Aug 5, 2015 04:26:13 AM by MD Morshedul A
Hi,
I am new on upwork. I have been using upwork for last 1/2 week. I have applied some virtual assistant / data entry / excel related jobs. But I haven't got any interview invitations or messages from clients. I do not know whether there is something wrong with my profile or not. Do I need to add any video of myself expressing my interests and skills on Upwork profile in order to enhance the acceptability? Will it add any value?
Is there anyone who can have a look at my profile and tell me whether it is okay or not? Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance !
Aug 5, 2015 05:07:58 AM by Delwar H
Hi Morshedul ,
I think you need to rewrite your profile overview first . Highlighting your professional skills ( not an MBA ) and what service you can offer to a potential client . Your test scores are amazing though .
I am not an expert , just my two cents . Probably experienced and experts , possibly forums moderator will guide you better .
Happy UpWorking ... !
Aug 5, 2015 05:35:07 AM by MD Morshedul A
Hi Delwar,
Thanks for your suggestion. I also have the same thought. I will modify it later. Let's see what experts say.
Aug 5, 2015 07:21:05 AM Edited Aug 5, 2015 07:22:40 AM by Michael Z
Hey there,
Welcome to upwork.
I looked at your profile...pleases write things yourself. I checked yourprofile and googled the sentence:
"Throughout my career, I have maintained the highest performance standards within a diverse range "
I found the exact sentence on another site. This site was titled "cover letter samples"
When writing your profile, you want to stand out. You don't want to be jost another Joe. The sentences you used are very common, clients can see this. Be creative and original. That's how you make your profile stand out.
I certainly do hope you're not doing this with cover letters when applying to a job. Every job you apply to, there's a bunch of people that do the same thing. Clients can see this, they will notice it. And most (if not all) clients will refrain from hiring someone that cannot write their own cover letter. I know I wouldn't, would you?
Aug 5, 2015 09:01:39 AM by MD Morshedul A
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your response. I really haven't got much time to write the overview perfectly since I have opened my account last week. I will make the change asap.
Aug 5, 2015 12:37:58 PM by Beatriz R
I am going through the same Issue as you.
I've tried (while still working at Elance) several times to get noticed here at Upwork with no luck.
The first week of becoming Top Rated I was receiving 3-4 invitations a day, (none of interest to me) this lasted 1 week period.
I understand this is a new platform and I have to start from 0.
I've never felt so discourage in 7+ years of working as a freelancer.
I just hope to get some projects here, Soon! before Elance dissapears.
Good luck to you.
Aug 5, 2015 01:00:02 PM by MD Morshedul A
Hi Beatriz,
You can transfer your elance account to upwork. They will send you an invitation. If you accept that, the process will begin. Till then keep trying on upwork.
Aug 5, 2015 04:46:57 PM by Michael Z
I just checked your profile Beatriz.
It's very...plain - I don't know much about the field you're working in, but maybe adding a bit more will increase your chances of landing a job.
Sep 9, 2015 11:57:22 AM by Anuradha V
I am also new on here, but your post is really worrying for me as you mentioned you've seven years of experience with Elance but not getting any interviews on Upwork. I've sent proposals for at least 25 jobs since last three weeks but haven't received any interview invitations. I've been constantly trying to tweak my profile, and have taken bunch of tests but no luck so far.
Sep 6, 2015 01:44:46 PM by Amira G
If you please , look at my profile and help me to improve it , I`m new an neeed your help to get job
May 6, 2019 05:39:04 AM by Hannah W
Aug 6, 2015 08:37:55 PM by Analou G
Hi Everyone!!!
I too keep on applying for a job in Upwok ( Web design, graphic designer ) for I think 2 months now...and not getting anything, or any job. Is there something with my profile or what?
Please advise and help!!!....
Thanks..
-Analou
Aug 8, 2015 04:40:21 AM by Muhammad F
I have wasted about 100+ connects since 2 months but all in vain.
Aug 14, 2015 02:00:21 PM by Joe S
I am really struggling to get my first job!!!!!! Even slashed my rates etc and nada.
Sep 12, 2015 10:42:32 AM by Satiesh S
Hi Analou,
Im sorry you are not getting any offers. I looked at your profile and allow me to be candid about it.
1. Do you know what is the most seductive 3 letter word in the English language? A word that would make you swoon or crazy depending on the context it is used. That word is "you." I love you, you are the one for me, you make amazing dumplings, you are the right client for me, or you are crazy :-). Don't you love hearing you in a conversation about yourself? So don't you think clients will love hearing that too? So my suggestion is try to use as many you, you can in your profile. "My design will help you drive traffic, optimized,responsive and most of all will make you money" or something like that.
