If you are not sure whether to start your freelancing career, all we can say to you is that now is your time. More and more employers are embracing this option since it saves them a lot of finances and keeps them on top of the game. Consequently, the growing number of workers decides to become independent. Since the benefits are numerous for both of the sides, this freelancing trend is here to stay. But, being an autonomous worker comes with certain risks and if you are not up for coping with them, you could fail. When hunting for a job, having the necessary skills is essential. Here comes the list of 6 freelance skills that will get you hired in 2020.
1) Writing & Editing
Writing is not just for poets and novelists. Nowadays, professional writing skills are in demand more than ever. A wide variety of content needs to be written and somebody’s got to do it. With the increase in the number of products of all kinds, there is a growing need for instruction manuals, reviews, articles, etc. Now you can see why journalists, poets, and novelists are simply not enough. If you do not think that creative writing is a skill you can master to perfection, maybe you can focus on proofreading and editing. Those are also popular freelance professions. Of course, the perfect knowledge of the language you are working with is a must.Caption: Writing is not just for poets and novelists
The labor law treats freelancers differently in various states. Some professions are given more rights and privileges than others too. California’s new labor law that took effect on Jan 1, 2020, raised a lot of dust. Many freelance writers found they won’t be able to earn their living as they used to. According to the law, they should be classified as employees instead of workers which is not so good for any of the sides. Some freelancers are even considering leaving California in order to live elsewhere.
2) Accounting & Bookkeeping
Accounting and bookkeeping are some people’s worst nightmares. To be honest, not many kids dreamt about becoming accountants when they grew up. But, if you are good with numbers, plus you are familiar with the certain set of financial laws in your country, you can charge a competitive rate as a freelancer. The employers are satisfied since they do not have to worry about creating more productive office space and paying for it in the first place, while freelancers are thankful for the flexibility they get. It’s a win-win combination!
3) Graphic design
The number of graphic design jobs is constantly increasing and the predictions are that the trend will continue in 2020 and beyond. If you are creative minded and ready to learn, you can find that graphic design jobs are very stimulating and can be rather lucrative. What we are looking at here is the potential $85,000 per year, which is the amount that the most skilled graphic designers earn nowadays. Being the most wanted in the field means that you have certain freelance skills such as:
- communication – being able to exchange information as a normal human being without getting technical – that will give you the advantage over others. Listening well, processing feedback and replying have already become the sought after skills that more and more people lack.
- creativity – a graphic designer is expected to be creative, obviously, but being innovative is not so easy nowadays.
- typography – this is the skill required from a graphic designer since written text has to be visually grabbing in order to catch the readers’ attention now more than ever.
- coding – graphic designers are not expected to be programmers, but some basic coding skills can only be an asset.
4) Sales skills
Many companies prefer hiring independent sales representatives rather than hiring full-time employees to do this job. Apart from the obvious reasons, such as spending fewer resources, employers choose this option since freelance sales reps have more contacts and they are part of a much greater network. That increases the sales opportunities, doesn’t it? This option can even turn into a self-sufficient business for a freelancer! Needless to say, sales skills are in demand more than ever now that the entire society is immersed in consumerism. That is why outsourcing sales representatives is here to stay.
5) Virtual assistant
This is one of the freelance skills that will help you find a job in time. No special training is needed and if you are organized and responsible, you already have a solid base for being successful. Many college students start their freelance careers like this. The number of employees, i.e. your potential clients is neverending. Busy executives, managers, influencers, and many others need help with their administrative tasks. For instance, you can be the one making their doctor’s appointments, booking them theatre tickets or contacting losangelestransfer.com when they need you to organize their relocation.
6) Spreadsheets
Yes, people are hiring other people to do their spreadsheets. If you are good at organizing, analyzing and presenting data, you can make a lucrative career of it. Of course, we are not talking about simple Exel spreadsheets here. Only the knowledge of the advanced features will get you on top. But, don’t worry, if you are ready to learn and invest in your knowledge, it will all pay off.
Whatever freelance skill you’ve got, be prepared to learn a lot
This is the most important piece of advice you can get if you are planning to search for a job. The world is changing and we need to adapt. The recruiters and employers are not only looking for formal education. Some practical skills are valued more than diplomas from prestigious universities. Just like a good employer would encourage their employee’s further education, you should be ready to invest in your skills and your knowledge. And, you should always be in the know about the freelance skills that will get you hired at any time.
