One of the most important steps to making your business attractive on the Field Nation marketplace is developing a compelling profile.

Buyers increasingly value soft skills, such as communication. Building a profile is your first chance to demonstrate your communication skills. By doing so, you’ll build trust and make more connections with buyers.

These nine simple tips will help you showcase your skills and stand out in the marketplace.

1. Add a profile photo

A photo increases your likelihood of making a connection by 38 percent, and may even be required for certain buyers.

You can use a photo you already have, take your own headshot, or take one directly from the Field Nation mobile app. Remember: Your photo makes an important first impression!

2. Create a professional summary

Your profile summary is a personal “elevator pitch” for your business. It succinctly describes why a buyer should work with you.

In your summary, describe your experience and skills. Also, be sure to emphasize your soft skills, such as professionalism and communication style.

Here’s an example of a strong profile summary:

Seasoned technician with over 10 years experience installing, maintaining, and decommissioning telecom equipment for financial institutions. Proven ability to successfully complete projects with minimal supervision. Exceptional attention to detail and professionalism, including the ability to interact with clients.

3. Highlight your industry experience

Describe your industry background. This will determine which work orders are available to you.
The most popular industries (types of work) included in technician profiles on our marketplace include:

• Point of Sale (POS)
• Networking
• Desktop/laptop
• Telecom/VOIP
• Low voltage cabling
• Printer
• General tasks
• CCTV/alarm systems
• Server hardware/software
• Kiosk
• Pro A/V, Digital signage
• Merchandising
• Audio Visual (AV)
• Alarm & Security
• Desktop, Laptop
• Electricians
• Retail fixtures and displays

As your skills grow and interests evolve, you can update this portion of your profile.

4. List your skills

Skills are more specific types of work that buyers often use to find technicians. These can also be updated as you grow and evolve your skills.

A profile with skills listed is 63 percent more likely to win a bid. For best results, include between 20 and 50 skills. Clients often search for specific skills when selecting technicians. So, including as many as possible will maximize your exposure.

Examples of specific skills include:

• Router installation and repair
• Installation, maintenance, and repair of smart home devices
• Low voltage installation
• General wiring installation and repair
• Site survey
• General hardware commissioning, installation, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair

5. Promote your equipment

Technicians who list their tools are 67 percent more likely to connect with a buyer. The more equipment you list, the more jobs you appear qualified for. For example, a buyer may be looking for a technician with a 10-foot ladder. Listing this on your profile could be the deciding factor for choosing you for the job.

Examples of equipment include:

• Ladder (6-10 ft.)
• Laptop
• Cat cables (such as Cat 5/5e, Cat 6/6a, Cat 7, Cat 8, etc.)
• Digital camera or cell phone w/ camera
• Basic hand tools (saws, hammers, crimpers, tape measures, punch down tools, drills, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Standard PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
  • Face masks, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, eye protection, etc.
• Mobile hotspot

6. Showcase your licenses and certifications

Licenses and certifications are often requirements for jobs. Maintaining current certifications and licenses will make you stand out to buyers. Plus, certifications help boost your credibility.

To improve your opportunities on Field Nation, check out the most requested certifications and industry training opportunities on Field Nation.

7. Describe your employment history

The employment history section is your online resumé to showcase your work experience, which can be relevant even when seeking independent contractor work. Important considerations for this section include:

• Include your most relevant job information, whether as an employee or contractor
• Put your work history in chronological order
• Highlight duties for the work you want to do
• Make it easy to read 

8. Include your education

Don’t forget to reference your educational background. This may include whether you have earned a GED, a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or other training programs. Also, mention any apprenticeships in this section.

9. Complete a background check and drug test

Lastly, we highly recommend current background checks and drug tests for every technician. Buyers have made it a top priority to find technicians that have both screenings to ensure safety and quality on-site. In fact, some clients require screenings as part of their service-level agreements. Technicians with background checks are 68 percent more likely to win bids. Also, they get 2X more work orders, and make 2X more money than those without background checks. 

Currently, 76 percent of work orders posted to Field Nation require a background check. Most top buyers require background checks that are completed within the last 12 months. After completing a background check through Field Nation, you will receive a badge on our platform that’s visible to clients.

Finding work can be challenging, especially during these uncertain times. Be sure to keep your profile updated so you have the best opportunity to land the opportunities you want. Following these tips will help you put your best foot forward and gain traction with more buyers.