A couple of weeks ago, I was on the phone with someone from LinkedIn discussing a new service that they are testing out called LinkedIn Profinder.
This service allows clients to post projects on LinkedIn and allows freelancers to respond to these requests.
Profinder is still in beta, but it could be a game changer when it comes to connecting freelancers and consultants to real businesses that need projects completed. Here’s what I know so far.
How it Works
Signing up is easy and simply requires filling out a short application form online. Your Profinder profile information is automatically copied over from your LinkedIn profile, but you can update it later.
Having recommendations on your LinkedIn profile from past clients is important as well as having a complete profile.
LinkedIn also recommends that you blog on their Pulse platform as those articles will show up on your Profinder profile. Writing can be a way to showcase your expertise to prospective clients.
Currently, the service is trying to pair up people that need projects done with providers by geography and connections. In other words, if someone post a job in Philadelphia and you live in Philadelphia plus you are connected to the job poster through your network, then you will see the project in your “Client Requests” list.
One feature that a lot of people requested was that contractors be able to view jobs outside of their geographic location, especially since freelancers can easily perform work remotely in many cases. LinkedIn is considering implementing this feature in the future.
People participating in this program can submit projects, including people that signed up as freelancers. The projects are reviewed by LinkedIn staff before going live.
Freelancers and consultants can then respond to project requests and proceed from there. Unlike platforms like Upwork, there is no payment processing or job management functionality at this time. The Profinder platform simply makes it easier for companies, freelancers and consultants to get in touch when project work is available.
The platform is currently free to both freelancers and job posters. LinkedIn is still deliberating on how to monetize the platform, but is currently focusing on seeing if there is sufficient demand for this service.
Posting a Job
Anyone that has a Profinder account can post a job currently. To post a job, simply click on the “My Projects” tab on the top menu.
If I click inside the “What Service Do You Need” box and start typing, some options drop down that I can select. I typed in “Marketing” to see what happened.
I can select a more specific type of marketing and I can also browse popular services available through Profinder on the next screen.
I clicked on Design and then WordPress Designers. At the top, there’s a button that you can click to submit a project.
Here’s a screenshot of what the interface looks like when browsing contractors. Contracts appears to be ranked higher if they have a higher number of mutual connections and recommendations. Click below to enlarge.
So networking with other people and building your connections is important. And if you do work together with someone, be sure to get them to leave a recommendation on your profile.
LinkedIn actually has a feature that allows you to ask someone for a recommendation if you need some more on your profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/recs/ask?trk=marketplace_pro_ask_recommendation
Where Profinder Is Currently Available
LinkedIn first made Profinder available in San Francisco in late 2014. They are currently rolling out access to Philadelphia, New York City and Los Angeles.
If you are in one of these cities and wish to try out Profinder, apply at this URL for early access:
https://www.linkedin.com/profinder/pros
The person I spoke to at LinkedIn said that they plan on rolling out access to 15 cities by March 2016, including the following:
Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago
To learn more about this service, check out the Profinder FAQ:
About Brian Liang
Thanks for sharing this information. Surely this new Linkedin Profinder service, is going to be really helpful for freelancers and companies who work on client projects. Soon going to explore this. Thanks..
Welcome, Nancy!
Linkedin is also a good social site and this article is really helpful for update the same . you blog is also very informative
regards
ashish
Fantastic post Brian.
I’m pretty sure the Profinder will render the likes of Freelancers.com and Rent-a-Coder.com to mention a few irrelevant because from the foregoing it’s going to involve a whole lot of things that these sites can’t match (e.g. the recommendations from real professional connections – this I suppose will be crucial to the success of the Profinder service and can’t be faked).
I like your style and delivery and your post captures all the necessary information every prospective user of this brand new service needs upfront. I’m sure its going to save a lot of folks a couple of minutes of research.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed, keep working hard on connecting to even more people that matters and await when LinkedIn roll out the service to international users.
Have an awesome rest of the week.
Cheers,
@toluaddy
Thanks Tolulope. I think Profinder has a lot of potential and there’s definitely a big need in the market for something that improves the experience of helping freelancers find the right clients and vice versa. Thanks for stopping by!