Can Freelancers Get Projects Without Connections? The Process from Agent Registration to Project Participation｜フリーランス準備室

You can get freelance projects even without connections. Immediately after going independent, many people register with an agent to build their initial track record, which then leads to referrals or requests from clients. However, since connections aren’t something you can build overnight after going independent, it is easier to start doing three things while you are still employed.

This article organizes the process for employed engineers without connections to enter projects, based on the Freelance Association’s “Freelance White Paper 2026” and official pages from the Japan Fair Trade Commission and others (as of November 2026).

It is normal to feel anxious about not having connections

In a survey conducted by the Freelance Association in November 2025, the most common ways to get the most profitable work were: 1st, connections; 2nd, past or current clients; and 3rd, agent services. Respondents included Freelance Association members who are not limited to engineers, so these figures reflect trends for freelancers as a whole.

Ranking of acquisition channels for the most profitable work (Freelance Association “Freelance White Paper 2026”)

Looking at this ranking, you might feel that “being without connections puts me at a disadvantage.” However, connections and clients increase as you accumulate work. Since you get your first project after going independent while still lacking connections, it can be read that agents with a wide entry point are easily chosen.

The process of getting your first project without connections

The flow via an agent varies in order and number of interviews depending on the company, but it is generally as follows.

Flow until entering a project via an agent

• Register and submit your resume: Write down your work history and skills, and register with 2 to 3 companies

• Interview with a representative: Communicate your desired conditions and what you can do

• Receive project introductions: Check the job content and compensation

• Interview with the company: Confirm compatibility and how to proceed, and decide whether to participate

• Sign a contract and start working: Begin after confirming the conditions in the contract

If you write down your career history before registering, the interviews will proceed more quickly. The arrangements before and after resigning are summarized in Procedures for going from an employee to a freelancer.

Things to ask the agent

Rather than the company name, look to see if you get answers to the following four points.

• Mechanism for determining compensation: How your compensation is decided out of the payment from the company

• Payment timing: When will you be paid? Under the Freelance Act, it is required to pay within 60 days from the completion of delivery or work

• Contract type: Whether it is a contract for work or a quasi-mandate, and whether the scope of work is written in the contract

• Project source: Is it a project connected directly to the company, or one that passes through multiple companies?

When going through an agent, the agency’s share is deducted from the amount paid by the client. The percentage varies by company, and some companies do not disclose it. Since the figures cannot be stated uniformly, please ask and verify.

3 ways to build connections before becoming independent

Even if you don’t have connections, there are things you can start while still employed.

3 things you can start before becoming independent, even without connections

• Take on small side jobs or assistance projects by signing a contract: First, check if side jobs are permitted under your current employer’s work regulations.

• Let former colleagues and business partners know yourself that you are considering independence: It makes it easier for them to reach out to you than if you contact them after you have already become independent.

• Make what you can do visible on SNS or a technical blog: When people know what you are capable of, it is easier for those who might refer you to take action.

You don’t need to start any of these a year before becoming independent. Even doing them for a few months before your next project is decided is meaningful.

Things to check before signing a contract

Once a project is decided, receive the contract before you start working. The five things to look at are: the content and scope of the work, the contract period, the amount of compensation and payment date, the inspection date, and the conditions for termination. Whether through an agent or a direct contract, the client is obligated to present the terms of the transaction in writing or via email. Do not start based on verbal promises alone.

How to read a contract is summarized in the Freelance Act article on the LP.

Frequently asked questions about finding freelance projects

Can I become a freelancer without connections?

Yes, you can. It is common to start with agents or project sites, and as you build up your track record, requests from clients will increase.

Is it okay to register with multiple agents?

Many companies allow registration. If you narrow it down to 2 or 3 companies, you can compare projects. Since the same project may be listed by multiple companies, keep a record of which company you applied through.

What should I do when I can’t find a project?

Sometimes the way you describe your experience is not quite right. Revise your resume, register with multiple companies, and broaden your criteria slightly to compare projects.

Summary

Even without connections, you can get projects by building your initial track record through an agent and then increasing referrals and requests from clients. Before going independent, starting these three things—side work, contacting former colleagues, and posting content—will make things easier later. A comparison of four ways to find projects is summarized on the landing page How freelance engineers find projects.

This article was written by: Freelance Preparation Office

We help employed engineers go independent, from checking unit prices to finding their first project. The figures in this article are based on the Freelance Association’s “Freelance White Paper 2026.” You can consult with us for free while still employed.

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