This week, my LinkedIn profile appeared 877 times.
I spent the last few days actively applying to freelance developer posts — sending messages, writing emails, and reaching out to people for React, Angular, and full-stack developers.
For long time, I didn't think deeply about the process of getting a job. I thought that building projects and learning new technologies would somehow help me start working as a freelancer.
It wasn't.
So instead of continuing to learn endlessly, I decided to do something different: I started treating LinkedIn like a real opportunity source — and began applying consistently.
What happened next was surprisingly different from what I expected.
What I Actually Did
Instead of just scrolling or learning passively, I started taking action:
- Applied to multiple freelance posts every day;
- Sent emails and LikedIn DMs;
- Shared my work (my Real-Time Chat App and portfolio);
- Shared conversations with potential clients.
I don't want to feel "ready." I just started.
What I Learned
1. Most People Don't Reply
This was the first thing I noticed. You can send multiple messages, and get no response at all. At first. it feels like rejection. But it's not.
I just how things work.
- People are busy;
- Posts get flooded with messages;
- Many applications are ignored.
This is normal.
2. Timing Matters More Than I Expected
Applying early makes a big difference.
Posts that are:
- Recently published;
- Have fewer comments.
Are much more likely to get a response.
If you apply late, you're just one of many.
3. Messaging Matters
At first, I wrote very genetic messages. They didn't work well. What I worked better was being clear and direct:
- What I can build;
- What I've already built;
- How I can help with their project.
People don't want long introductions. They want to understand quickly if you're useful.
4. A Board Tech Stack Helps — But Not in the Way I Expected
One unexpected advantage I had was knowing multiple frameworks. Since I've worked with:
- Angular;
- React;
- React Native;
- Next.js;
- Vue.js;
- Nest.js;
- Node.js.
I didn't have to skip many posts.
I could apply to wide range of opportunities:
- Frontend;
- Full-stack;
- Sometimes even backend-focused roles.
But this doesn't mean you need to learn everything. What actually matters is:
Being able to build real things.
The tech stack just gives you more entry points.
Real Conversations Started to Happen
After some time, I started getting responses.
Not many — but enough to notice a pattern.
- I had a conversation about a JAMStack role and went through an interview.
- I connected with other developers.
- Some people told me they might reach out in the future.
Nothing immediate came out of it, but it felt like I was no longer just sending messages into nothing.
Eventually, I started having actual conversations with potential clients.
In one of them, I was asked:
"What are your charges for an app?"
It wasn't surprising — just a bit unexpected how quickly the conversation moved to pricing.
I tried to understand the project first and asked about the scope.
But they asked again.
So I gave a simple range:
basic MVP: around $300–800
They said they would get back to me. And maybe they will, maybe they won't. But that wasn't the important part.
The important part was that the process had changed:
From applying to having real discussions.
Advice If You're Starting
- Don't wait until you feel ready;
- Apply even if you don't match every requirement;
- Build at least one real project;
- Keep sending messages, even if most don’t reply.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Afterword
I'm currently building and sharing my work publicly, including a Real-Time Chat Application and other ongoing projects.
I'm also open to freelance opportunities.
- GitHub: https://github.com/ZeroaNinea/
- Portfolio: https://heghine-app.netlify.app
Top comments (1)
The perspective shift from "I'm applying for jobs" to "I'm setting an intention to have real discussions with real people" is soooo helpful! Outreach doesn't have to be an overwhelming and intimidating process. Once I'm ready to begin freelancing, I will definitely keep your tips in mind.
And I know you said don't wait until you're ready, but I'm still learning the fundamentals of the fundamentals. So, I genuinely have quite some time before I'll be ready. haha)
Thanks for sharing!
Also, your portfolio is so cool and unique! 🤩 I can tell you are going to do fantastic work for your clients. 🌸