by Karin Krueger
30 September 2022
Years ago I was asked to do some PR for a property group. They wanted me to complete a PR campaign. If they liked it, they’d pay.
My response? I phoned the same property manager as a customer. Asked if they would build me a porch. If I liked it, then I’d get them to build me a house. The manager’s response? “You can’t do that!” Well, what’s the difference?
It’s happened to me again.
This time I applied for a writing gig with an online broker. They had all my credentials and access to referees, so as far as I was concerned, their due diligence was done. It should have been plain enough that I was capable of doing the work.
I was asked to write a blog. It was on their recent research and very much a current job. The company talked about future work with me. They were looking forward to talking to me.
I mistakenly thought I had won the gig. I was wrong.
I asked what their pay rates were for the blog I had just written. They responded, ‘Oh no. We’re not paying for your blog. That was part of the recruitment process’.
I kicked myself. What did I forget?
Getting content for free seems to increasingly be a practice used by companies, particularly at the recruitment process.
This needs to be called out.
You always need to be paid for your work.
I figured this online broker had canvassed six people. That’s at least half a year’s worth of blogs. Job done. No need to hire anyone.
Getting applicants to do work for nothing is highway robbery. How many plumbers, lawyers or council workers are asked to demonstrate their worth before being engaged and paid?
Nada, zippo, zilch.
This shouldn’t happen in our industry.
So, organisations who think they can get away with this practice: You’re on notice.
Perhaps they need to consider a probationary period, as most organisations do, to see if both parties are a good cultural fit.
It’s a reminder to freelancers to be vigilant and not bullied into producing unpaid work.
Don’t write anything unless you get paid.
Don’t assume you have the gig, ever. Always get something in writing from the client first.
Before you start work, send the client a letter of agreement or a contract. Wait for this to be signed before you begin. No matter how small the job. No matter how much pressure the client puts you under.
Often, a client will want to start on things immediately, but may drag their feet on the contract signing (or paying the commencement deposit, if you charge one to new clients) but just wait until you have both until you start anything. See below for more about contracts.
When canvassing a lead or a job or gig on a jobs board, get into the habit of asking the following questions as part of the process:
Other good signs that it’s going ahead are if…
A contract is an important part of your working kit. There are at least eight parts that should make up any freelance contract to include:
You can grab a Freelancer Letter of Agreement from the Rachel’s List Toolkit. Freelancing.com.au is also a good resource with tips on how to write a freelancer contract.
It’s tempting to forget this phase if you’re writing one or two blogs or only have a day’s work. Once you have a template, it’s easy to send out to be signed.
Essentially, a freelancer’s credentials and referees should be enough to go on to demonstrate their ability to do the job. There should be no need to write anything without being engaged.
Remember, you should always get paid for the work you do. You’re not a charity.
How do you ensure you get paid for your work? Do you have any tips or stories to share?
