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Guest post by: Daryl James Become an Author

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When a professional decides to begin his/her freelance career, they have no specific and directly applicable freelance work history or feedback/references to offer potential outsourcing companies. In addition, most new freelance providers start out with a poorly written profile because they are in a rush to apply to any and all available jobs, hoping that there might be some outsourcing manager who might be willing to take a chance on their skills - at least enough of a chance to offer an interview.

As days and weeks pass and no outsourcing managers offer such an interview, these freelance hopefuls eventually start to realize that potential employers are not willing to invest so much as the time for an interview on a supposed professional who fails to take the time to properly present themselves. With so many freelance providers bidding on a particular outsourcing opportunity, only the most polished presentation will gain positive attention and the resulting call for an interview.

So, if you are a new freelance professional, take a day off from applying to outsourcing jobs and start applying for outsourcing interviews by polishing your professional freelance profile. Focus on the following:

1. Create an attractive one-line title. Having an attractive freelance title is a must as this is the first thing that a potential outsourcing manager sees in his or her candidate list. Companies tend to click on more intriguing titles when searching for interview prospects.

2. Have a clear objective. Your freelance objective is the next critical information that an outsourcing manager will read. A good objective must place the potential company's need in mind. Proven experience, quality work and timely delivery are all powerful words that might get the attention of an interviewer.

3. Show yourself. If you are an independent freelance professional, then it is best to display a professional image - not one that might be used in social networking sites - but a photograph that projects the appropriate polished image you are trying to project. Companies are more willing to interview and take a chance on someone who starts with a proper visual image of themselves. Logos may also be appropriate if you are a member of a larger provider workteam.

4. Take freelance skills tests. Prove to the buyer by measuring your skills. Sites such as oDesk offer free certification tests, while sites like Brainbench delve more deeply into specialized skills for a per-test cost if you want to take your freelance career one step further.

5. Write down relevant skills and experience. Sell any experience gained in a professional venue. You never know when a sub-skill or a unique talent that you possess could be the differentiating factor in getting the interview.

6. Complete your freelance portfolio. While gathering and organizing a professional freelance portfolio is time-consuming, the effort will be doubly rewarded when you get that interview invitation. If you don't feel you have enough professional material to build a portfolio, your first priority should be to create appropriate sample work that represents your freelance ability.

7. Preview your freelance profile. Once your professional freelance profile is complete, spend some time reviewing the design aspects of your overall presentation. Balance content and design, and blend form and function such that outsourcing managers can begin to imagine how your skills might be applied to their needs.

8. Ask for some feedback. Freelance communities such as those found at oDesk are a great resource for constructive criticism (be sure to post your profile permalink so that everyone can take a good look).

Your professional freelance profile is a very valuable tool for demonstrating your talents and abilities to outsourcing companies. With so many freelance providers in this global marketplace, keep in mind that potential employers will simply skim through your profile.

Think of your profile as a sales brochure that is used to get prospective customers to interview you for more information regarding your potential. If you are going to sell yourself to that outsourcing company, what should your brochure look like and what kind of information should it contain?

If you change your provider perspective and spend the necessary time developing your professional freelance profile, you are merely one rejection away from that ever-elusive first interview.

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