Freelance Forums

Many people wonder how they can get a job if there is no portfolio. On the same note they wonder how they can create a portfolio if you can't get a job without one. Here is a little tip I did that really helped.

Start by trying to provide services to people you know. You can do these jobs for free or even for a little cash. Many times the people you know won't let you go away without something. On that note you have a small portfolio and you can go out and get some customers and charge a very small amount. The best way to build a portfolio is by slashing your competitors prices. Once you get a better portfolio going, then prices can increase.

Good points, that's basically how I got started and for the most part am still operating on (except the free part!) It is almost impossible to go onto the freelance sites and get any jobs without a portfolio, so you do need to build up that portfolio and as LeetPCUser mentions, you may need to do a few jobs for free to get off the ground.

Yes great advice. I have the small number of portfolio worthy projects I can use now so I am currently building a portfolio.

It is hard starting out but then it gets easier.

Another way to build your portfolio is to offer to do volunteer work for local professional organizations or other not-for-profits.