Handling "Invitations to Interview" - 2 questions

[jwrobbs]

I don't understand how Upwork sees this working. In an invitation, I can either click "Yes, Accept Interview" or "Decline". "Decline" works as decline should. But accepting the "interview" leads me to the proposal page before I have the information I need to make that proposal. 

Question for freelancers: How do you handle this? 

Question for Upwork: Any chance we can make accepting the interview lead to an interview and not directly to a proposal?

[gilbert-phyllis]

It took a while for me to get used to this, too. Following sound advice from veterans here, I forge ahead. If the post doesn't contain enough info for a firm quote (as is often the case), then I use a placeholder bid and make it clear that's what I'm doing. I specify what assumptions the bid relies on and pose the specific questions that need to be answered in order to provide a definite budget and timeline.

I have found that approaching it this way affords me the opportunity to position myself as an expert and capable partner for the client. The ones I most want to work with are apt to recognize that. The ones that are intimidated, daunted, or otherwise put off, I figure it's just as well.

[ill2def]

Usually when recieving invitations it's either:

An Upwork talent specialist trying to connect you to a job they think you match with or will be interested in

or

A client who has viewed your profile and wants you to submit a proposal

I've been hired in both situations 

With invitations directly from clients you wont have to you use any of your connects

When invited by an Upwork specialist I usually open the job description in another tab and review it as well as the clients information (hire rate, payment verification, etc.) before I choose to submit a proposal

Sometimes it can be spam, like someone asking you to email them or work outside of Upwork, so I would look out for that but for the most part it is a beneficial way to get job offers without looking for them yourself.

[nkocendova]

Hi Joshua,

 Sending a proposal is currently the only way to proceed with the interview process at this time.  When a client sends an invitation to a freelancer, they are inviting you to send a proposal for the job at which point you will have the opportunity to share your questions and ideas regarding the job posting.

[petra_r]

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@Joshua R wrote:

I don't understand how Upwork sees this working. In an invitation, I can either click "Yes, Accept Interview" or "Decline". "Decline" works as decline should. But accepting the "interview" leads me to the proposal page before I have the information I need to make that proposal. 

Question for freelancers: How do you handle this? 

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 I mention that the bid price is a placeholder and ask the questions I need answers to.

[jwrobbs]

Thank you for your replies.

Lamar, your experience with invitations is very different from mine. They tend to be lower quality and often they aren't a fit at all. Had an invitation with a location requirement this week. I live on the other side of the United States.

Nina, your answer raises 2 questions. 1. If it's an RFP, why isn't it called RFP? 2. What does it say on the hiring side? Do they think they're requesting proposals or interviews?

As for using a placeholder bid, I've done it. I'm sure I'll do it again. But it seems really unfair to everyone involved. It creates price anchoring that can work against the bidder plus it's extra work that is completely unnecessary. And it can mislead the project owner.

But thank you all for your help. I think I've found my own answer. 

[nkocendova]

The clients see a button to invite freelancers to apply for the job.

Here is an article that explains the process for clients.

[mthornton-cpc]

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@Joshua R wrote:

Thank you for your replies.

Lamar, your experience with invitations is very different from mine. They tend to be lower quality and often they aren't a fit at all. Had an invitation with a location requirement this week. I live on the other side of the United States.

Nina, your answer raises 2 questions. 1. If it's an RFP, why isn't it called RFP? 2. What does it say on the hiring side? Do they think they're requesting proposals or interviews?

As for using a placeholder bid, I've done it. I'm sure I'll do it again. But it seems really unfair to everyone involved. It creates price anchoring that can work against the bidder plus it's extra work that is completely unnecessary. And it can mislead the project owner.

But thank you all for your help. I think I've found my own answer. 

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I've found that's only the case with unreasonable/unknowlegable clients. Especially if you include a clear statement that the budget proposed is a placeholder until full project scope is understood.