FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from IT freelancers working with ElevateX and navigating the freelance world.

Questions by Freelancers

What experts is ElevateX looking for in its freelancer community?

ElevateX is an IT service provider, so we are looking for freelancers with an IT background. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Mobile App Developers
  • Android Developers
  • iOS Developers
  • Flutter Developers
  • Full-Stack Developers
  • Front-End Developers
  • Web Developers
  • Project Managers
  • Product Owners
  • Scrum Masters
  • Data Scientists
  • DevOps Specialists
  • IT Security Experts
  • UX/UI Designers
  • Blockchain Developers

Contact us if you want to join our network, grow together, and work on exciting and challenging projects. You can start our application process here.

What are the best industries for a freelancer?

There are many industries that are worth joining as a freelancer. However, the IT sector offers a prosperous outlook with a high degree of flexibility, as the demand for IT professionals is constantly growing across a variety of industries.

Generally — but especially in the IT sector — it is important to constantly develop your skills and to recognize future trends and important developments.

What skills do I need to become a freelancer?

At ElevateX, we know how different freelance professions and requirements can be. However, clear trends are emerging, and project providers are looking for experts in their discipline.

Currently, the top skills among freelancers include programming, digital communication and marketing, graphic design, and organizational talent.

You can find more information on how to become a freelancer in our free resources section.

Can I be a part-time freelancer?

Yes — whether you are looking for an additional source of income, an activity on the side, or the pursuit of your passion, there can be many varied reasons for choosing to freelance part-time.

Part-time freelancing allows you to test the waters, build a client base, and gradually transition to full-time if desired.

What insurance do I need as a freelancer in Germany?

In Germany you are obliged to have at least two insurances: health insurance and casualty insurance.

In addition to the legally required insurances, however, occupational disability insurance, pension insurance, and professional liability insurance are also recommended to protect yourself against unexpected risks.

Where can I learn more about freelancing and best practices?

The freelance community thrives on its dynamism, and there are a variety of sources of information on freelance work. You can find helpful tips and tricks on our blog, our website, and our LinkedIn profile.

A lot more information on freelancing can be found in our resources section.

How do I win new customers as a freelancer?

The fact that customer acquisition is harder than it seems is often overlooked. Personal experience and specialized companies like ElevateX can help. We connect customers and freelancers to unleash the power of freelancing in exciting IT projects.

Building a strong portfolio, leveraging LinkedIn, asking for referrals from existing clients, and partnering with intermediaries are among the most effective strategies for winning new clients.

How do I use LinkedIn to acquire clients/projects?

We have summarized 9 practical tips for using LinkedIn successfully. This includes profile optimization, which means having:

  • A profile picture suitable for your profession
  • A tagline suitable for your profession or goals
  • Important contact information
  • Information about you in a profile description
  • Your professional experience and commitment

Regular posting about your expertise and engaging with your network also significantly increases visibility.

How do I negotiate my hourly rate as a freelancer?

The key to any successful negotiation is preparation: The better prepared you are in a conversation, the higher the probability that you will be able to achieve your expectations.

Research market rates for your skillset and region, understand your value proposition clearly, and be ready to justify your rate with concrete examples of past results.

What do I need to consider for retirement planning?

Even though there are a lot of things to consider, there is one particular upside for freelancers in Germany: they are not obliged to contribute to the traditional pension system (subject to ongoing political discussions). This means that you have all the freedom in deciding which retirement plan fits your needs best.

Common options include private pension plans, ETF-based savings, and real estate investments. It is advisable to start planning early and consult a financial advisor.

How do I protect myself against false self-employment?

If not taken care of, false self-employment can pose a threat to both freelancers and clients. The "freelancer" status may be revoked, the contractor can become an employer, and social security contributions may have to be paid retrospectively.

There are clear rules that need to be taken into account in the day-to-day work between freelancers and companies — such as working with multiple clients, controlling your own working hours, and using your own tools.

How do I stay up to date as a freelancer on current topics?

It is fundamentally important to look for the best sources of information and to use them regularly. These sources can include podcasts, websites, or YouTube videos.

A general list of good sources and the favorites of our customers, partners, and other freelancers can be found in our blog.

What requirements do I have to meet in a freelance project?

Even though requirements differ from project to project, some general guidelines can be highlighted: Successful freelancers can perform a concise and personalized pitch, select a portfolio that suits the needs of the client, and deliver consistent results.

Being reliable, communicating proactively, and delivering on time are universally valued by clients.

How do I start into and phase out of projects as a freelancer?

Onboarding and offboarding form the cornerstones of any successful collaboration between freelancer and client — both now and in the future.

Onboarding includes professional and cultural integration in teams, open communication, and quick learning. Offboarding should focus on knowledge transfer, documenting your work, and gathering feedback to improve future engagements.

How can I become a part of the ElevateX Community?

Just contact us with your CV or LinkedIn Profile, and we will get back to you. In a second step, you tell us about your latest projects, and then you can start working with ElevateX on interesting projects.

More information in our ElevateX Resources.

What are the most in-demand IT jobs?

Based on current market trends, the most in-demand IT jobs include:

  • Software and App Developers
  • System Administrators
  • Data Scientists
  • Security Experts
  • Virtual-Reality Designers

What can I do after joining ElevateX?

As soon as an exciting project is available that matches your skills, we will contact you. You can also actively reach out to discuss your availability and preferences at any time.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help. Book a free personal call and we will answer all your questions about joining the ElevateX community.

Book a free call