How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? - Questions https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/ A place to discuss rates, clients, and everything freelance. en-US Thu, 21 May 2026 08:26:47 +0000 wpForo 60 RE: How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-49 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:57:51 +0000 Historically, I've been very against working for free. I recently applied for a gig that required a writing test, which was basically a small sample of the overall scope of work. I agreed because I was really interested in the gig, but not sure if I had the time availability. The test helped me understand the time commitment, as well as price it accordingly. So while I think working for free is not ethical overall, there are times it can be beneficial. 

]]> Questions Jessica Porter https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-49 RE: How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-48 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:52:24 +0000 I’m against working for free, but if it’s a niche I want to break into, I would write a sample piece to add to my portfolio. 

Also, one thing I’ve noticed is that not many applicants write a free sample, so if you reallyyyy need a gig, it could be one (unfortunate) way to onboard the client.

]]> Questions WriterKC https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-48 RE: How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-45 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:52:12 +0000 None--I refuse to do any work for free. I'm willing to do a paid test, even if the rate is minimal, but time is money.

]]> Questions GirlHowdy https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-45 RE: How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-44 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:49:58 +0000 I suppose my first thoughts are why should anyone expect you to provide a service/work for free ? 

When I first set up my business, and was receiving many samples of manuscripts, if I was interested in the storyline I would request the full. After spending my time reading, I would then provide them with a publishing quote. I was surprised when their responses such as, isn’t this free? or do I have to pay ? 

I didn’t even charge for the reading time which was many hours. Maybe I should of 🤔

]]> Questions JamJar https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-44 How much work are you willing to do for free just to apply for a freelance job? https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-42 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:05:53 +0000 I'm seeing so many jobs (specifically on LinkedIn, since that's where I check for work) lately that require freelancers to do some form of work just to apply, and I'm wondering where people draw the line. 

I personally believe that's what a portfolio is for. But why does it seem like companies are trending towards free labor now?

]]> Questions sillysquirrel https://peeroscope.com/community/freelancers-freelancers/how-much-work-are-you-willing-to-do-for-free-just-to-apply-for-a-freelance-job/#post-42