Tips for finding that first job

[andregutierrez22]

Hi all,

Welcome to the Upwork Community! We know landing that first contract can be challenging, so we built Upwork Academy and threads like this to help you get started. With a lot of resources and so little time, we wanted to put together some recommendations for you to check out first:

• New to Upwork: Finding Work
• Identifying and communicating your value
• Creating a proposal that wins work

Do you have a specific question or maybe a tip to offer? Reply to this post and share your question, advice, or words of inspiration!

[5fd3c6f8]

 A strong Upwork profile is essential for attracting potential clients. Learn how to craft a compelling profile that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. Optimize your profile with a professional photo, captivating headline, and a well-written summary to stand out from the competition.

[spectralua]

I won’t tell you about the profile but with your spam on the forum you have already caught my eye. If that's what you wanted then great job! 🙂

[7b559b21]

Hey Tural, Would you mind auditing my profile quickly: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01f8619af169b2c6b2

Best,

Janson

[5fd3c6f8]

s a freelancer, time management is crucial for maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines. Learn effective time management techniques, such as setting priorities, creating schedules, and avoiding common distractions. Develop a balanced work routine that optimizes your productivity and work-life balance.

[5fd3c6f8]

Upwork's job search can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can find the best opportunities for your skills. Discover how to use search filters effectively, save relevant jobs, and set up job alerts to receive personalized job recommendations. Learn to optimize your job search and focus on projects that align with your expertise.

[82a75bd0]

Hello everybody,

My name is Chris, I am 19 and I am a Content Writer and a Data Scraper.

I sent like 30 proposals, it was almost half a month ago. I just got 2 answers back that are telling me ,,I'm on hold, and that they will text me,,

37% of other proposals got only a seen.

Even tho every proposal is professional, with cover letters that are customized to the client, normal prices, few times i was bidding, too. I got a fine picture on the profile. I got a resume and a example of work on my profile.

Please take a look and let me know what should i change to get this first job and first client.

I'm feeling like I'm drowning to get my first one

Here is the link to my profile;

https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01727b693ca360b002

I am waiting for your answer patiently,

Best regards, Chris.

[5e69b9af]

Chris, you are not alone. It's a bad feeling. I have 28 bids, 3 interviews and yet no offers in 5 days on a premium account and yet with extra 60 connect purchase. Admin should answer and guide us better 

[spectralua]

37% views is great result! I have an 5%.

[bba80e81]

Hi everyone,

I want to know what a project is in upwork. I am an Expert Biology Tutor and also good at Data Entry Services. I have not landed any job since I joined last month, though I submitted 2 proposals only.

[elisa_b]

If I were you, I would not ruin my biology teacher profile with trivial stuff like data entry, typing, file conversion or copy paste (how copying and pasting something could be a job?).

Work on your profile, take the Academy courses, and be prepared to spend lots of money in connects before finding a job. Competition is high. Scammers are everywhere, targeting new freelancers like you. Please be careful and read this: https://community.upwork.com/t5/Community-Blog/Top-Red-Flags-for-Scams-From-Community-Member-Wes-C/b...

[bba80e81]

Thanks for your reply. I will do as you have instructed.

[9f9c9d9b]

Hi my name is klabsh I search for job I have been in up work 1 week I can't find any job can someone help me 

[4e002a3c]

Hello dears 

My name is Ahmed and I'm a Google Ads search Certificated by Google I can launch a successful search campaigns and achieve the exact client's goals get the lowest CPC with achieving the highest conversations at the same time but the problem is that I can't get my 1st work here because of my profile it's a whole new account, my hourly wage is to low for now I promise with doing the best for any potential customer.

[4e002a3c]

1

[d4626907]

Hi  ,
I am a DATA ENTRY /Digital Marketer and new to Upwork. I have been struggling to get my first Preoject Catelog. I have submitted about many proposals to different leads base projects. How do I get my job?

I will try for few month but I will not success.
I really need help.

[12d4c50f]

Just active few months and follow some rule

[d4626907]

i am already 1 year try for getting work but no way i found for get work

[d4626907]

Thanks but plz tell me upwark rules 

[e72da802]

Hi how are you 

[61bc3f74]

Hi runa how are you 

[710245c2]

Please send us file

[d4626907]

Hello sir i send you my exell file recenty i work it

thanks 

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

[03578f75]

I am new in the community

When will I get my first job

[03578f75]

Dear community please review my profile and check if am on the right track. I seriously need this job

[moiz444]

Hello, 

I want to know that How can i Get my first job on upwork?

[6237d3e6]

As a freelancer, a newbie.. how do you survive the competition with veterans?, how did you think your first client will find you? Do you just sit and wait for clients to find you or you have other options?

Let me know what you think/do.

[62566f6e]

how

[6237d3e6]

Just a summary of your activities in getting your first client 

[acefeb4f]

I update my portfolio, including work I did in college, and link to my blog. Hopefully, someone will find it and so I can do a travel blog/journalism. I like to find niche subjects and phenomenons to talk about.

