Five reasons why summer is the perfect time to start freelancing!

1. Take a break, rest, and reflect 

Holidays are not just useful for travelling, although of course we encourage you to do so. However, also use your time off to recharge, so you can look at your career with fresh eyes. Can you remember what your goals were when you just started your (first) job? Did you achieve them? Where were you when you started, where are you now and where do you want to go next? Take some time to really think about all these things and maybe even write them down to get a clear overview for yourself. It’s easy to then draw your own conclusions. Do you think you are ready for the next step in your career? It could be freelancing! 

2. Update your CV and your skillset

As we mentioned in a previous blog, your CV is crucial if you are looking for your next job and want to apply. If you are eager for a new challenge, make sure you follow the tips we have given you. Not sure how to go about it, even with our blog? No worries, send us a message and we’ll look into it together. 

Speaking of CVs, it might also be a good idea to update your expertise. How long ago did you learn something new? Especially in a market like IT, where every technology evolves at lightning speed, you need to stay up to date. Don’t hesitate to join a course, watch an online webinar, get new certifications, read the latest news about your favourite technologies to work with, and so on. Then put all that new experience and knowledge on your CV! 

3. Research the market

If you are considering a career as a freelancer, look at the specific job market you are in, both online and offline. What is the situation like? Are there any risks, how many vacancies can you find on your own, how many of them really interest you? What do most of those vacancies require from candidates and do you meet those requirements? Make sure you know what you’re diving into. Again, if you are not sure how to start or if you are struggling with the information you have found, let us know and we will be happy to explain and/or help you. 

4. Personal branding matters!

Don’t just give up your job and plunge into the deep end. Make sure your CV is in order, but also that you know exactly how you are going to ‘sell’ yourself. Have you thought about which parts of your CV you want to highlight, and which are nice-to-haves rather than key elements? Know what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to show them impressively or hide them subtly. First impressions are crucial, so you need to know how to make your case convincingly. You need to be the first person clients think of to fill the vacancy, right? In other words, know which of your core qualities you can (and should) focus on when talking to a potential client. 

5. Look for matches

Last but not least, look for projects and companies you click with. This is important. We understand that your priority is to find a job and get paid. While this is obviously necessary, we still recommend that you don’t settle for the first thing you find ‘just to be sure’. Since you spend most of your time at work – let’s face it – you want to end up somewhere you enjoy being and where you’re talking to people you enjoy having a conversation with. Want some advice on how to find projects that suit you best? Hey, that’s what addon is all about, so just ask: we’re here to help. 

We are Youssef – founder of addon – and Hajar and Adam – recruiters. The three of us establish the smooth sailings of our organisation. As we want to keep our personal and human values high, we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to our story and mission. Don’t be shy to contact us: we’re approachable, available and we can’t wait to meet you!