In a world of complex, overloaded and sometimes confusing websites, occasionally it’s a relief to not have to sort through all the extras to get where you want. While I realize you don’t HAVE to look at everything, it just seems the thing to do, I mean we must seek and find to learn, correct?! Well, www.project4hire.com doesn’t’ think it’s necessary. This is a no nonsense, no hype website where you can search and bid on jobs. It has no cute icons to click on, just one for client sign-up and contractor sign-up, It has no decorative tabs, or endless sections I sometimes have to sort through to get where I really want to be. No, this isn’t a fancy site, it basically says: here’s the category, here’s the job, here’s the number of people who have bid on it, the average amount of the bid and when this posting will expire. It’s as simple as that.

This seems to be a site geared mostly in the Web Development, and Graphic Design areas. There aren’t many jobs listed in other areas, and in the Services category there was only one posted job. The website divides projects by featured projects, latest projects and permanent projects. When you click on a category, it will show the sub-categories and number of jobs available. The site also gives a complete list of freelancers and their country flag. Of course, you have to know your flags to know where they are from! That was probably the trickiest part of the website. You can search for the freelancer by username, which I actually found to be interesting, because unless you’ve used these people before, how are you going know what their username is? Moving on – I do like the fact that for each freelancer selected for a project, reviews are available. They also list the number of reviews and the rating the contractor gave them. I was reading comments on one freelancer, and he did everything from doing a job perfect to abandoning a job and not finishing at all. Having the reviews and comments should be helpful to the contractor; they can evaluate how dependable the client is and the probable turnaround time for a particular job. Of course, freelancers will need to make sure the job is done well so they get a good review. It sounds like a win-win for both parties.

There is not a fee for posting or searching for jobs. There is an option to become a certified member for a small fee. An application is submitted and certification is given. This can give members a stronger advantage in obtaining a job. A project acceptance fee of 5% is required for accepting a job. Employers can also place permanent employee ads for a minimal fee. For permanent employment, the contractors are contacted directly, no bids are placed.

While there are not as many jobs listed, and this site does not have resources and skill tests, it does have a forum and some articles relating to freelancing. For its simplicity, it seems to be a decent freelancing website and one worth taking the time to explore. Simple, to the point and ready to help freelancers find a job!