Tool · Filter

Project Fit Filter

Answer 6 questions about a potential project. The filter scores it and flags the areas that need addressing before you commit. Run it through the filter.

Step 1–3 — Context, Criteria & Weight
Does the budget cover your real rate?
Not what they want to pay — what you need to charge to make this viable.
Weight: critical (×3)
Is the scope clearly defined?
Can you describe exactly what "done" looks like? Would the client agree with that description?
Weight: high (×2)
Is the timeline realistic?
Given your current load and the actual complexity of the work — not the timeline the client wants.
Weight: high (×2)
Does the client communicate clearly?
Based on your interactions so far: are they responsive, specific and respectful of your time?
Weight: high (×2)
Does this align with your core skills?
Not whether you could figure it out — whether you can deliver it confidently at the quality the client expects.
Weight: standard (×1)
Does this project offer meaningful growth?
Portfolio value, new skills, a reference client, or a sector you want to enter. Purely transactional is fine — just be honest.
Weight: standard (×1)
Step 4 — Output
Your result Answer at least 3 filters

Answer at least 3 of the 6 filters to see a result.

How scoring works: Each "Yes" scores full weight × 2, each "Partial" scores weight × 1, each "No" scores 0 and is flagged. The score is expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible. Budget is weighted 3×, scope/timeline/comms are weighted 2×, skills and growth are 1×.

Still undecided? Use the Decision Matrix