Freelance mission offer vs. permanent job offer: what are the differences?
A candidate for a permanent job is primarily looking to join a company in a specific position. A freelancer is looking to join a project. A job offer must therefore be structured around the project in which the assignment is to be carried out and must be straight to the point, giving very concrete information on the objectives and tasks to be carried out. Employer branding elements used in traditional job offers, such as the company’s mission, culture, or values, can be promoted to freelancers too.
The different elements that must be included in a freelance mission offer
Here is a section-by-section breakdown of what makes a good job description and our tips for including the correct information:
- The job title: this is, of course, the first thing that candidates will read, so it is an essential element. Choose a clear title and representative of the content of the mission to attract suitable profiles.
- The company presentation: summarize in a few lines the activity of your company, with, for example, a few key figures, and if possible, give information on the entity or the team concerned with the mission.
- The context of the mission: explain the problem to be solved, sharing some elements about the stakes, the schedule, and the stakeholders.
- The tasks to be performed: give information on what you will expect from the freelancer and what the mission will consist of. To be concrete, freelancers must be able to protect themselves.
- The profile you are looking for: list the primary skills required for your needs. Think about hard, technical, soft, or relational skills.
- The conditions of the mission: duration, start date, planned travel, location, on-call duty, telecommuting… be as transparent as possible. You can also indicate a range of GST but remember that this may impact your negotiation capacity.
- The selection process: explain the different steps of the process. Several interviews, contacts, technical tests… Most offers do not include this part, which is a shame. Candidates like to know what to expect. Therefore, we advise you to give them maximum visibility and transparency.
Classic mistakes in writing a freelance assignment
When writing a freelance job description, it’s easy to fall into ways that can detract from the quality and effectiveness of your offering. Here are some of the most common mistakes companies tend to make and how to avoid them:
Classic mistake #1: too short a description
In bullet point form, many freelance opportunities are limited to a few lines or a list of desired skills. It is very unlikely to get the best profiles in a tight market by sharing so little information.
Classic mistake #2: spelling mistakes
It may seem obvious, but a job offer full of spelling mistakes conveys an unprofessional and unattractive image. Take the time to proofread!
Classic mistake #3: using internal jargon
Some engagement offers to refer to team names, projects, or internal tools and therefore use language that people outside the company need help understanding. Be sure to be clear about this.
Classic mistake #4: a title that is too vague
Avoid titles that lack precision, such as “Developer” or “Designer.” Your title should define the profile you are looking for at a glance to act as a filter for candidates. If you write “Full stack developer” without specifying the technology (Java, JavaScript), you risk receiving many unsuitable profiles.
Classic mistake #5: an unrealistic profile
Do not describe a profile that resembles a five-legged sheep, as this may irritate the candidates. List the 3 or 4 skills essential for the mission, and then indicate any other skills that are appreciated as a bonus. In any case, be realistic about the profile you are looking for or redefine your needs.
The keys to writing an offer that attracts the best freelancers
Now that you know how to structure a job offer and avoid the classic mistakes, you must go one step further to attract the best profiles. And to do that, you have to do everything you can to put yourself in their shoes.
It would be best if you remembered that the best freelancers want to stay at the top of their field of expertise. They are therefore looking for missions that will challenge them and allow them to continue progressing. It would be best if you highlighted what your project would bring them.
Is your team working with a particularly innovative technology stack? Does the project scope extend to other countries? Does your company have a particularly ambitious program in place within its industry? Consider putting forward these critical arguments in your mission offer to “sell” your project as well as possible and convince the best profiles to join you.
Also, avoid mentioning in your offer any potential difficulties to be anticipated in the project. It is essential to be transparent about these elements with your candidates but discussing them during the interview is preferable.
You now have all the keys to writing attractive freelance job offers. If you still need more time to devote to this task, you can always ask for help.
With LittleBig Connect, our teams help you define your needs and select the best proposals. All you have to do is choose the profile that suits you and work with the best experts!
