Aug 6, 2020 10:51:19 AM Edited Apr 26, 2022 05:58:19 AM by Michael J
Getting started on Upwork can be challenging. Here are some top tips that can help you succeed.
Complete Your Profile
First, it can be very helpful to complete your profile 100%. It’s important to understand that there are certain sections that must be completed in order to reach 100%. You can even technically exceed 100% completion. The more fields you complete on your profile, the better your chances of winning work. Also, your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for badges such as Rising Talent and Top Rated. Check out this help article for more information on the numerous ways you can reach 100% or more completion. I also recommend this article about why a great title and overview can make a difference.
Set Your Profile Visibility
Second, we recommend updating your profile visibility. Once you’ve crafted the perfect profile, you’ll want clients to be able to see it. When setting your profile visibility, you have three options: Public, Only Upwork Users, or Private. If you set your profile to private, it will be excluded from the Upwork marketplace and search engines. This means clients won’t see you when they search for freelancers. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to set your profile visibility to Public or Only Upwork Users.
Submit Proposals
Third, submit proposals! This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s one that often doesn’t receive enough attention from new freelancers. By regularly submitting proposals for projects that fit your skills, you not only increase your chances of winning work, but you also prevent your profile from being automatically set to private, which can happen if you are inactive from the platform. As you submit more proposals, you will also learn what does and doesn’t get the attention of clients. Also, remember, that you may have to submit more than 5 proposals before you win your first project. Persistence is key. To help improve the quality of your proposals, I invite you to read about how to create a proposal that wins jobs and take in this proven advice from freelancers on Upwork. Also, check out this great article about How To Get More Jobs on Upwork in 2022!
Solved! Go to Solution.
Aug 30, 2022 10:59:19 AM by Michael J
For help with your profile, check out this peer feedback thread and consider joining an Upwork Academy Coaching Cohort!
Jul 27, 2022 11:14:13 PM by Pradeep H
Hi Rajalakashmi,
Thank you for your message. Could you please clarify your questions further?
Thank you,
Pradeep
Aug 8, 2020 10:29:24 AM by John F
Mike: I am not exactly a newbie but I have a very relevant question. How do I know when a submitted proposal is still active? Many times I have had a very successful (at least to myself) interview and then I never hear from the potential client again. Is there a way that we can find out if the job is closed and that they have hired someone else? It would be very helpful if we know why we were not hired. Was it price? Was it time zone? etc. Currently I am 100% top rated.
Thank you for your help.
Aug 8, 2020 01:35:53 PM by Jennifer R
John F wrote:Mike: I am not exactly a newbie but I have a very relevant question. How do I know when a submitted proposal is still active? Many times I have had a very successful (at least to myself) interview and then I never hear from the potential client again. Is there a way that we can find out if the job is closed and that they have hired someone else? It would be very helpful if we know why we were not hired. Was it price? Was it time zone? etc. Currently I am 100% top rated.
Thank you for your help.
Hi John, just look under "Find work > Proposals" or follow this link. Closed jobs are archived.
Aug 9, 2020 03:42:32 AM by Goody A
Thank you Mike, i found this information really helpful. As newbies, it's alwasy encouraging to get a step-by-step breakdown of what we need to do, even if it seems to be obvious. It is positive reinforcement that goes a long way to increasing confidence. Thanks again.
Aug 9, 2020 06:31:11 AM Edited Aug 9, 2020 07:10:58 AM by Andrew B
Aug 9, 2020 08:47:58 AM by Nikola S
Hi Andrew,
You need Connects in order to bid for jobs in the Upwork marketplace. If you wish to purchase Connects, please go to your Membership & Connects page (Settings > Memberships & Connects) to purchase Connects. You may read more about Connects here.
This can vary based on your location, but all Upwork users will be able to purchase Connects with a credit card or prepaid card. If you aren’t able to use a credit card or prepaid card or you don’t have an Upwork balance, in many cases you’ll be able to use PayPal. Check the options available to you and learn more about acceptable billing methods for paying memberships.
Please note that we return Connects when a client closes their job without hiring or we find a job post has violated our Terms of Service.
Aug 10, 2020 06:16:56 AM by Rufaro L N
Greetings.
Its a welcoming community and platform.
My name is Rufaro and I'm also brand new.
I like data analysis.
I need help in 2 areas.
1. Can someone kindly check my profile and see if it is easy to follow and clear enough to attract relevant projects.
2. I have been trying to figure out some mechanism on this platform for interacting with prospective clients or to learn about some of their problems in data analysis and handling.
Kindly give me the links.
Many thanks for your time.
Aug 10, 2020 09:15:51 AM by Michael J
Hi Rufaro,
Thank you for your message! I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
Here are some additional tips for writing a great Title and Overview.
As for interacting with prospective clients, there is not a way for a freelancer to initiate contact with a client prior to submitting a proposal.
I hope this helps!
Aug 12, 2020 12:33:10 AM by Rufaro L N
Hi Mike,
I really appreciate you taking the time to review my profile. Your comments and suggestions have been very helpful.
Many thanks
Kind Regards
Rufaro
Sep 20, 2020 08:00:31 PM by Narayan N
Hello Mike,
I've applied to nearly 74 jobs in the past 2 months and have been hired by 2 clients and interviewed by 3 other clients ( but didn't win jobs).
I'm always improvising my proposal according to the clients's project and provide relevant samples in the proposals.
Could you please correct me where am I going wrong?
Sep 22, 2020 07:18:58 AM Edited Sep 22, 2020 07:22:45 AM by Michael J
Hi Narayan,
Thank you for your message. Your profile overview is short compared to the average. Upwork’s research shows clients see it as a positive signal if the profile is well written and comprehensive. Therefore, consider crafting your overview as a pitch to prospective clients.
May 4, 2021 11:37:45 AM by Pronob K
Aug 10, 2020 06:12:37 AM by Nabil H
Hi Mike,
I have an urgent question regarding an interview test that I've received from an Upwork plus client, this interview test was sent by email from the client, I need a guidance for the process since I am new.
Thanks a lot for your quite response.
Best regards.
Aug 10, 2020 06:29:26 AM by Goran V
Hi Nabil,
Could you please reach out to me via PM (click on my name) with the client's name or the job title? Thank you.
Apr 29, 2022 01:42:18 PM by Annus A
Hello, Upwork
I'm still struggling on Upwork spent all of my connects now feeling hopeless even can not apply for new jobs and I feel like Upwork do not support new freelancers like other platforms don't understand what should I do now.
Aug 10, 2020 11:20:28 AM by Gail D
Hi Mike
Thank you for the tips! I am just starting out and would like feedback on my profile. I have both administrative assistant skills and would like to work remotely using those skills. I also have experience proofreading, something that I am interested in doing more of. Is combining both skills into one profile too much? I definitely need to work on my proposals so I’ll check out the links listed.
Thank you.
Gail
Aug 10, 2020 02:35:19 PM by Michael J
Hi Gail,
It's not uncommon to have multiple skills. Fortunately, we offer Specialized Profiles which allows you to create up to three different profile overviews. As such, you could create one for administrative assistant work and another for proofreading.
I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
I also curated a short list of articles that I think you'll find helpful:
If you do decide to build out two specialized profiles, don't hesitate to ask for feedback on those as well, if you'd like.
I hope this helps!
Aug 11, 2020 09:39:50 AM by Gail D
Hi Mike-
I added a specialized profile. Do I need to redo my Admin profile to Administrative Assistant work only? I have many questions - can I work one on one with someone for guidance in creating this? Do I post a job on Upwork to do so?
Gail