Do I have to win a job before I can receive an invitation to become a Rising Talent freelancer?

[tom-chandler]

I have looked at the 'Become a Rising Talent' web page.  If I am reading it correctly it seems I have to win a job before Upwork will invite me to become a Rising Talent freelancer.  Is that correct?

[yeasir_arafat_13]

No, having a job is not a requirement for Rising talent program.

[tom-chandler]

Thank you for the quick reply.  I am curious then, what do I need to do receive an invitation?

[colettelewis]

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Thomas C wrote:

Thank you for the quick reply.  I am curious then, what do I need to do receive an invitation?

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I wouldn't worry about it too much. It is a pretty random affair. It's more important to get the gigs, which you probably will without that ephemeral badge. It only lasts for a while anyway and once you get a JSS it is taken away.

All your jobs at the beginning will eventually lead and count for or against a good JSS rating, so do NOT go for badly paid gigs just to get a foot in the door. Bottom feeders are a notoriously discontented lot and will shaft you. So be patient and get top people who will appreciate your skills with appropriate pay and feedback, and you will soon have a nice shiny top-rated badge (which for some reason looks the same as the inferior rising talent badge and IMO it shouldn't!). 

[tom-chandler]

Thanks Nichola, that is helpful. 

Curious if you have any suggestions for me?  I have been on Upwork for over a month, have submitted 30 proposals, and so far no one has invited me to an interview.  I have 20+ years' experience, and I think I am crafting good proposals for each job.  Perhaps the problem is I am in Silicon Valley where rates are higher than the rest of the country.  Even so, I am surprised that no prospective client has even invited me to an interview.

[colettelewis · Accepted solution]

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Thomas C wrote:

Thanks Nichola, that is helpful. 

Curious if you have any suggestions for me?  I have been on Upwork for over a month, have submitted 30 proposals, and so far no one has invited me to an interview.  I have 20+ years' experience, and I think I am crafting good proposals for each job.  Perhaps the problem is I am in Silicon Valley where rates are higher than the rest of the country.  Even so, I am surprised that no prospective client has even invited me to an interview.

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It may take time. Your rates are high level, but stick with them and only send proposals to top clients. 

[mtngigi]

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Thomas C wrote:

I have looked at the 'Become a Rising Talent' web page.  If I am reading it correctly it seems I have to win a job before Upwork will invite me to become a Rising Talent freelancer.  Is that correct?

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To add to Nichola's excellent advice - "rising talent" on a profile such as yours might raise eyebrows. You are way beyond that status. A vast majority of us never had that moniker (it's a fairly new program) and did just fine without it.

Frankly, what they use to determine who gets that badge is suspect anyway (IMHO).