Becoming a freelance or self-employed worker in France

31 May 2024

The question that inspired this post:

"Hello,

I am a freelqncer based in paris. Looking for part time / full time contracts. I have 8 years of experience in Sales, Fashion design and manufacturing and also teaching English (TOEIC) and Photoshop at university level. Im fluent in French, english and hindi.

If you know anybody who might be hiring freelancers, it would be a great help. Um also open for evening or night time contracts. All suggestions are welcome.

Thanks a lot."

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Introduction

As a freelancer with a diverse background in sales, fashion design and manufacturing, and teaching English and Photoshop, you're well-positioned to find part-time or full-time contracts in Paris. Here are some strategies and resources to help you navigate the job market and secure freelance opportunities.

Register on Freelance Job Platforms

Websites to Explore:

1. Upwork: Ideal for a wide range of freelance jobs, including sales, fashion design, and teaching.

2. Freelancer.com: Offers various freelance job categories similar to Upwork.

3. Fiverr: Great for offering specific services like Photoshop lessons or fashion design consultations.

4. Malt: A European platform popular in France, perfect for finding local freelance gigs.

Tip: Create a strong profile highlighting your skills and experience to bid on relevant projects. Include a portfolio of your work to showcase your expertise.

Check with Language Schools and Centers

Schools to Contact:

1. Lingua Monde

2. CLIC

3. Wall Street English

These institutions often hire freelance English instructors, especially for evening and weekend classes. Your TOEIC teaching experience can also be valuable for corporate English training programs.

Explore Fashion and Design Agencies

Opportunities:

• Reach out to fashion design agencies, manufacturers, and boutique brands in Paris for freelance design or sales roles.

• Websites like Freelance-Info and Codeur.com sometimes list fashion and creative gigs.

Offer Private Tutoring Services

Platforms to Use:

1. Superprof

2. Acadomia

3. LeBonCoin (local classifieds)

Advertise private English tutoring, TOEIC prep, or Photoshop lessons. Market your services to students, professionals, and corporate training centres.

Network and Join Professional Groups

Networking Tips:

• Attend industry events and meetups in Paris related to your fields of expertise.

• Join professional associations to expand your network and increase visibility.

Platforms:

1. LinkedIn: Update your profile to reflect your freelance availability. Connect with potential clients or employers, and join relevant groups to participate in discussions.

2. Meetup: Attend local meetups to network in person.

Check University Job Boards

Many universities in Paris have job boards that advertise part-time teaching or tutoring positions for freelancers. Leveraging these platforms can help you find opportunities aligned with your experience.

Utilize Specialized Job Boards

Websites:

1. Fashion Workie: Specifically for jobs in fashion, including design and manufacturing.

2. FlexJobs: Offers remote, part-time, and freelance opportunities across different industries.

3. PeoplePerHour: Allows you to offer services such as sales consulting, teaching, and design.

Explore Local Opportunities

Teaching:

• Check local universities, language schools, and online platforms like VIPKid for teaching opportunities, especially for TOEIC and English.

Fashion Industry:

• Reach out to local fashion brands and boutiques in Paris. Many small businesses may need part-time or project-based help with design and manufacturing.

Leverage Online Teaching Platforms

Platforms:

1. Udemy: Create courses on Photoshop or TOEIC preparation.

2. Preply: Offer English lessons to students around the world.

Job Websites

Websites:

1. Indeed: Search for part-time or freelance jobs in your area.

2. Glassdoor: Look for company reviews and job openings.

Utilize Social Media

Platforms:

1. Instagram: Use it to showcase your fashion design work.

2. Facebook Groups: Join groups related to freelancing, fashion design, and teaching.

Final Tips

• Portfolio: Providing a portfolio or examples of your work can make your job search more effective.

• Flexibility: Being open to evening or night-time contracts can expand your options.

• Consistency: Persistence and perseverance are key when seeking freelance gigs.

By leveraging these resources and strategies, you can increase your chances of finding suitable freelance or part-time contracts in Paris.

Good luck with your job hunt! If you need further assistance or specific information, feel free to ask.