20 in-demand freelance skills that’ll get you hired today
Freelance work has exploded in recent years, thanks to talent shortages faced by many companies and the rise of the gig economy. More than half (53%) of hiring managers cite access to skills as their biggest hiring challenge, and the majority (59%) are already tapping flexible talent available on sites like Moonlighting.
While many freelance marketplaces specialize in a single vertical of skills, Moonlighting allows you to hire anyone from blockchain consultants to a pet sitters to graphic designers, all in one place. See what skills are in-demand on Moonlighting, the fastest growing freelance marketplace:
1. Blockchain
Already leveraged by several major enterprises including IBM and Samsung, blockchain’s digitized, distributed, and secure ledger is said to be reshaping the future of tech.
2. Java Development
Unlike blockchain technology, Java has been around for more than 20 years and is the basis for many open-source projects, so the demand for this skill shouldn’t be slowing down anytime soon.
3. Marketing
Marketing is a widely recognized necessity for every business -- 63% of business owners say marketing is the most important expense to grow their business -- and freelance marketers are often more efficient than an in-house marketing teams and at times even for a lower cost.
4. Web Designer
Web designers create the look and layout of web pages. Their skills are in-demand in many types of organizations, from charities to startups, giving you flexibility to work on high impact projects.
5. Accountant
While there is plenty of accounting software available, tax codes and deductions remain incomprehensible for most, keeping accounting an in-demand skill.
6. Graphic Design
If you are in the freelance design business, you can feel good knowing that the growth predictions are bright. Jobs for graphic designers are estimated to grow 13% by 2020, with the digital segment set to grow by an incredible 61%. Much of this growth will be specifically targeted at freelance designers with companies and startups are looking for strong, reliable talent that is willing to work on the fly.
7. Pet Sitting
Sixty-eight percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet. This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988. So there seems to be no decline in the need for animal care for vacationers or business travels.
8. Photographer
Sure, everyone has a camera on their phones. And even though the demand for photographers in traditional media has declined, there’s still a high-demand for commercial and portrait photographers. In fact, there’s been a 37.2% increase since 2014.
9. Software Developer
There is a large supply and demand gap when it comes to technical talent. In fact, there are 5 jobs for every 1 available software developer. When there are more jobs available than there are developers to fill them, developers can be particular about which job they choose to take.
10. Writer
In contrast to software developers, 70% of writers claim there is not enough work available. This is good news for clients searching for writers – if you have a project, there is almost certainly someone out there who wants to write it.
11. Handyman
In the age of outsourcing more technical work, there is still a great need for the skilled labor provided by a general handyman.
12. Social Media
Brands and companies these days have a good understanding of the importance of having a strong online presence. Freelance social media marketers provide the talent and reasonable rates to launch a strong social media campaign for most any size business.
13. Android App Development
No surprise here. Everyone owns a smartphone and the world needs people to develop apps for the devices running on the Android operating system. While iOS app development didn’t crack the top 20 in-demand skills list yet this year, it’s a safe assumption that if there’s a need for an Android App, odds are good the same client will also be looking for an iOS companion app sooner or later.
14. Bookkeeper
For many small and medium sized businesses, the decision to relieve themselves of their bookkeeping tasks is a major milestone. Allowing for a qualified professional to step in and take over these tasks gives the management team an opportunity to focus more on the day-to-day activities, and more importantly, how to take their business to the next level.
15. Electrician
You can DYI many household repair tasks, but electrical work is where you can really hurt yourself. This one is better left to the professionals.
16. Engineer
A talented freelance engineer can help you to produce a reliable product in a timely manner without encountering costly mistakes. That means a better and ultimately more profitable design.
17. Logo Design
The process of outsourcing design work has engulfed the creative industry today and has become a well-accepted phenomenon in the marketing industry as freelancers can deliver impressive finished work at competitive prices and at a faster pace. Top on the list of graphic design tasks: logo design.
18. Mechanic
Everyone's experienced that grim sensation of rushing out to the car in the morning only to discover that it won't start, or being stuck in the supermarket parking lot or on the side of the highway. If you're one of the lucky few who can deal with these problems and you like solving automotive mysteries, then you can save the day as a mobile mechanic.
19. Transcription
Recording interviews, conversations, and meetings is easier now than it ever has been. Technology has advanced so far where now we can record on our smartphones at the touch of a button. A transcriber can convert those audio files into written content, perfect for additional media channels.
20. Virtual Assistant
Business owners, managers and entrepreneurs are using virtual assistants to help them manage tasks like responding to emails and scheduling appointments from a remote location.
Do you have the skills to land one of these in-demand jobs? Join the amazing community of freelancers and solopreneurs changing how America works on Moonlighting.Sign up ordownload the app today - Free!