[a1ebd38c]

Don't waste time and money chasing fake online jobs, get the real job in real life

[7b559b21]

Hey all,

I am new to upwork, but have worked for 11 years previously. 

I have created a profile, purchased upwork plus, and have submitted 20 proposals in the last 3 days. I landed one $7 unfinished contract - but other than that all of my proposals have gone unviewed (with exception of 1 where I wasn't selected).

I am going to keep at it - but it had been a little discouraging so far. Will see where I'm at in a month, but would like to be able to freelance my mathematics and data skills and use this as my payment full time. 

Any and all tips are extremely appreciated. 

Best,

Janson

Profile: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01f8619af169b2c6b2

[elisa_b]

If I were you, I would stop paying for the Plus plan and buy connects as needed. 

You must be very good at what you do, but your profile is quite unappealing. I mean, it is like reading a CV, while you should take advantage of your profile to make a good impression on the client and explain how you will address their needs (instead of talking only about you).

There is a course in the Academy section about profile optimization. And in case you haven't, please learn how to avoid scammers - they are countless nowadays. Best of luck.

[7b559b21]

Hey Elisa,

Thank you for the feedback on my unappealing profile. I have re-worked my profile this morning and am hopeful it makes a better impression from the client perspective. Would you be able to check and see if I'm on the right track with this update? Best, Janson
https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01f8619af169b2c6b2

[khadka-prem_baha]

Hello, Fellow are you fine? I am fine too and Today, I am a new member of this platform or community.

First of all, I would like to say Heartly thanks to the Upwork platform & our community because we are sharing our questions and getting answers binding each other as close friends.

Best wishes!

[cb9c684d]

Just getting started with UpWork.  What is your experience with this organization?

Any tips are appreciated.

Ed

[christopherbudde]

Hey Ed. I read your profile. It's nicely written but kind of sparse in how exactly you intend to help. Do you help improve websites? Purchasing? Staffing? ISO certification? Listing specifics will get you higher in the searches. For the projects you seem to be going after, higher education is a plus. List any degrees you have. Good luck! Chris

[elizabeth-nss]

Hello, in this case, just beware of scams, choose jobs that are payment verified and have been on the platform for a while, is what I would advise. Choose jobs wisely when applying, as most jobs are now 8 - 16 connects but the platform offers only 10 connects per month if you're on the basic plan. Also, read all tips on the platform as they can be very helpful when setting up your account. As per Upwork, for every 5 jobs you apply to, you might get one reply, hope this helps, Best,

[y_gonzales]

Hi, I am here to talk about how I never got any clients. I've been a freelancer for a long time in upwork and

I use all my conncects just to apply but I never got any call or message from any of the people I sent my applications.

I am a Quantity Surveyor Estimator and I am looking for a part time job. But I notice I never really have a goood result. 

Can anyone tell me how I can have a  client or how I cant attract clients? I send profiles and sample of my work but I don't know if it's enough. I even attache my cv if necessary.  

Is there anyone interested to hire? Im really desperate to look for a job.  Can anyone help me? Thank you. 

[da5b0592]

Hi Yvonne,

Your profile is set to private, so it's hard for me to give you any specific feedback.

I don't know much about construction but with something as niche as that (assuming you want to use those skills here), it seems best fit for consulting work. There is also some research to be done on whether or not the clients that would want such services are even on here. 

I have many ideas for how to get clients and I'm fairly successful at it even though I've been on here for less than a year. My general guidelines are:

* In your proposals, the clients see the first two sentences only. Make them count. Don't waste time with fluff or pleasantries. Grab their attention with something usual or why you would be an amazing hire like "I've overseen over 100 property construction projects, I made this video discussing my approach to [INSERT PROJECT HERE]." Record a Loom video and add the link. Assuming that would be a sensible thing to do of course (again, I know nothing about construction). 

* Go after clients that have a consistent history of spending and don't go after the "I want an expert with 20 years experience for $25 type of clients".

* Use the search filter function to find these gigs, and save your filters once you have found one that surfaces good jobs routinely. 

* Don't be afraid of applying to jobs that have been open a while IF the client is consistently spending on the platform, they probably haven't found someone that wows them yet. Be that one. On the flip side, don't apply to old jobs from new clients, they probably just created on a whim and changed their mind.

There is a lot of other things to say here, but I'll try not to write a book as a response.

[jasminevclark]

I've been on Upwork for years. I'm not sure what a Quantity Surveyor Estimator is or whether or not those types of jobs are common on Upwork. Maybe you could explore a different type of service to offer? Or if you want to stick with the same service, look for clients elsewhere. Where do your ideal clients spend their time on the internet? Which social media sites do they like? Are there any networking events in your local area? These are some questions to think about as you look for ways to put yourself out there and get clients.