What do you see in a cover letter?

[7b47d502]

As a client, what impresses you the most about a freelancer's cover letter?

And what do you find most irritating in a cover letter?

[yofazza · Accepted solution]

Hi, take a look here, at the bottom, and change Profile views to Proposals.

I'm guessing you'll then have a more important question in mind.

Share your Sent & Viewed number if you may?

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For the sake of answering your questions, from what I've observed, definition of good/bad practices are vague. What you think might irritate a client doesn't necessarily correct. Proofs are here in this forum where clients chose freelancers although the proposals are filled with 'red flags'.

Long-boring proposals that doesn't even address the client's project description, can get clients. Copy-pasted proposals can get clients.

Long-comprehensive proposals that includes relevant samples and even video explanation, is once proven here that it could simply be TL;DR and ignored, when the client 'rejected' it with a note "I'd appreciate a more custom proposal" (or something like that).

I personally feel that I got luckier (got interviewed) when my proposal wasn't really a proposal but a 'conversation starter' that addresses what the client needed the most. I also try to put one sample that is the most relevant to what the client's need.

But this was a long time ago. Right now my proposals were not even seen.

[tlsanders]

Every client is different, but here are the things that are a big turnoff for me:

• Obsequious BS like "Madam, it would be my great honor if you allow me to assist you with..."
• Long lists or paragraphs of qualifications, credentials and experience that are in no way relevant to the job
• Talking about how much they need the money instead of what they have to offer

[erinvega2016]

👏 👏 👏

[25005175]

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• Talking about how much they need the money instead of what they have to offer

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That last one actually happens? I expect that in an employee interview or at the unemployment office, and only there.

[asajid]

Hi you guys,

    I've tried all mentioned above and more (except for crying that I need money, who doesn't, that's why we are all here right?!). But I'm not getting even a view on my proposals! 

I tried long proposals and short ones, started the first line with relevant experience of similar jobs. The first line of your proposal shows without even having to click through on the client's side. Still, not even a view. 
I added relevant samples, one sample, many samples, I even custom created one to show clients I can handle the niche. Still no use. The clients post a job and then vanish. Even established clients with history or payment and work seem to be abandoning the jobs they post and I end up spending connects.
I've tried conversational style and left relevant questions for clients thinking they might call to interview to answer my question but still nothing.

I mean check my profile, I have 4400 hours logged, worked on oDesk's own marketing team back in the day, $80k in earnings and a perfect 5-start rating. Only thing missing is JSS because I'm coming back after a break. Now I need work to build it and no work because I don't have it. Viscous cycle! 
Thoughts?

[7b47d502]

I am facing the same problem, clients just post job and vanish, and I can't keep spending connects

[prestonhunter]

The cover letter is very important.

But don't assume every client is going to read it.

As a client, I have hired over 180 freelancers on Upwork.

I very rarely read cover letters.

I look at the freelancer's job skills list.

That is one of the most important things for me.

If I'm looking for a specialist, I want to see the skills I'm interested in in the skills list at the very top of the profile page.

For creative work, such as illustration, I look at the freelancer's portfolio. (ONLY their Upwork portfolio. I don't click to external websites.)

I may or may not look at job history.

[asajid]

That's interesting. What would you do if you were hiring a writer? Would you still not click through to a google drive link or a website they claim is a past client? I think upWork Portfolio is not a good option for writers as screenshots of webpages are hard to read. 

Would you mind taking a look at my profile and tell me what seems to be missing? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!