Feb 25, 2018 10:20:06 PM by Ana F
Hello all.
I'm a newbie on upwork and I've submitted 20 job proposals since 15th February.
Yet, I haven't got any interview or even refusals from clients. I checked online for possible mistakes and I can't see what I'm doing wrong. Can someone help me, please?
Thank you in advance.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Feb 26, 2018 08:59:57 AM by Ruth B
Hi Ana,
Well first of all, it is my understanding that translation is a really hard field to get into. I experienced something similar when I starting trying to freelance on Upwork as a writer.
I would say that the biggest flaw in your profile is that it doesn't tell the prospective client viewing it why they should hire you. You speak on your experience, and that is important, but it's important because you can use it to tell your prospects why they should hire you and not the next Portugese to English translator.
Feb 25, 2018 11:05:31 PM Edited Feb 25, 2018 11:07:33 PM by Goran V
Hi Ana and Samgan,
I can advise you both to check out this thread where you can find all of the information needed about getting started here. I would suggest to spend extra time on the Safety First section in order to learn how to protect yourself and uploading few portfolio items.
Feb 25, 2018 11:04:22 PM by Samgan K
I am a beginner and I need to get to know the tips. I am improving my skills and I have some right now. I want to start freelancing on upwork. Need your help.
Feb 25, 2018 11:40:08 PM by Ana F
Thank you so much Goran.
I have done the course, and I believe I have a strong profile as I followed upwork recommendations. Unfortunately and because I'm new I don't have a portfolio so this might be the main cause of not getting any replies.
Not sure what you mean about Safety First.
Feb 26, 2018 12:00:26 AM by Goran V
Hi Ana,
Fell free to add portfolio items for projects you have worked on outside of Upwork.
The thread I shared above has a section Safety First, it will help you to identify questionable jobs and suspicious clients.
Feb 25, 2018 11:08:14 PM by Andrei N
HI Ana,
I have the same problem.
I've submitted 18 job proposals and no one answer.
I guess Upwork isn't friendly for beginners.
Feb 25, 2018 11:14:12 PM by Goran V
Hi Andrei,
In addition to the resources I shared above, you can check out our blog post on How to Write a Cover Letter.
Feb 25, 2018 11:41:15 PM by Ana F
It seems quite difficult to get started.
How much are you asking per hour?
Feb 26, 2018 12:30:51 AM by Anna S
Feb 26, 2018 12:32:47 AM by Ana F
I'm doing that. I always try to write for that client in particular.
It's so frustrating.
But thank you for your feedback Anna. Much appreciated.
Feb 26, 2018 01:18:04 AM Edited Feb 26, 2018 01:20:20 AM by Charlie B
When I was new at upwork it took me a month and a half before I was able to land my first job. Dont be so eager at applying at every job you see, take your time to review the job post as well as the clients rating or feedbacks.I am not a fan of very lengthly cover letters, what works for me is just a one sentence cover letter mainly saying hope the client would give me a chance to show what I can do.
Feb 26, 2018 02:43:36 AM by Ana F
Thanks, I suppose you are right. I wouldn't want to lower my rate either, in respect of other freelancers.
Feb 26, 2018 07:00:13 AM by YURI S
Hi Ana,
I'm having the same problem.
I'm trying to get the first job 2 months ago.
I've read a lot how to write a good profile and a good proposal as you did. Is so frustrating becaouse it seems nothing work.
I'd like someone experient to analyse my profile to give some idea what is wrong.
Jan 5, 2019 08:38:26 AM by Lambertus L
Hi Yuri,
I'm not an expert, but you might want to look at the spelling and grammar on your profile and portfolio examples - try Grammarly.
Feb 26, 2018 08:59:57 AM by Ruth B
Hi Ana,
Well first of all, it is my understanding that translation is a really hard field to get into. I experienced something similar when I starting trying to freelance on Upwork as a writer.
I would say that the biggest flaw in your profile is that it doesn't tell the prospective client viewing it why they should hire you. You speak on your experience, and that is important, but it's important because you can use it to tell your prospects why they should hire you and not the next Portugese to English translator.
Feb 27, 2018 01:44:48 AM by Ruth B
No problem!
The other thing I would consider is researching complementary skills to your translation. For example, I know that translators can offer Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in their web content writing, and they can charge more for that.
On-page SEO was the first complementary skill I added to my skillset, and it helped me stand out and get jobs when I was having difficulty getting started .
Feb 27, 2018 08:30:08 PM by Ana F
Awesome idea, thanks Ruth.
I don't know much about on-page seo but if you don't mind and taking advantage of your kindness, did you do any online course, and if so which one would you recommend?
Thank you in advance.
Jan 5, 2019 08:36:06 AM by Lambertus L
Hi Ana, I realize this is an older thread. Just curious as to whether you were able to make any progress? I see your Upwork profile has disappeared?