How would you address a client by name? Afaik - maybe I missed that somewhere - the name of the client is not exposed.
I think that cover letters are important but it starts 2-3 steps earlier.
1. Profiles.
New freelancers need to read the "Want to get that first job" forum topic.
That will help to set up a good profile.
2. Evaluating job offers
They need to read the "Job warning signs" topic.
That will rule out many of the job offers on Upwork and they are less likely to get scamed/exploited or to waste their connects. And don't spend all your connects in a single day. If you spend all your connects today, what will you do if the right job for you happens to be posted tomorrow?
3. Know how much you need to earn and how much your work is worth.
That rules 50%+ of the job offers out. Many jobs are not worth applying for.
If new freelancers apply for a $ 10 bucks full time fixed price contract or undercut budgets just out of desperation, then they are bound to fail.
And then the cover letters come.
1. Actually read and understand the job description.
2. Never apply to jobs when you are not 100% certain that you can successfully finish them.
- A client that is happy with your work, will not only leave you great feedback but chances are to get hired again!
3. Refer to the job description. Show them that you read it. Tell them how you will solve problems, how long the job will take you, maybe mention a similiar project that you worked on before. Just talk more about the job than about yourself. If they want to know about you, they can read your profile or interview you.
4. Try to ask at least 1 question in the cover letter. (Unless additional questions are listed for that job)
5. Answer the additional questions.
- When I first applied to a job here, I thought the additional question were set up by Upwork and not by the client. I can imagine that some people get that impression too and leave those empty or just enter some gibberish to proceed.
6. Never ever use a cover letter that you found online. Even when your english might not be good enough to express yourself. Those cover letters will neither cover the job description nor will you get the clients attention because 20 other people who proposed to the same job are using the same coverletter.
