Websites for Freelancers

Compiled March 2001 by Susanne Nally

http://www.smarterwork.com
Calling itself ‚The Managed Marketplace for Business Services' this site offers international project-based work. Individual users first get approved as ‚experts' in order to be paired with "clients" offering projects in a variety of fields from writing and tax to business consulting and legal services. See the affiliate sites for UK, Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden and China in the local language.

http://www.womans-work.com
A balanced work/home life is the goal here. This site is dedicated to helping professional women find alternative work arrangements.
Not only provides freelance bidding service through an alliance with www.elance.com, but additional content aims to be a supportive forum for all aspects of life for the modern woman.

http://www.elance.com
GREAT source for international project-based work. Affilitated with several other sites such as Womans-work.com.

http://www.freelance.com
Freelance bills itself as the "Global Source" for projects and professionals. Industries may vary with each country. (For example the German language site seems to be geared toward IT specifically.) Notice the vast network of individual country sites spanning the globe.

http://www.freelanceworkexchange.com
This slickly designed and slickly promoted membership-based site sells itself as a kind of one-stop resource for all your freelance needs. Offers job links, other sites, market reviews, courses and tips.

http://www.freelancewrite.about.com
Using the About.com system of "personally guided" web sites, Freelancewrite creates a community atmosphere for the freelance writer in search of tips, job leads, and even moral support.

http://www.freelanceonline.com
A membership based directory of freelancers and employers in the fields of advertising and publishing.

Benchmarking Your Worth

http://www.brainbench.com
Prove your skills to would-be clients with a Brainbench certification. Mentioned in a number of freelance web sites this skill-testing certification seems to be highly regarded in the web community.

Network Network Network

http://www.Mediabistro.com
Started in NY as a series of real-time networking parties, this site is now an excellent networking resource for media professionals. Get the scoop on what's happening in the world of newspapers, publishing, web, advertising and film. US and London based. Users are invited to host Media-Bistro parties in their city.

http://www.webgrrls.com
An international forum aimed at women working in new media technology, or those who want to. Offers plenty of professional advice, tutorials and „war stories" from insiders who know.

Educate and Elevate!

http://www.HungryMinds.com
Feed your mind with distance learning. Hungry Minds will show you how.

http://www.writingclasses.com
The online branch of Gotham Writers' Workshop, New York City's largest writing school.

Where to now? Career Guidance

http://www.self-directed-search.com
Who needs guidance counselors? This 15-20 minute online test promises to match you with careers and educational paths right for you.

http://www.Keirsey.com
International character/personality test.

Misc. Portable Jobs

http://www.getfacts.com (Amway)
Info on the network marketing firm Amway from insiders who have first-hand experience.

For the job-searchers seeking the comforts of colleagues and a water cooler chat. (Primarily US based info)

http://www.headhunter.net
a US-based job-search site. Affiliate sites for Canada, India, Quebec and U.K.

http://www.careerbuilder.com
a U.S. based job-search site

http://www.WetFeet.com
U.S. based recruitment service.

http://www.Vault.com
The Vault covers all things HR related, from salaries and workplace issues to scholarships and education. A good place to get the inside story on specific industries and keep up with your field while you are away. US.

http://www.IndustryInsite.com
Another hands-on guide to the business world.

http://www.JobStar.org
California-based salary info.

http://www.HardAtWork.com
All things work -related.

http://www.HireMinds.com
Boston area -technical, creative interactive job finder

http://www.careerjournal.com
Wall Street Journal.