Freelancing Resources
Freelance Work Exchange
Guru.com
eLance
Craigslist
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In any field there is the eternal challenge:
You need experience to get the job. But how do you build experience without getting a job in the first place?
Odds are, however, that you have done some sort of work that is relevant to whatever type of freelancing you are planning on specializing in, unless perhaps you are trying to get started straight out of college. Use any such material you have available to show your skills.
But what if you are trying to get started fresh from college?
Not as big a problem as you may be thinking. You may just have to think smaller. For freelance journalism, for example, there are probably dozens of small publications in your area that will take a chance on a less-experienced or even completely inexperienced writer. Pick up a copy and think of some article ideas to pitch to them.
For other kinds of freelancing it may be simpler to turn to the internet. Websites such as Freelance Work Exchange, Guru.com, eLance and Craigslist all have opportunities listed, and you should be able to find someone more interested in getting the work done inexpensively than in finding someone with lots of experience. Don't do a sloppy job on these early assignments - they're helping you get started and you don't need a bad reputation.
Once you have a few jobs under your belt, get a portfolio to put them in. For the most professional look, go for a black leather one, and keep it well organized. Each sample should be stored in a clear plastic sleeve to keep it looking its best. You may not pull it out often, but when you need it the presentation will matter at least as much as your actual work. Potential employers will see a sloppy or cheap portfolio as an indication that you do sloppy work.
If you do work in multiple specialties you have two choices: get multiple professional-looking portfolios or just keep one, switching out your files as needed depending on the potential client.
Now that you have your portfolio built its time to look at getting some better clients! You don't want to work for cheap forever.