In today’s increasingly flexible business environment, more work options are available. Here are some resources and tips for approaching them.
Jobseekers interested in freelance and remote employment* should always visit the websites of companies of interest to find out if they offer freelance and remote work opportunities. This is a solid, targeted first step in any job search, and it can lead to successful outcomes.
When there is no company of interest in mind, a wider job search can be enacted. Today’s jobseekers can turn to employment websites, of which there are many, from the narrowly focused to the broad. Employers from traditional companies and fully remote firms often use specialized job service websites and platforms to connect with professionals looking for remote work projects or positions. These global websites and platforms have become the primary way businesses hire independent freelance professionals to complete specific projects.
Freelance professionals create online profiles and portfolios, submit proposals for jobs that interest them, and manage both work and payment through the site. There are a variety of fees and payment structures for jobseekers to navigate on these platforms. Explore the financial terms carefully, as they change over time.
Notable Sites for Remote Employment & Freelance Opportunities
Here is a sampling of notable sites, along with pertinent information about them. (All websites are in English unless otherwise noted.)
Fiverr.com
https://www.fiverr.com/
(English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian)
The Fiverr platform connects businesses with freelancers from around the world offering digital services in more than 300 categories, including graphic design, digital marketing, programming, video and animation. The platform is free, but Fiverr takes 20% of proceeds for sold services, plus a processing fee for removing funds from your account. Fiverr Pro is a curated list of providers who must go through a more detailed application process.
Freelancer.com
https://www.freelancer.com/
Freelancer.com connects employers and freelancers from around the world. Through this website, freelancers can find work in areas such as software development, writing, data entry, web design, engineering, sales and marketing, accounting and legal services. It is free to sign up, create a profile, select projects you are interested in, upload a portfolio, receive project notifications, discuss project details with the employer, bid on projects (free members receive eight bids per month initially) and enter contests. However, some fees may apply.
Guru
https://www.guru.com
Guru offers freelancing opportunities in areas such as education and training, sales and marketing, programming, design and art, engineering and architecture, legal, and business and finance. You must pay a transaction fee that depends on your membership level. Guru is more flexible than most when it comes to issuing payments, offering four options: fixed price, hourly, task-based or recurring.
Jobspresso
https://jobspresso.co/
Jobspresso connects people seeking freelance or remote careers with companies offering these kinds of positions. The service is free for jobseekers. Job listings are curated and reviewed daily to verify their legitimacy. These listings include positions in tech, marketing and customer support.
JustRemote
https://justremote.co/
JustRemote lists jobs that are both fully and partially remote. These cover a wide variety of positions including customer service, HR, marketing, recruiting and social media. The site provides a weekly email with the latest job listings. Jobseekers can view the job postings for free. For a fee you can gain access to the ‘Power Search’ option to find job opportunities companies don’t advertise.
RemoteOK
https://remoteok.com/
RemoteOK offers primarily software engineering opportunities, although there are some in marketing, payroll and administrative. It also lists internships. Users can search by salary and benefits, as well as by job type and location.
Toptal.com
https://www.toptal.com/
With over 10,000 clients in more than 150 countries, this site offers businesses an alternative to the usual bidding process by closely vetting freelance talent. For freelancers, Toptal gives access to legitimate projects with the best companies. Major categories include IT programmers, graphic designers, financial professionals and project managers. Registration for jobseekers is required but it is free to search.
Virtual Vocations
https://www.virtualvocations.com
Virtual Vocations is a job service that only posts positions that offer a guaranteed payment, which can be hourly, salaried or project-based. It does not post jobs that are fee-based or solely commission-based. Virtual Vocations also provides resumé/CV services and networking opportunities in its forum and blog areas. Free registration allows limited access to the telecommuting job leads database; full access requires a paid subscription.
We Work Remotely
https://weworkremotely.com/
We Work Remotely is a global job board that posts opportunities in design, programming, customer support, copywriting, marketing and management from some of the most prominent companies in the world. It also lists the top 100 companies with the most experience in remote hiring.
Temp & Staffing Agencies
Many temporary and staffing agencies also offer work-at-home and remote opportunities. Major global companies include Adecco, Kelly Services, ManpowerGroup, Randstad and Robert Half.
* Explore hiring opportunities with GoinGlobal’s customized job search database.
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