Freelancer Job Description Sample

A freelancer is someone who is hired on a self-employed basis rather than as a regular office worker employed on a long-term contract by a single employer. Some of the popular areas where freelancers are employed include writing, graphics designing, editing, translation, photography, web design and programming.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Freelancer?

• Plan ahead to meet your deadlines effectively
• Inform the client in advance if you feel you might miss a deadline
• Be quick to respond to queries made by clients
• Stay informed about the latest trends and standards in your line of work
• Build yourself an excellent portfolio to show prospective customers
• Communicate promptly and professionally with your employers
• Make sure your work is consistent with what has been displayed in your portfolio
• Keep track of whether your work is within the scope of the project
• Follow-up with your employer on getting your invoices processed

How much can a Freelancer earn?

According to a study carried out by Payoneer, freelancers work 36 hours per week on average and earn $21 per hour. Overall, the annual salary comes to $39,000 before tax. 

What are the education and entry requirements for Freelancer?

There are no rigid requirements for becoming a freelancer. All you need is experience and skill in your area of specialization. Some employers do prefer hiring freelancers who have at least some basic educational qualification, especially in areas like writing and Information Technology. Freelance Job nature involving high-tech, research-oriented projects may require a master’s degree or Ph.D. When companies are looking for a freelancer, they usually look at the portfolio and experience of the freelancer, rather than his/her educational credentials.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Freelancer?

• Self-discipline
• Highly motivated
• Quick-learner
• Good attention to detail
• Concentration
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Good communication skills
• Meticulous
• Ability to delegate
• Strong research skills
• Strong time management skills
• Organized
• Confidence
• Client focus
• Strong selling skills
• Negotiation skills

What are the pros of being a Freelancer?

• Flexibility to work from anywhere
• No rigid schedules
• Higher income potential compared to regular jobs
• You can be your own boss
• You can fix your own work schedule

What are the cons of being a Freelancer?

• High competition
• You have to multitask
• Inconsistent income
• You are accountable for finding your own freelance projects
• You will have to deal with irate clients on occasion
• You may have to burn the midnight oil to meet deadlines

Work environment and career outlook

As a Freelancer, you can work in a flexible, relaxed and unstructured work environment from the comfort of your own home or wherever else you can have access to a computer. You won’t have to deal with nagging co-workers or worry about dress code. What’s more, you can enjoy the freedom that comes from the option to set your own hours. Freelancers are employed in a wide variety of fields, including Computer and IT, Administrative, Accounting, Finance Education, Customer service, Healthcare, Writing etc. Freelancers of an entrepreneurial bent can start their own small business once they get a steady inflow of orders.