How can you estimate the "domain specific knowledge complexity" when you bid for a freelancer job

Question

I often have the problem when i read job offers at elance, guru or getacoder that there is some domain specific knowledge required. I think i can handle technical ones like device drivers or API specific like VMWare plugins or iPhone Apps.

But when it comes to projects that involve stock option trading, accounting, special sales operations - the vocabulary alone scares me to give an estimation and bid for the job.

How do you handle it? What is the best step to get you foot into this domains? I mean i'm willing to read books without charging my customer if i learn something genuine.

Answer 1

I don't think it's possible to become a domain expert within the span of a single engagement, no matter how many books you read.

You need to put a premium on asking smart questions, being clear in communicating your understanding of the problem, and having a client that's willing to work with you to get some good requirements.

You're smart to want to supplement your understanding with additional study, but it has to be up to your client to communicate their needs to you.

Another factor to help your decision is whether or not you plan to continue to develop software for other customers in the same space. Repeat business can be a great way to build up expertise.

You have to watch the legal end as well. Does your client think it's okay to propagate the knowledge you get to other clients? Or is an NDA required? How generic is the domain knowledge you get?

Excellent questions. Good luck with getting more work.

Answer 2

I often have the problem when i read job offers at elance, guru or getacoder...

Stop - there's your problem: elance, guru, and getacoder are not job offers, they're flytraps.

dice.com, monster.com - those are job offers

see the difference?

as to your specific question: if you don't already have the domain expertise, don't bid the job.

Answer 3

no knowledge of domains is required while going for jobs in the freelance jobsites,there are so many user friendly freelance websites like elance.com,limeexchange.com,their help sections are also very useful