2. Your profile does not have a what's in it for them area. What are the real benefits of them working for you? Will they make money on their websites, drive traffic, etc. try to put yourself in their shoes and address all their pain points in your profile so they have to offer you the job.
3. Try to emulate other freelancers in your field, go to their profiles and make notes and include it in your profile.
4. Your profile should have, who you are, what do you do, why they listen you, features and benefits to them, call to action, service guarantee, etc. include as much you (or similiar words) as you can.
Anywyas, thats just my 2 cents. Hope it helps!
Good luck Analou!
Satiesh
Aug 20, 2015 05:59:35 AM Edited Aug 20, 2015 09:25:26 AM by Valeria K
You should not complain if your only 1/2 week or a few months new here. Getting started takes time. It also takes a lot of applying for jobs and not spamming your job applications. Take the time to read the job and be sure you are a good fit. This is not a get rich quick site. In fact 95% of freelancers can not earn a living on this site alone. You need to have other clients and opportunites outside of Upwork. The top 5% Freelancers on Upwork earn the largest portion of revenue earned on Upwork the rest of the pack is divided. There will be 5.1 million Freelancers using this site starting in Sept 2015 when Elance merges with Upwork. There are 6.1 million job post annually do the math thats 1-2 jobs a year per freelancer. Like I said the top tier will get more jobs while others will dry up and walk away. Thats reality.
Read this post for actual statistics **edited for Community Guidelines** not trying to thow cold water on you. If you are talented and have what it takes to be unique you might do alright in supplimenting your income. Always serve your clients first and give the best you got to give. Dont worry starting out slow it is normal.
Aug 30, 2015 01:15:42 PM by Bangladesh O
Hi,
Thank you very much for those facts, figures and nice words. I learned many things from your comment. Thank you.
If you visit my profile, you will see that the profile is made long back. This site was 'oDesk' than. Since than I was applying for the jobs but not made any yet. I stopped visiting this site even and joined 'Elance'. My profle in Elance is doing well though I can't understand what the mistake I am making here. What is I am lacking?
Thank you.
Sep 10, 2015 12:44:34 AM by Shumaila K
I want job on Upwork.com but no one hire me. Please help me. I am working 3 to 4 month here.
Give me positive suggestions.
Warmly regard,
Shumaila Kausar
Upwork.com Freelancer
Sep 12, 2015 08:38:51 AM by Satiesh S
Hi Everyone,
Im sorry to see so many people having issues getting clients, myself included. I tried to figure out test what works and came up with the following comments that brought me a bit of peace (still testing it though):
1. Since the merger of Elance and Odesk, there are now, an estimate of twice more freelancers bidding for work. More competition like ever before in each category and sub category.
2. Almost 75% of freelancers beasically offer the same services in each category. Some may have more experience but no qualification, some, the other way around. Some may have this and some may not. Everyone is unique, but in the bigger picture there are the same.
3. When jobs posted, there are almost 2 times more bidders than before, carrying down the price for the job to bare minimum, sometimes even I can call it free.
4. More than ever, everything is cut throat. Example, I got invited for an editing job the other day, client requested that I produce a sample based on information given, I did it and submit. Later in the day I noticed on the job post, he requested an interview for someone else. I couldn't believe I did this!!!
I pulled up the other freelancer profille, checked through for ANY information I can use against him, googled him, checked other freelancing sites, got a bunch of information, AND wrote a very nice email to the client highlighting reasons you shouldnt consider the guy for this job, but should give me. But I didnt send it. Luckily my wife saw what I was doing and stopped me right there, told me We are not that kind of people, win jobs fairly and most importantly I am not acting in the best interest of the client. Competition can make us do some really terrible s#$t. My wife and I have a very successful transcription company over on elance.
Now, let us put ourselves in the shoes of prospective clients. There are so many people bidding for jobs, with the same amount of experience, qualification, job success rate, etc, how the hell can they choose someone that fits their needs???? So asking myself that question from the client perspective, I realised the following:
1. Clients are confused as hell to select a freelancer.
2. They no longer looking for low rates. But look at profiles and cover letters, and then later on price.
3. This means that my profile has to be goood! And my cover letter should be good also.
4. They do not have time to go through all applications in detail, so the more to the point a cover letter is, then the better.
5. My cover letter should be short and demonstrate that I can do the job (in few sentences as possible), I am likeable and easy to work with, and I will act in the best interest of them.
6. Therefore my cover letter should be really personable and my profile should be like a sale letter, drawing my cleints to the sale (which is offering me the job). You can read what I did here:
https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/Need-some-insight/m-p/115024#M58767
7. My price should be what I believe I am worth and the VALUE i believe I can give to my clients. The value must be communicated on the profile. There are some clients that just want cheapness, these are not the people I want to work for! I need respect and my cover leter and profile demonstrates that.
