Clients Posting 30+ Jobs Without Hiring – Time for Upwork to Address Connect Waste?

[#1]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an experience and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. A client recently replied to my proposal, and we had a Zoom meeting that I thought went well. However, at the end of the call, they told me they wouldn't be hiring anyone.

Since then, I've been monitoring the client's job posting activity, and I've noticed something concerning. They have posted over 30 jobs without hiring anyone. Each job has received responses from at least five freelancers, with some getting as many as 10-15 responses.

This is incredibly frustrating, as it feels like these clients might just be sourcing ideas rather than genuinely looking to hire. It's a waste of connects for freelancers, many of whom have invested money to buy these connects. I believe Upwork should implement measures to prevent this kind of behavior, such as a cool-down period per job post.

I want to clarify that my frustration isn't about not being hired—I have several offers coming my way. But I find this practice unacceptable, and I think it’s something Upwork should address to protect freelancers from wasting their time and resources.

Has anyone else faced this issue? What are your thoughts?

Link to one of his job posts. 

Thanks for reading.

Best,
Paula

[#2]

For the record, Upwork doesn't care about freelancers wasting their time and resources. Freelancer time and resources are significant contributors to Upwork's income.

The answer to your question is--yes, and thousands of freelancers face this issue every day. Clients posting several jobs and never hiring is frustrating. The only possible remedy is for Upwork to limit the number of jobs a client can create without hiring. For example, if a client has five open jobs with no hires, the system could prevent them from creating a sixth job.

I doubt Upwork will address this though; not unless it benefits them somehow.

[#3]

Great idea Clark.

[#4]

Check the client's hire rate before applying. Don’t waste time and connects on every job invite. I checked the link, and their hire rate is 6%. Seriously, who would even bother applying?