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Apply for a Project

The Jobs board is where you’ll find projects looking for security experts. Here’s how to find the right projects and submit winning applications.

Finding Projects

Accessing the Jobs Board

Navigate to the Jobs board at flexduty.com/jobs or click “Jobs” in the navigation.

Understanding Project Cards

Each project card shows:
FieldDescription
TitleProject name/description
BudgetHourly rate range or fixed price
DurationEstimated project length
Skills RequiredTechnical skills needed
PostedHow recently the project was posted
PositionsHow many experts are being hired
Apply early! Projects receive the most attention in the first 48 hours after posting. Set up email notifications to hear about new projects immediately.

Filtering Projects

Use filters to find relevant projects:
  • Skills: Filter by your expertise areas
  • Budget Range: Set minimum hourly rate
  • Duration: Short-term, medium-term, or long-term
  • Start Date: When the project begins

Saving Projects

Found an interesting project but not ready to apply? Click the bookmark icon to save it for later. Access saved jobs from your profile.

Viewing Project Details

Click on a project to see the full details:

Project Scope

The scope section contains:
  • Overview: What the client needs accomplished
  • Deliverables: Expected outputs and artifacts
  • Timeline: Project milestones and deadlines
  • Technical Requirements: Specific tools, methodologies, or compliance frameworks
  • About the Client: Company background (when available)

Requirements

Pay attention to:
  • Required Skills: Must-have expertise
  • Nice-to-Have Skills: Bonus qualifications
  • Certifications: Required credentials
  • Experience Level: Junior, mid-level, senior, or principal
Only apply if you meet the core requirements. Applying to projects where you lack essential skills wastes everyone’s time and can hurt your profile reputation.

Submitting Your Application

Application Components

A strong application includes:
1

Cover Letter

Explain why you’re the right fit for this specific project. Don’t use generic templates.
2

Proposed Approach

Briefly outline how you would tackle the project. Show you understand the requirements.
3

Proposed Rate

Your hourly rate for this project. Can differ from your profile rate based on project complexity.
4

Estimated Hours

Your estimate of hours needed (if applicable)
5

Portfolio Links

Relevant work samples that demonstrate your capabilities for this type of project.

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

“I noticed you’re looking for penetration testing services for your e-commerce platform. With 8 years of experience testing similar platforms including [anonymized examples], I’m confident I can deliver comprehensive results.I particularly noted your concern about PCI compliance - I’ve conducted 20+ assessments for PCI-DSS and can ensure the testing methodology aligns with your compliance requirements.I’m available to start immediately and can dedicate 30 hours/week to this engagement. Happy to discuss the scope in more detail.”

Proposed Approach Tips

Show you understand the project:
## My Approach

1. **Discovery Phase (Week 1)**
   - Kick-off meeting to understand scope boundaries
   - Gather target information and access credentials
   - Set up testing environment

2. **Assessment Phase (Weeks 2-3)**
   - Automated vulnerability scanning
   - Manual testing of critical functions
   - Authentication and authorization testing
   - API security assessment

3. **Reporting Phase (Week 4)**
   - Draft findings documentation
   - Risk-rated vulnerability report
   - Remediation recommendations
   - Executive summary for stakeholders

After Applying

Application Status

Track your applications in Profile > My Applications:
StatusMeaning
SubmittedApplication received and pending review
Under ReviewPlatform ops is reviewing your application
ShortlistedYou’re being considered - interview may be next
Interview RequestedClient wants to interview you
Selected🎉 You’ve been chosen for the project
RejectedNot selected for this project

Interview Process

If shortlisted, you may be asked to interview:
  1. You’ll receive an email with an interview request and calendar link
  2. Schedule a time that works for you
  3. Prepare by reviewing the project scope and your application
  4. Interview typically covers your experience and approach to the project
  5. Decision usually within 3-5 business days after interview

Withdrawal

Changed your mind? You can withdraw an application anytime before selection:
  1. Go to My Applications
  2. Find the application
  3. Click Withdraw
  4. Optionally provide a reason
Withdrawing applications after shortlisting or interview should be rare. Frequent withdrawals may impact your profile standing.

Best Practices

Apply to fewer projects with tailored applications rather than mass-applying with generic content.
When you receive interview requests or messages, respond within 24 hours. Slow responses signal low interest.
Only apply if you can actually commit to the project timeline. Don’t overcommit.
If something in the scope is unclear, ask in your application. It shows diligence.

What’s Next?