<p>In the era of the Internet and remote work, the job market has changed, and more and more people prefer freelancing. However, this market is full of its tricks and traps, starting with how freelancers create their portfolios. In this article, we will look at several ways freelancers use various tactics to enhance their portfolios and attract clients.<h2>Using Other People's Work</h2><p>One of the most common ways is to use other people's work. Some freelancers take on projects created by others and pass them off as their own. This often works when the work does not contain obvious identifying information, making it difficult to verify. While this practice is unethical, it is unfortunately quite common.</p><h2>Manipulating Deadlines and Work Processes</h2><p>Another trick is manipulating information about deadlines and the work process. Some freelancers may claim that a complex project was completed in the shortest possible time to demonstrate their speed and efficiency. In reality, such projects might have been completed with additional resources or task delegation.</p><h2>Exaggerating Roles in Projects</h2><p>It is not uncommon for freelancers to exaggerate their roles in certain projects. For example, a developer might claim to have fully created a particular website, even though the project involved a whole team including designers, content managers, and other specialists.</p><h2>Faking Reviews</h2><p>Reviews play a huge role in the decision-making process of potential clients. Some freelancers go so far as to create fake accounts and leave positive reviews for themselves, hoping to create the illusion of a highly qualified specialist. In some cases, they might ask friends and colleagues to leave fake reviews.</p><h2>Portfolio Appearance</h2><p>Another way freelancers manipulate portfolios is through visual presentation. Often, a freelancer might use high-quality templates to present their work, enhancing the overall impression. As a result, even mediocre projects can look more impressive thanks to professional design.</p><h2>Combining Small Projects</h2><p>Sometimes freelancers combine several small projects into one, creating the illusion of a large and complex project. This allows them to demonstrate their ability to work on large tasks and attract clients looking for specialists for substantial projects.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Although such tricks might temporarily help freelancers attract more clients, they are not a long-term success strategy. The most successful freelancers are those who are honest and transparent with their clients, building their reputation based on real achievements and quality work. Employers should be vigilant and always verify the information before entering into an agreement with a freelancer to avoid disappointment.</p></p>