Know What Samples To Ask For When Accessing A Freelancer

Employers often fail to understand the difference between mock-ups, auditions and work samples, but once understood, they will be better equipped to choose the one bests suited to their needs. In the case of mock-ups, auditions, and work samples, each one bares closer examination.
Auditions

Employers should think of freelance websites as the Garden of Eden, and mock-ups as an apple which they must refrain from eating. The most important thing that needs to be understood is that mock-ups are considered to be free work, and are often frowned upon by freelance websites. However, there are exceptions to the no ‘mock-up’ rule, and in those instances an ‘audition’ is considered appropriate.

For example, you are looking for a professional freelancer who types 80 wpm and can accurately transcribe a manuscript, in that case an ‘audition’ can take place. Asking a professional freelancer for an ‘audition’ is always acceptable if their skills can not be demonstrated any other way.

Other professional freelancers who’s skills are better determined by an ‘audition’ include telemarketers(can they read a script clearly and succinctly?), programmers(do they show good problem solving skills when using a script?) and business consultants (can they outline a proposal which shows a clear understanding of your business?).

Mock-Ups(Free Work)

“Nothing comes for free” is a common expression which most people are familiar with but very few adhere to, which may explain why some employers think nothing of asking professional freelancers to do mock-ups in place of samples or an audition. Mock-ups can include asking graphic designers to submit a logo for their company; writers for newly written work, and posting a call for submissions for design, artwork and writing, where only a winning entries are selected and paid for.

One note: A freelance website will not approve of any project which asks for mock-ups to be submitted with a bid.
Work Samples

Work samples are a professional freelancers bread and butter and are helpful at demonstrating ability, style, and work quality to perspective employers. Employers who are seeking to hire a professional and wants them to submit some work samples, should request that they do so in their project description. In addition, how many work samples are desired; 3 to 5 work samples are the norm, but asking them to submit 1 is fine.
In Conclusion

Requesting mock-ups is akin to asking a professional freelancer to work for free and it is a practice that is frowned upon by most freelance websites. If employers remember anything, they should remember these three things:

1. Auditions are used in skill categories that don’t lend themselves to portfolios
2. Mock-ups are akin to asking a professional freelancer for free work
3. Work samples are a way to demonstrate a professionals ability, style and work quality