I worked hard on my profile and cover letters. I try to personalise each cover letter and attach relevant and super specific samples (as this proves I can do the job). Even if I dont have a sample, I go out and get one (even spending an entire day), or if the job is too vague or even too specific for that client, I offer a free trial (but thats last resort). I will test and test and test some more, until I break into this market.
Okay, this is tooo long a post. This is just my testing. Its a bit too early to see the results.
I wish everyone a good luck and stay in there. I leave you with the great Michael Jordan:
I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed"
Satiesh
Sep 13, 2015 04:35:44 AM by Petra R
@Satiesh S wrote:4. More than ever, everything is cut throat. Example, I got invited for an editing job the other day, client requested that I produce a sample based on information given, I did it and submit. Later in the day I noticed on the job post, he requested an interview for someone else. I couldn't believe I did this!!!
I pulled up the other freelancer profille, checked through for ANY information I can use against him, googled him, checked other freelancing sites, got a bunch of information, AND wrote a very nice email to the client highlighting reasons you shouldnt consider the guy for this job, but should give me.
You know what?
That completely freaked me out. What kind of "professional" would do something like that???
I have news for you, Satiesh! A client has every (!!!) right to interview more than one candidate.
You "checked through for ANY information I can use against him,"
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable!
Oct 10, 2015 05:50:21 PM by Marcus M
I want to share my general experience on several platforms I was working on. So some of my tips might
apply for some of the people who are trying to get a job here on Upwork.
1. Your profile should show exactly what you are able to do. I have seen some profiles were you can find a whole bench of knowledge and experience. In my opinion the best way is to focus on your main skills. Concentrate on things you are really good in and take out the things "you might be able to do".
2. When you allready had a few jobs on Upwork than it makes a good picture if the jobs you worked on are really
fitting the experience you mentioned in your profile.
3. Be honest with yourself. I only apply to jobs were I'am sure that I could do them so that my client will be pleased with the work he received. I'am mainly do translation and proofreading from english and spanish to german language. Even if my english and spanish skills are fine I would never apply for jobs from german language to english or spanish (exception only if it is short general text), because I could not do it with the same quality as a native speaker.
4. Check your client and understand what he wants. At the beginning I was also desperated. I sent a lot of job offers without getting responses or invitations to interviews. To get a feet into the door I lowered my fee in the first offers. Than I started to check out the job offers better. Now I don't sent proposals to clients which have a high number of job offers and a low percentage of hired jobs. Or sometimes you even see in the text that the offer was made from the customer especially for a freelancer he allready worked with.
5. Time does matter: I try to respond fast if there is a new job offer that fits my skills. Most of my jobs I got within the first hour the new jobs were posted. If I missed out an offer and find it later I only apply if the number of proposals is not to high (less than 10 proposals) even if I know that I'am able to do this job. In this case you might check out also your competition. If I see that several freelancer with outstanding profiles allready applied than I know that it is a waste of time to sent a proposal.
6. Time does matter II: If you get a question from the customer by reason of your offer than answer it as quick as you can. A lot of clients get desperate if they don't receive a fast reply. Think like them, it might be posible that they need this job to be done fast. You could be sure that you are not the only one who got a question from him.
7. Every Dollar counts: Ok, we all want to make money and we have only a certain amount of connects. So we are tempted not to reply to short works with low budgets. Don't understand me wrong, I'am not talking about jobs from customers who don't want to pay what you are worth. I'am talking about jobs in the price range of 10 - 50 $ were you know that you are able to do them in a short reasonable time. Probability is much higher to be awarded here. You do the job in a short time, client is happy with your work and gives you a good feedback which will be visible for other customers in future.
Hope that this tips will help to get people the first job here.
Nov 8, 2015 12:36:40 AM by Mary Aisles M
Dec 4, 2015 05:52:16 PM by Anthony K
@Mary Aisles M wrote:
Hi, can somebody also check my profile? I have updated it with the help of Suzanne,an upwork community member, but I would like to know if there is still something lacking in my profile. Thank you in advance!
Hi, Mary.
Other than that, I'd recommend avoiding potential clients that do not have a Verified Payment method, as this will cause a dispute and a delay (or a permanent stall) on you receiving payment for properly completed work. Also, do not start the work until the payment's have been secured in escrow or verified.
I hope this helps!
Nov 14, 2015 03:21:40 AM by Gizzelle V
Dec 4, 2015 06:09:32 PM by Anthony K
@Gizzelle V wrote:
I'm very new to this, and if experienced people like yourself are not getting work, how will I get work. Please can someone look at my profile, (still setting it up) your input will be appreciated.
Hi, Gizzelle.
The rest is fine and not really needed. Unless, it is a Skills Test that pertains to a job that you are applying to. So, I'd recommend to take more skill tests.
I hope this helps!