🐈
» Forums » New to Upwork » Tips for finding that first job
Page options
AndreaG
Moderator
Moderator

Tips for finding that first job

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:

 

 

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!

 

~Andrea
Upwork
ACCEPTED SOLUTION
AndreaG
Moderator
Moderator

Hi all,

 

This thread has been closed from further replies due to its size. We appreciate your participation in the Community and welcome you to continue the conversation on this new thread.

 

Thank you!

~Andrea
Upwork

View solution in original post

740 REPLIES 740

Dear Saif:

First of all you should complete your profile then you can open the link in find work. Thats it, its not a difficult.

https://www.upwork.com/nx/find-work/best-matches

Regards.

New to Upwork and applied to several jobs on upwork. I specialize in medical data entry and Im ready to get started as soon as possilbe.

How ican able to work

Hello, am new here hoping to find a job soon 

Hello , last 3-4 mont cannot get any respons from clients , I'm not new on Upwork but I still cannot get any response I waste a lot of bids to find some job. 

Hi Julia, wrong forum, this is the forum for clients to post their questions and inquiries.

 

You are looking for either the Freelancers forum: https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/bd-p/freelancers
or the new to UpWork forum: https://community.upwork.com/t5/New-to-Upwork/bd-p/New_to_Upwork

 

People there can help you and quite a few pinned posts there to review on this matter.

This is the freelancer's forum.

Hello family my name is Elvis Chilumo. Am new to the site. I come as an independent service provider who is experienced on statistical analysis packages SPSS, EXCEL, STATA and Business intelligence POWER BI. Am a fresh graduate From the university . Please help me find clients so as I can perfect my skills

 

Hello All,

 

I am Harshil Panchal and new to Upwork freelancer platform.

I am quick learner, dedicated, focused person to dive into new world. 

I have 6+ years of IT field experience in Infrastructure Technologies.

 

Please refer my linkedin profile.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshil-panchal-07102063/

 

Hello All,

Requesting to help me how to start first upwork journey or any freelance team can add me in their group tasks/projects/work.

 

How do I get jobs? I have been writing proposals with no success at all.

Please guide and show the way...anyone??

nonny2
Community Member

Hello, my fellow freelancers. I am Naomi Kariuki from Nairobi, Kenya. I have been sending proposals to ensure that I get my first client, professionally writing them but still no response. It would be an honor for freelancers with experience to have a look at my profile and tell me if there is anything wrong with it. 

Thank you.

celgins
Community Member

Naomi,

 

You might have missed the profile review provided on May 22, 2023 04:55:16 AM in response to your message on May 20. You can see it here in the New to Upwork forum; it should be on page 24.

Hello

 Am new to Upwork how do I get my first client.. I have been posting proposal...

I have been around Upwork and not a single job offer.. is this real? What needs to be done because I have studied all that the Academy published and still nothing!

HELP PLEASE, I NEED A JOB!

its been more than a month  but no client. all conects gone many of purposals are not seen buy anyone.
fustrated .

solution?

Hi I'm cres from phillipines and also i'm new to this flatform . help me guys so i can start 

Best of luck 

Hi, I'm zemayma a HR Billing and payroll specialist ,i can do both at the same time..i have more than 5 years experience in both executive and administrative works, please help me to find job here in Upwork.thanks

Hi,
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Fiqhan Fadillah Makky, but you can call me Pikan. I want to discuss the challenges I've discovered while searching for work on the Upwork platform. I'm uncertain about what might be causing issues with my profile, portfolio, or the cover letters I send clients.

That is my second account, and you might be curious why I created a new one. The reason is that I exhausted the "Connects" on my first account, and I almost fell victim to a scammer who offered a project outside of Upwork. I'm genuinely perplexed as to why it's incredibly challenging to secure a job here. Is it because I lack a work history or client testimonials on this platform?
I kindly request your assistance in gaining my first work experience. I am quick-witted and enjoy swiftly learning and accomplishing tasks accurately. I'm interested in taking on roles as a Virtual Assistant or Translator, specializing in English to Indonesian or Japanese translations. I studied Japanese at the N4 level two years ago. Additionally, I am proficient in various tools, including MS Excel, Spreadsheets, MS Word, Canva, Photoshop, ChatGPT, AutoCAD, and more.
Your positive feedback would be greatly appreciated as it would help me acquire my initial work experience here!

