How to find Freelance work by bidding or sending proposals to matching Jobs or Projects

How to write a perfect Job or Project proposal? (Your Job proposal gives very first impression about you to the client)

1. First and foremost make sure you go through the Job requirements in details and refer any supporting materials, graphical representations, external references and any content client has provided in fine print as well. Some clients purposely place hidden or ambiguous queues in to their Job description in order to identify if Prospective Freelancers have gone through it in detail.
2. Have a clear understanding of the skills or competencies demanded by the project. Make sure those match with the fields you are aiming for. Software development projects compared to  Digital marketing jobs requires different types of skills. Ensure that you are perfectly equipped with the proper skills needed by the Job. 
3. Make sure you incorporate sufficient clarity into your Project proposal.
4. Be specific in your solution specifications. This will reduce clarification times and can speed up the interview process. Also will increase client’s satisfaction placed on you during proposal evaluation stage.
5. Where ever applicable provide supporting materials, demonstrations and previous work references to backup your job proposal further. This will assist clients evaluate you correctly and build trust in you. Job posts such as Graphic designing, Video production, 3D animations, 3D modeling always insists in providing previous work references.
6. Certain types of Jobs require freelancers to pass certain skills tests and thresholds levels. Freelance work such as Data Entry, Translators, Proof reading, Copy writing requires you to have minimum performance measures such as typing speed and words per minute. Make sure you posses such test results from recognized testing tools and present them with your proposal.
7. Also provide proof of previous work, demonstrations. Make sure the previous work references you provide relate to the current job as much as possible.
8. Make sure you provide testimonials from previous satisfied clients. Make sure the Jobs relating to the testimonials closely match to the current job.
9. Also maintain integrity in your project proposal. Do not provide false or misleading data.
10. Be genuine in your answer to the Job requirements. Where things are technically impractical to achieve do let the client know about with supporting data and always provide alternatives client can choose from. Clients always need answers and deliverables.
11. Be realistic in your proposal. Do not over exaggerate or provide unrealistic data in order to win the project. You may win in the short run but soon you will realize you cannot sustain the momentum as the realities will start to materialize.
12. Always Provide timelines of deliverables with clear mile stones. By including sufficient number of clear and well defined milestones you are always informing the client that you are thorough in Job requirements and you have a clear vision on how to achieve the Job deliverables.
13. Avoid ambiguities in your Job proposal. This could confuse clients and also if client is very thorough in his knowledge about the Job then client could quickly disregard you and your proposal thinking you are not knowledgeable enough to handle the Job.

How to properly communicate with prospective employers or clients? (Initial impression matters a lot)

1. Make sure communicate in a Timely manner, Especially during initial conversation stage. Clients regard timely communicator well as they look attentive in to their tasks.
2. Always use a polite language. Clients always are in need for answers and clarifications. Therefore do not add to their confusions by not being polite.
3. Always demonstrate a high degree of Fluency in English. If you think you lack English skills then you should take time to improve it on a regular basis. Clients should feel comfortable in communicating with their prospective Freelancers.
4. Make sure you demonstrate good technical knowledge or domain knowledge during your conversations. Clients need immediate and positive answers backed by sufficient technical explanations.
5. Do clarify any doubts properly. Whenever client requires any clarifications provide explanations fully instead of cutting short in your answers.
6. Avoid arguing with clients.
7. Avoid anger when dealing with clients.
8. Avoid emotions in your communications.
9. Provide supporting materials when needed.
10. Provide proof or work when asked.
11. Be a good listener. Clients prefer Freelancers who are not bossy and are willing to listen to what they have to say.
12. Communication skills are extremely vital in winning Freelance Jobs. Refer this detailed guide on 10 communication tips for Freelancers

How to negotiate on the budget? (You can make or break with your budget)

1. Be realistic in your budget figures. Do not start with an extremely large figure hoping to reduce it during negotiations. Because clients think a significant reduction in budget means noticeable drop in quality of work.
2. Provide evidence for the proposed figures. Provide man hour estimates, budget break up for individual tasks in the project. This will help client to justify your budget and the details of work done. Also it enables him to cross check with other Freelancers against their deliverables.
3. Be a good listener during negotiation stages. You can only provide clarity into clients doubts regarding budgets only if you first listen to what he has to say.
4. Where ever possible incorporate free work to support your budget. Free ad ones, extra support, free site audits, free x number of man hours for future customizations are few good examples.
5. Always think long-term prospects with the client. If it is the first time you are working with, make sure it is not the last time you will work with the same client. Therefore be ready to be flexible as possible so you can impress the client with your work for the reduced budget you agreed, and he will be more than willing to offer the next project to you without any hesitation even at a moderately higher budget.
6. Try to negotiate for non-monitory returns such as a positive testimonial or a review.

How to select the right projects to bid? (Failing on a right job is ok. You can try better next time. Landing on a wrong Job is worse)

1. Be clear on your expertise. Try to pick the right projects or Jobs for you considering your skills, competencies and previous work.
2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Pick the projects that are in line with your strengths and work on your weaknesses so that you later you can expand your Job reach.

How to agree up on other supplementary aspects needed for smooth execution of the Job (Is it a Due Diligence?)

1. Due Diligence matters in any contract undertaken. Agreeing up on a Freelancing Job is no different. You need to be transparent with your client.
2. Have a clear list of checks to do before hand
3. Try to agree for a Freelancing contract with client. This shows your professionalism and orderliness
4. Do not make clients think that you are auditing them. Try to adapt to the circumstances

How to maintain a perfect balance between Freelance work and Personal life (Addictive behavior in Freelancing could be dangerous)

1. Always stick to your skills and jobs or projects you are comfortable with. This eliminates unnecessary stress or sleepless nights trying to achieve your milestones
2. Always attend to your personal needs first. Freelancing brings in a lot of free time. Unless you manage your time properly you will soon lose work-life balance
3. Freelancing brings in more money than a traditional Job. At least it gives hope of more earning potential, as you are not tied to a weekly or a monthly fixed wages. This temps you to go behind each and every Freelance Job. Try to keep cap on the concurrent Freelance work or Jobs you undertake in order to maintain a health work-life balance 
4. Always remember “Getting Addicted to Freelancing” could bring in more problems than benefits