Clients Should Engage After We Use Connects for Job Applications

[#1]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to raise a concern regarding the process of applying for jobs on behalf of our clients. We invest in buying connects to apply to relevant job opportunities, and it’s becoming frustrating when clients don’t even open the application or provide any response, even a simple "not interested."

We understand that clients are busy, but since connects are a paid resource, it would be fair for them to at least acknowledge the application with a message, even if the job isn't a good fit. It would provide closure and allow us to better allocate resources.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Any thoughts or solutions to encourage clients to engage, at least by responding to applications?

Thanks for any input!

[#2]

From a client's POV, it's incredibly unrealistic to ask clients to acknoweldge all proposals, since the vast majority of them are just copied/pasted or AI generated.  It's increasingly rare for candidates to write more than 1 original sentence.  Why should clients ackonlwedge this with a response?  

[#3]

Not everyone!😀

[#4]

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Masud A wrote:

Hey everyone,

I wanted to raise a concern regarding the process of applying for jobs on behalf of our clients. We invest in buying connects to apply to relevant job opportunities, and it’s becoming frustrating when clients don’t even open the application or provide any response, even a simple "not interested."

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You are notified when a client opens your bid. If you don't hear from them, it means that they're not interested. Why would you need to receive an email confirmation that they're not interested? That would be a total waste of your time and theirs. 

[#5]

As a freelancer, receiving timely responses from clients is essential. When clients acknowledge our applications, even if it's just to say “no,” it helps us reclaim our connects and apply for more opportunities. This ensures we stay active and visible in the marketplace. Clear communication benefits both freelancers and clients, making the process more efficient and respectful, and ultimately leading to better matches and successful collaborations. isn't it ?

[#6]

You're living in a fantasy land where clients have the time to engage with 50+ people every time they post a job.

[#7 · Accepted solution]

Connects are not returned if a client acknowledges your proposal. Connects are returned if the client cancels the job before a contract is made and iff Upwork removes a job because they believe it violates their Terms of Service.

I think the main concern--for freelancers who want to be notified when a client isn’t interested--isn’t about learning how to improve their proposals; rather, they want to argue that their proposal was strong and the client made the wrong choice.