Applying for Jobs

How to Interpret Job Descriptions

Job descriptions on Loxala provide critical insights into what clients expect from freelancers. Key components include:

1. Job Title: Summarizes the primary focus of the project (e.g., "Graphic Designer for Social Media").
2. Skills Required: Lists the specific skills and qualifications needed. Confirm that your experience matches the skills listed.
3. Project Duration: Shows the estimated length of the project (e.g., short-term, medium-term, or long-term).
4. Project Scope: Describes tasks and deliverables to help freelancers gauge whether they can meet client expectations.
5. Client-Supplied Files: Sometimes, clients include files to clarify requirements, making it essential to review these materials before applying.

Interpreting Budget & Compensation

Budget: Clients post budgets as an hourly rate or a fixed price.

• Hourly Rate Jobs: Ensure your hourly rate aligns with the client’s budget. You can adjust your rate, but competitive pricing within the client’s range often improves your chances.
• Fixed Price Jobs: Determine if the client’s set budget covers your time and effort. Sometimes you can propose a higher budget if you offer significant value.

Bidding Flexibility:

• Bid Under, Within, or Over Budget: When applying, choose a bidding option based on your proposed rate relative to the client’s budget. Each option includes guidance to help justify your rate based on your expertise and value.

Managing Deadlines and Consequences for Missed Deliveries

Delivering projects on time is essential for building a positive reputation and maintaining client trust on Loxala. The platform provides guidelines to manage and address missed deadlines, while allowing you to complete active projects.

When a deadline is missed, the platform begins with a gentle reminder process but may impose increasingly strict consequences if deadlines are consistently unmet.

1. First Missed Deadline  
   • A 24-hour grace period allows you to deliver the work or provide an update to the client. After this period, the missed deadline is documented. Communication is key here—an update or delivery during the grace period often prevents further action.
2. Second Missed Deadline  
   • Missing a second deadline triggers a temporary hold on your ability to apply for or receive new job offers for 48 hours, though existing projects are unaffected. The client is notified of the delay and may choose to extend the deadline, cancel the project, or receive a refund. This step serves as a reminder of the importance of time management and communication.
3. Third Missed Deadline  
   • A third missed deadline will result in a one-week restriction on applying to or receiving new projects. This temporary restriction does not affect ongoing contracts, allowing you to focus on timely completion of active work. Clients are informed of the delay and offered options to extend, cancel, or reassign the project as needed.
4. Fourth Missed Deadline (Final Action)  
   • Missing a fourth deadline initiates a permanent restriction on applying for new projects. You may continue and complete existing projects, but no new opportunities will be available. This final action is communicated to clients with options to extend the deadline or receive a refund.

Setting Personal Reminders:  
While Loxala does not provide automated reminders, setting personal calendar alerts for deadlines is highly recommended to help ensure timely project completion.

Maintaining Client Satisfaction:  
Frequent communication about deadlines and project status is crucial. If an issue arises, updating the client promptly can mitigate concerns and maintain a positive relationship.