Top 10 In-Demand Freelancing Job Skills
2021. The office environment has evolved. Work is no longer a place we “go to” but rather a space we “work from.” Freelancers have been ahead of this particular curve for a while, but now employers are adapting to the necessary flexibility of providing a work-from-home option, to stay in business and keep their workforce employed.
For those whose career path has been recently unearthed and are looking to translate their current skill set into a more mobile proposition, we at Australia’s Freelancing Hub want to examine the most in-demand freelancing job skills that are pivotal in the current market.
Often these skills are lumped together under a broad umbrella – Website Development is a classic example – but there are so many spokes on that brolly and not all titles are interchangeable. Let’s divide and conquer these popular jobs, alphabetically.
1. Accounting & Bookkeeping
Freelance ACCOUNTANTS provide expert financial advice to private and professional clients. Services consist of supervising clients’ expenditure and returns, analysing and maintaining records, updating processes and systems, paying taxes and investigating fraud.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Master of Professional Accounting or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA.) Computer & Software Skills, Analytical Thinking, Numeracy, Accuracy, Attention to Detail, Time Management. Clear and concise Communication Skills.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Money makes the world go round, so the world’s your oyster!
BOOKKEEPERS are financial experts who maintain day-to-day records of financial transactions keeping their clients on track and organised. Duties include processing receipts and payments, preparing invoices, balancing ledgers, payroll, preparing tax returns, filing and paperwork.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (recommended) or a Bookkeeping Course, Computer & Software Skills, Problem Solving, Numeracy, Accuracy, Data Entry, Efficiency, Integrity and Confidentiality.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Again, people who deal with money. Look to service niche industries such as Real Estate or Multimedia, which will make you vital.
2. Consultancy
CONSULTANTS provide expert insight into companies on how to enhance overall operations, productivity, profitability, structures and strategies. Together with direct research into the specific business and general industry expertise, they supply recommendations, suggest implementation procedures and propose employee training programs.
💡 Skill Set: Expert in given fields with years of experience. Superior Interview, Survey and Data Collection abilities. Situational and Data Analytics. Excellent Interpersonal, Communication, Public Speaking and Training Skills.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Supply Chain Management, Strategy, IT, Finance, Marketing or HR.
3. Graphic Design
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS visually translate a brand, message or goal through memorable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing imagery. Developing concepts, graphics and layouts for clients to promote their products, they grab the consumers attention instantly. Jobs typically encompass signage, logos, ads, labels, and displays in either analogue or digital mediums.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design (recommended) or Graphic Design Course. Proficients in Industry-Standard Photo Editing/Design Software. Abundance of Innovation, Creativity, Insight into Current Commercial Environment, Drawing, Typesetting, Print, Production, Budget and Time Management. Accuracy and Attention to Detail.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Advertising, Signage, Brand Awareness, Print Media, Multimedia, Product & Packaging.
4. Photography & Videography
PHOTOGRAPHERS produce high-quality evocative photos that capture a moment, tell a story or sell a product. By mastering each step of the process: from lighting, to shooting, developing, printing, editing and retouching, in both film and digital mediums, they create compelling, powerful images. Writing captions, descriptions or articles to accompany the photo can also be part of their process.
💡 Skill Set: Arts Degree or Photography Course (recommended.) Industry-Standard Hardware and Software Technical Skills. Mastery of Composition, Light, Colour, Texture, Shape, Space etc. Developed Interpersonal and Communication Skills. Superior Attention to Detail.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Advertising, Multimedia, Events, Fashion, Products & Packaging, Exhibitions, Print Media, Social Media, Websites, Stock Imagery.
VIDEOGRAPHERS capture an idea, scene or event via moving images. Their ability to direct live action enables them to communicate a brief, brand or concept in a dynamic and entertaining way. The ability to run a studio set or location, scheduled and liaise with a cast, crew, clients and oversee post-production requirements such as editing, sound and music is mandatory.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor of Film & Television or Production Course (recommended.) Proficiency with Industry-Standard Hardware & Software in the Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production stages. Exceptional Interpersonal, Communication, Time Management, Budgeting and Storytelling Skills. Stamina to sustain long production days.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Weddings, Events, Media, Advertising, Social Media, Corporate Training, Digital Marketing, Real Estate, Travel.
5. SEO
A SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION specialist understands how to increase traffic to websites via search engines. They develop and implement strategies using phrases, keywords, design and advertising to ensure their client’s site results in a prime search position, attracting more sales, customers and clicks.
💡 Skill Set: SEO Certification (recommended.) Comprehensive Keyword Research and Search Engine Algorithms, Computer and Programming Literacy, Excellent Written and Verbal Skills, Adaptability, as SEO is constantly evolving.
💡 In-Demand Industries: The internet!
6. Social Media Manager & Community Manager
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS create engaging multi-platform content to promote and manage organisations’ online profiles. They develop and deliver a variety of content to create brand awareness, launch product campaigns, enhance customer service and build influencer relationships. Familiar with the latest trends, they implement strategies that elevate brands and stay ahead of competitors.
💡 Skill Set: Degree in Communications, Media, Digital Marketing, Advertising or relevant course (recommended.) Keen understanding of the Nuances and Analytics of all Social Media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube (at a minimum.) Self-starter, Creative, On Trend, Strategic and Organised. Industry-standard Hardware & Software.
💡 In-Demand Industries: World Wide Web! Digital Marketing, Advertising Agencies, Multimedia, Brands, Corporations.
