I have been meaning to write this for a while now and though this could have easily been a blog post, I’ve posted it here so others, who have experience can give their input as well. There are several portals available which can help you land a job, project or assignment staying home. I’ve used some of these personally and will share my experience.
The domains these sites cover generally include
1- IT and Programming
2- Design and Multimedia
3- Writing
4- Sales and Marketing
5- Administrative support
6- Finance etc
Process of getting the projects through these sites is pretty standardized. When you see a project that matches your skill set, you submit a proposal often referred to as a ‘bid’ which outlines your skills, previous experience and relevant examples along with the amount you want to charge and the timeline for completion. Clients then initiate a communication if they like your bid. After some back and forth communication, the project is awarded. You are supposed to complete the project and get paid. Its not as simple as it sounds though. Remember that there are others submitting their proposals as well so if the type of task you are applying for is simple, there is less chance of you getting the project, or if even if you do, that might be at a very low pay.
Elance.com
Offers fixed budget and hourly projects. There are 40 connects available for free members. Each project is worth 1 to 4 connects. Depending on the scope of the project you might have to set up milestones and get paid when you complete a sub-task/milestone.
oDesk.com
Offers fixed and hourly projects. Hourly projects have payment guaranteed. For fixed budget projects you have to negotiate with client directly how you are going to handle the payment(s).
Formly known as getafreelancer.com has acquired other number of freelance portals like vworker.com and offers hourly, fixed projects and contests.
Some other names are
getacoder.com
guru.com
*(Add to the list if anyone knows of any other site)
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Which site not to use
I am not going to list any names here but there are things that you will have to consider.
If a website guarantee you a job, that’s possibly fake.
If it asks for upfront money and then guarantee a job, that’s definitely a fake.
If it asks for one time fee, its only going to give you lists of things that you CAN DO to make money and is not a direct source of work.
If a site asks you to submit all your information before creating an account, that’s possibly a fake site as well.
If you have done any work staying home, using these portals, please share your experience. If you are going to give it a try now, let us all know how it goes or post questions if any.