to Do It:
- Research Different Platforms: Upwork is ideal for longer-term projects and professional networking, while Fiverr is more task-based, perfect for quick gigs. Identify which platforms align with the type of work you’re looking to build experience in.
- Optimize Your Profile: Your profile on these platforms is your digital storefront. Use a professional photo, write a clear bio highlighting your skills, and list any experience or relevant coursework. Be specific about the services you offer to attract the right clients.
- Start Small, Build Trust: As a newcomer, it’s easier to land smaller gigs. These may not be high-paying, but they’ll allow you to gather reviews and ratings, which are crucial for building credibility on freelance platforms. As you complete more projects and earn positive feedback, you’ll attract higher-paying clients.
Choosing the right platform and optimizing your profile makes a huge difference in finding work that’s relevant to your career goals. It’s about starting where you’re at, gaining trust through small wins, and building momentum over time.
đź’Ľ Showcase Freelance Work Like a Pro
Once you’ve completed a few freelance projects, it’s time to package them in a way that shows their true value. Just because it’s freelance or gig work doesn’t mean it’s any less valid than traditional job experience. Highlighting your freelance work professionally can give employers confidence in your abilities and help you stand out in job applications.
How to Do It:
- List Freelance Work on Your Resume: Treat freelance work like any other job experience. Under a “Freelance” or “Independent Contractor” section, list the projects you completed, the skills you used, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., “Redesigned website for local business, increasing traffic by 30%”).
- Create Case Studies: For larger projects, consider creating case studies that outline the problem, your approach, and the results. This demonstrates not only what you did but also how you think and solve problems.
- Ask for Testimonials: Positive feedback is powerful, especially when you’re trying to build credibility. Ask clients for a short testimonial after each project and display these testimonials on your portfolio or LinkedIn. This social proof reinforces your experience and reliability.
By presenting your freelance work professionally, you show potential employers that you’re proactive, capable, and results-oriented. It doesn’t matter if the work was part-time or temporary—what matters is the value you provided and the skills you developed.
Conclusion
Breaking into a new career without traditional job experience can be daunting, but freelancing and gig work offer you a powerful way to gain real-world experience, build credibility, and showcase your skills. By starting with small projects, choosing the right platforms, and presenting your work professionally, you’re creating a foundation for future opportunities—and proving to employers that you’re proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented.
Remember, it’s not about waiting for the perfect role to come along; it’s about taking action now and building the experience that will make you stand out. Every project, every client, and every skill you gain along the way is a step closer to achieving your career goals. So go out there, start building, and let your work speak for itself.
Personal Updates
- 🥳 I’m working on a tech product project with lots of moving parts, and a tough client. It is so good to see when they are happy with what we delivered. At times it feel so rare, so I have to enjoy these moments.
- 👻 I’ve watched an eerie movie. Not gory, no blood. Just eerie - The Night House
- 🗳 So… How about the elections?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
– Peter Drucker