After a much needed breather over Christmas, you're refocused, re-energized and ready to take on new work. Next stop, the job boards. 

Collaborate online to produce incredible new work for your portfolio. When we first heard about members setting up fashion shoots online, we couldn't figure out how they were doing it. A lot of the work on a shoot requires a hands-on approach - a makeup artist applying a look on the face of a model, a photographer positioning the subject, a designer building a set or an assistant adjusting the lighting... so how were they able to produce results without physically being able to interact? 

I’m sure you’re aware that you can use Freelancer Club to fine-tune your portfolio, apply for jobs and arrange test shoots, but there are plenty of other ways you can benefit from our award-winning community platform.    Here’s a breakdown of a few of the lesser known features, so you can be sure that you’re making the most of your Freelancer Club membership! 

There's nothing like a good review when choosing a suitable freelancer for a job. Now Freelancer Club members are able to receive recommendations and reviews on their profile. Not only will this increase your chances of landing the job when applying via the site but it will also bump your profile up the Freelancer charts for more exposure.

Adding new projects is an important way to showcase your work to the club, appear higher up on the Freelancer Club directory and present your portfolio to potential clients. You can add images, video, text, links and gifs. You can also format your project in many different ways to showcase your work exactly how you'd like it to be presented. This is critical when pitching for new freelance work.

We speak with 100s of clients and businesses every week at Freelancer Club and we are constantly exploring why one freelancer gets the job and the others don't. We've also noticed how some freelancers are harming their chances of landing the job with their application. To help improve your odds, we've put together a list of pro tips on how to apply for freelance jobs. Enjoy

The layout of your portfolio can clearly have an impact on the way that your work is perceived. Whether you choose to display images as single shots, or set them up in a new format, might make a difference as to whether you get that job or not. We spoke to some inspiring members at Freelancer Club whose portfolios feature an interesting layout or presentation choice. Take their tips to freshen up your profile!

It's hardly news to state that being an authority in your field leads to more work, better rates, and broader opportunities. Pre-social media, freelancers would earn influence through hard work, experience, reputation in their field, networking and positive PR. Today, all of that can be achieved with a smartphone and an internet connection.