Freelancers looking for more assignments should diversify the types of jobs they work on, new research suggests.
A study from the University of California's Haas School of Business discovered that freelancers who demonstrate work commitment through an incremental career path, by moving between similar — but not identical — types of jobs, are the most likely to be given work. Additionally, freelancers who work on only one type of job, or on too many disparate types of jobs, are less likely to win assignments.
The study's author, UC Berkeley assistant professor Ming Leung, said previous study findings recommend that freelancers specialize in a particular type of work so prospective employers know the freelancers' area of expertise. However, the new study found that other factors are more important.