Job applications near me: everything you need know

Starting a new life in the United States begins with a fundamental step: finding job opportunities that offer financial stability. For people from other countries, this search can bring unique challenges.

After all, how can you find trustworthy jobs near you that value your skills and provide the flexibility needed to adapt to a new routine?

The good news is that the job market has changed. Today, service apps, like SkillBridge, have become a powerful and innovative solution, opening doors to a new model of self-employment.

This digital landscape not only connects you to countless clients in your area but also puts you in control of your own earnings and schedule. It’s a work model that empowers you and offers the freedom to be your own boss.

Whether you’re a painting expert, a cleaning master, or a furniture assembly professional, keep reading for essential information to help you prepare, create a standout profile, and start landing jobs.

If your goal is to achieve financial independence and build a successful future, you’re in the right place!

1. The first step: preparing for success

Even before you create your profile on the app or accept your first job, success as a self-employed professional starts with your preparation. How you organize yourself and the seriousness with which you approach this journey will make all the difference. Check it out below, some important steps to get started:

The self-employed professional mindset

Forget the idea that working for yourself is just temporary work. Approaching this opportunity as a real career is what sets successful professionals apart. You are the owner of your own business, and your work and reputation are your greatest assets.

Think about how to build a personal brand, offer excellent service, and, above all, value your skills and the time you invest in each task.

Documentation and legality: your foundation for security

This is one of the most important points for any service provider in the United States. Having your documentation in order is fundamental to working legally and avoiding future problems. If you are a resident or citizen, a Social Security Number (SSN) is fundamental.

If you don’t have an SSN, you may need to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your taxes. Tax regularization demonstrates professionalism and is a legal requirement.

Personal organization: the key to productivity

To be successful, organization is your best friend. Create a routine that works for you:

Your workspace: even if it’s a corner of your home, having an organized place to store your tools and plan your schedule helps you stay focused.
Calendar and schedule: use a digital or physical calendar to note all your commitments, schedule jobs, and mark deadlines. This avoids conflicts and ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.
Basic financial plan: start tracking your earnings and expenses. Being self-employed means you are responsible for your own taxes. A simple financial control plan helps you prepare for tax obligations and visualize your growth.

2. The key to getting clients: the perfect profile

Your profile in SkillBridge app is your main business card and works as your digital resume. It’s the first impression clients will have of you and is the key to getting found and hired.

Taking the time to build a complete and attractive profile can be the difference between receiving a steady flow of service requests or not. Check out some important tips below:

Your professional photo that inspires confidence

A good profile photo isn’t just a detail; it’s the first chance to create a connection with the client. Choose a photo that is clear, professional, and friendly. Focus on:

Be the focus: the photo should be a close-up of your face, with good lighting.
Smile: a smile shows confidence and friendliness, making you more approachable.
Simple background: use a neutral, clean background to avoid distractions. Avoid photos at parties or with other people.

Fill out every field on your profile

Leaving sections blank can give the impression of a lack of professionalism. A complete profile shows that you take your work seriously and offers security to the client:

Experience and skills: detail your skills specifically. Instead of “I do repairs,” write “electrical repair,” “plumbing services,” “light fixture installation.”
Languages spoken: in a diverse community, highlighting the languages you speak can attract clients who feel more comfortable communicating with you in their native language.

However, it’s important to remember that SkillBridge believes that language should never be a barrier to finding work or hiring talented professionals. Through our innovative platform and real-time translation technology, we build bridges between communities and empower individuals to succeed.

The magic of keywords

Think like a client: what terms would they use to find a professional like you? The app’s search system works based on these keywords. Using the correct terms in your profile and description ensures you appear in relevant search results:

If you do gardening services, include words like “gardening“, “lawn mowing”, “landscaping.”
For cleaning, use “residential cleaning,” “commercial cleaning,” “house cleaning.”
If you do small repairs, mention “furniture assembly“, “TV installation” and other activities you do.

Filling out your profile with attention to these details will make the app’s algorithm work in your favor, connecting you with the right clients and increasing your chances of getting hired.

3. Pricing and earning strategy: value your work

The autonomy to set your own price is one of the biggest advantages of being a self-employed professional. However, knowing what to charge is a strategy that involves both research and self-confidence.

Your goal is to find the perfect balance between a fair price that values your skills and a competitive rate that attracts clients. Therefore, it’s important to focus on:

Market research: know your local value

Before setting your price, it’s essential that you understand the market in your area. Research how much other service providers with similar skills and experience are charging.

Use the internet to search on other platforms, social media, or even local job websites. Remember that the cost of living and service prices vary greatly from one city to another in the United States.

The amount you charge should be adjusted to ensure it’s competitive while also covering your expenses and the value of your time.

Pricing types: choose the ideal model

SkillBridge offers the flexibility of two pricing models so you can choose the most suitable one for each type of service:

Hourly earnings: perfect for jobs with uncertain durations, such as cleaning, private lessons, or gardening. This model ensures you’re paid for every minute of your effort, regardless of whether the task takes more or less time than expected.
Fixed-price projects: ideal for services with a well-defined scope, such as furniture assembly, small renovations, or electrical installations. By negotiating a fixed price with the client, you guarantee the total value of the work, which provides security and predictability for both of you.

Starting low to grow

If you’re just starting and don’t have any reviews yet, it can be strategic to set a more competitive initial price. Think of this as an investment: an attractive rate can help you get your first few clients and, most importantly, your first reviews.

Each positive feedback on your profile is social proof that builds your reputation. Once you’ve accumulated some reviews and earned the community’s trust, you’ll have a solid foundation to increase your prices and reflect your experience and the high quality of your service.

4. The app: agility and communication are essential

Once your profile is perfect and your pricing is set, success depends on how you interact with the app and with clients. Agility and clear communication are the tools that turn a simple service request into a successful job:

Turn on notifications: don’t miss opportunities

Many clients need services right away. Keeping your app notifications on is crucial to ensure you’re the first to know when a new job pops up in your area. Think of it as being at the front of a line of applicants.

By being notified in real-time, you have the advantage of responding and accepting the job before other professionals do.

Quick response: your competitive edge

In a fast-paced market, clients value speed. When you get a job notification, responding quickly shows professionalism and interest. It tells the client that you’re proactive and reliable, increasing your chances of being chosen, even if they’ve contacted other providers. A response within a few minutes can be the decisive factor in closing the deal.

Communicate clearly: build trust

Before accepting a job, communication is fundamental to avoiding any misunderstandings. Make sure you and the client are on the same page:

Confirm the details: reaffirm the agreed-upon price and time.
Detail the scope: make it clear which tasks will be performed and which are not included. For example, for a cleaning job, specify if window washing is or isn’t part of the service.
Location and materials: confirm the address and ask if you need to bring any specific materials or tools.

This upfront communication creates a relationship of trust and ensures the job runs smoothly for both parties.

As we’ve seen, success in the competitive self-employed job market in the U.S. goes beyond your technical skills. It depends on a combination of preparation, strategy, and professionalism. From building a flawless profile and setting fair prices to responding quickly to clients and communicating clearly, every step you take is an investment in your future!

Remember: the app is not just a tool for finding jobs, but a platform that empowers you to achieve financial independence and build a solid career.

We are here to offer the support and tools you need to turn your skills into success. Are you ready to start?

Be one of the first to transform the way you work. Join the waitlist and get early access to the SkillBridge app!

Job applications near me: what you need before applying