Before you begin working on your first project, it’s important to set up your account and prepare yourself for success. Use this onboarding checklist to ensure you’re ready to start securing and delivering projects seamlessly.

1. Complete Your Profile

Your profile is your digital resume and the first thing potential clients will see.

Key Steps:

• Add a professional profile picture.
• Write a compelling headline and About Section highlighting your skills and experience.
• List relevant certifications and skills to showcase your qualifications.
• Include your work experience with quantifiable achievements.

Pro Tip: Complete at least 90% of your profile to boost visibility to clients.

2. Set Your Rates

Decide on competitive rates that reflect your expertise.

• Hourly Rate: Ideal for ongoing projects or SOC roles.
• Fixed-Price Projects: Best for defined tasks like vulnerability assessments or code reviews.
• Research similar profiles to find industry-appropriate benchmarks.

3. Verify Your Identity

Verification increases trust and credibility on the platform.

Steps to Verify:

• Upload a valid government-issued ID.
• Complete any additional verification steps required by Vulnn (e.g., video verification).

4. Familiarise Yourself with Platform Features

Understand Vulnn’s tools and workflows to make navigation easier.

Key Areas to Explore:

• Dashboard: Monitor projects, messages, and earnings.
• Projects Tab: Browse and bid on active opportunities.
• Training & Certifications: Enrol in courses to boost your profile.
• Support Tab: Access the Help Centre or contact support for assistance.

5. Set Up Payment Information

Ensure you’re ready to receive payments once you start working.

Payment Setup Steps:

• Link your preferred payment method (e.g., bank account or digital wallet).
• Review Vulnn’s transaction fees and payment release policies.

6. Review Vulnn’s Guidelines and Policies

Familiarise yourself with Vulnn’s terms to avoid issues down the line.

Key Policies to Review:

• Service Terms: Understand your rights and obligations as a freelancer.
• Dispute Resolution: Learn how to handle disputes if they arise.
• Fee Structure: Review the service fee details for completed projects.

7. Take Advantage of Training and Certifications

Enhance your skills and increase your chances of securing projects.

Recommended Actions:

• Enrol in Vulnn’s certification programs to earn badges.
• Complete courses relevant to your specialisation, such as penetration testing or cloud security.
• Keep learning to stay updated with the latest industry practices.

8. Prepare Sample Work or Portfolio Items

Clients are more likely to hire freelancers who can showcase their expertise.

Portfolio Preparation:

• Include anonymised case studies or past work samples.
• Create mock deliverables like vulnerability assessment reports.
• Upload these items to your profile under the Portfolio section.

9. Bid on Your First Project

Once your profile is set up, start exploring opportunities.

How to Bid:

• Navigate to the Projects tab and find a project that aligns with your expertise.
• Submit a tailored proposal explaining why you’re the best fit.
• Clearly outline your approach, timeline, and deliverables.

10. Join the Community

Networking is key to building your reputation and staying informed.

Community Engagement Tips:

• Participate in forums to share insights and learn from others.
• Attend webinars hosted by Vulnn for industry updates and tips.
• Connect with other freelancers for potential collaboration.

By completing these essential onboarding tasks, you’ll be fully prepared to dive into your first project with confidence. Follow this checklist step-by-step, and you’ll be well on your way to success on Vulnn!