COMMUNITY MANAGERS facilitate and moderate a company’s online community, connecting core customers who share similar interests. By supporting and engaging members, they build brand awareness and create loyalty within the community, developing discussion and providing valuable product and service insights. This ultimately translates to self-sufficient relationships from the customer base and builds brand confidence.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Media or Communications (recommended.) Industry-standard Hardware & Software. Experience in platform tools such as Google Analytics and Facebook Insights to Plan, Analyse, Monitor and Report. Familiarity with Marketing, Sales and Customer Care Strategies. Soft Skills are vital such as Empathy, Communication, Adaptability and creating a Positive Online Experience.
💡 In-Demand Industries: World Wide Web! Digital Marketing, Advertising Agencies, Multimedia, Brands, Corporations.
7. Virtual Assistant
A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT coordinates an employer’s daily administrative duties, via remote location. These include, but are not limited to, scheduling calendars and meetings, filing, research, managing expenses and of course responding to calls, emails and various messaging services. Attention to Detail is crucial as you may be assisting several employers simultaneously.
💡 Skill Set: Excellent Verbal and Written Communication, Self-Starter, Highly Organised, Efficient Time-Management, Multi-Tasker, Word Processing and Industry-Standard Computer Literacy.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Marketing Agencies, IT, Law Firms, Real Estate, Financial Institutions, Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups.
8. Website Design
WEB DESIGN covers a broad range of skills but designers are predominantly responsible for planning, creating, formatting and coding internet sites. Combining several design elements such as image, text, video, sound, graphics and layout is foundational to building an on brand and engaging website.
💡 Skill Set: Associate’s Degree in Web Design or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Programming (or related.) Solid Design Principles, Composition, Typography, Colour Theory, UX, UI, Programming Languages such as HTML and Javascript. Knowledge of contemporary Industry-Standard Technological and Software Developments.
💡 In-Demand Industries: People that use websites! Software Companies, IT, Advertising, Marketing, Mobile Phone Design, eCommerce.
9. Website Development (Coders, Developers & Programmers, Software Engineers)
CODERS are typically entry level or junior programmers, who are delegated to write straightforward pieces of code across tech platforms by Developers or Software Engineers. Skilled in one or two coding languages, their focus is on programming software, markup writing, organising and formatting text.
💡 Skill Set: Certificate IV in Information Technology, Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development or Computer Science (or equivalent.) Industry-Standard Hardware & Software capabilities, Programming Languages such as HTML and Javascript, Problem-Solving, Mathematics, Accuracy, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Big Tech! We live in the Digital Age so take your pick… Software Companies, IT, Advertising, Marketing, Mobile Phone Design, Finance, eCommerce, Electronics, Healthcare, Education.
DEVELOPER and PROGRAMMER titles are often used interchangeably. More experienced than Coders, with ability to write several error-free coding languages, they supervise the end-to-end design and development of an application. Well versed in algorithms, their insight creates superior levels of software programming.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development or Computer Science (or equivalent.) Industry-Standard Hardware & Software capabilities, Programming & Formatting Languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL, Java, C++, or Python, Problem-Solving, Mathematics, Accuracy, Attention to Detail, Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
💡 In-Demand Industries: The world is waiting for you. As per Coders above.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERS are of the pinnacle of website development. Versed in multiple programming languages, systems and algorithms, they can identify and improve standard operating procedures as well as overseeing the architecture of a program from concept to completion. Innate understanding of UI and UX, they also possess detailed design sensibilities to create engaging and effective applications.
💡 Skill Set: In addition to the Developer and Programmer Skill Set ^^^, Master’s Degree in Systems Design, Engineering or Software Development (or equivalent.)
💡 In-Demand Industries: Besides the above mentioned, Cyber Security, IT, Multimedia, Applications Development, Game Developer, Website Design & Development.
10. Writing (Copywriting, Content Marketing, Report Writing)
COPYWRITERS are experts in writing clear and compelling brand-aware copy through various mediums such as web articles, newsletters, reports, handbooks, courses, advertising, scripts, email, press releases, social media and communications etc.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor in Communications, English or Marketing (equivalent) is recommended. Writing Portfolio, ideally a Website and/or Blog. Excellent Grammar, Vocab, Comprehension, Formatting, Editing, Communication, SEO and Research Skills, with a creative flair. Superior Attention to Detail.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Advertising, Digital Marketing, Media, Internal Comms, Social Media, Merchandising, Content Marketing
CONTENT MARKETERS execute thorough research and analysis of industry-related topics, to generate concepts and content for their clients. Responsible for planning, creating and sharing thoughtful marketing content, promoting brand awareness and generating leads is key. Writing and designing entertaining copy for platform specific engagement is central to their day-to-day as well as being able to analyse and strategise for on trend content.
💡 Skill Set: Copywriting skills above, Sales & Marketing, Data Analysis, SEO, SEM, Technical & Analytics tools, Social Media Platforms.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Public Relations, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management, Event Marketing, Advertising, Consulting
REPORT WRITERS are research based, highly analytical, and specifically structured document writers who present organised investigations, examinations and results into events, experiments or processes. Clear and concise grammar, combined with meticulous formatting skills, presents findings on a subject through explanation, conclusion and recommendations.
💡 Skill Set: Bachelor in Communications, English or Marketing (equivalent) is recommended. Data Analysis, Format, Structure, Evaluate, Proofing and Editing, Methodologies, Regulatory Standards, Meticulous Attention to Detail.
💡 In-Demand Industries: Technical Manuals, Research & Development, Finance, Education, Politics, Regulatory Bodies, Science and Healthcare.