Hi Pikan,

I understand that you're seeking assistance in finding your first job on Upwork and are unsure about the challenges you're facing with your profile, portfolio, and cover letters. I'm here to help guide you through the process.

Firstly, it's important to ensure that your Upwork profile is complete and presents your skills and experience effectively. Make sure to provide a clear and concise overview of your background, highlighting your strengths and areas of expertise. Add relevant skills to your profile and showcase any certifications or courses you've completed.

Building a strong portfolio is crucial to demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients. If you don't have previous work samples, consider creating personal projects or offering your services at a discounted rate to gain experience and showcase your skills. Adding a variety of samples that demonstrate your abilities in translation, virtual assistance, or other relevant areas can increase your chances of attracting clients.

When it comes to cover letters, tailor each one to the specific job you're applying for. Highlight how your skills, experience, and language proficiency make you the ideal candidate for the role. Be sure to address the client's needs and showcase your understanding of the project requirements. Proofread your cover letter for any errors or typos before submitting.

In addition to optimizing your profile and applications, consider the following tips to increase your chances of securing your first job:

  1. Start with smaller projects: Look for entry-level or smaller projects that align with your skills and experience. These projects can help you gain initial work experience on the platform and build your reputation.

  2. Network and seek referrals: Connect with other freelancers, join relevant industry groups, and participate in discussions. Building relationships and seeking referrals from fellow freelancers or professionals in your field can lead to potential job opportunities.

  3. Research and apply to relevant projects: Spend time searching for projects that match your skills and interests. Tailor your applications to demonstrate your understanding of the project and how you can contribute value to the client.

  4. Set competitive rates: As a new freelancer, consider setting competitive rates to attract clients and build your reputation. You can gradually increase your rates as you gain more experience and positive feedback.

Lastly, be patient and persistent. Building a successful freelancing career takes time and effort. Keep refining your profile, portfolio, and applications, and continuously improve your skills and knowledge.

Best of luck in finding your first job on Upwork! Remember to stay cautious and follow Upwork's guidelines to avoid falling victim to scams.

Hi!
I created my account a few months ago and only this week I got my first job. Yes, it can take time specially since I have no portfolio and no work history. But my advice is: Write good cover letters. I always write a new one for every proposal I send. In the letter, make sure you have the skills and the time for the job, you need to show confidence and professionalism. Also, if you have enough connects, try to outbid the 1st place, it increases the chance of getting noticed by the client. Search for entry level projects and only send proposals to clients that have their payment method verified, it's safer. 

There really isn't much to do, just keep trying until it happens. Don't give up and good luck!

Hello everyone, this me Arnob, I have submitted many proposal in upwork but I am not getting any job, I am a beginner, its really demotivating me. Can anyone give me proper guidelines to get job very soon.

Arnob

First client Data Entry 

 

I am a new and have experience of three years but I am not getting any orders. How to get the order?

Hello,  I am a new freelancer (electrical & electronics engineer, experienced in civil & electrical drawing as well interior design. Please help me to find an assignment.

Hello friends, I want to tell you a little about my anxiety.

I've been with Upwork for 4 years and have spent all my connections submitting proposals.

I have implemented all the tips from various Upwork professionals and Upwork articles. but the results are still the same, there are still no clients who want to use my services.


My skills focus on UI/UX website responsive design using Figma tools and then building with webflow.

 

Please give me tips to attract client interest so my proposal can be accepted.

Yusuf Matra

Your profile look good. Try to increase price. Maybe clients think tnat you know a litlle.

Getting the contract of first is difficult, why its too much difficult ?

Let's share our experiences and support each other in this journey. What strategies have you tried to attract clients? Any tips or words of encouragement for those of us patiently awaiting our breakthrough? Let's unite and inspire each other!"

Share your journey and inspire fellow freelancers who are eagerly awaiting their breakthrough. Let's hear your stories of patience, persistence, and the strategies that ultimately led to that coveted first order. Join the discussion and help motivate others to keep pushing forward towards their freelancing goals!.


Me:  0 order yet it's  been 2 Years 😂

I just got my first paying gig via Upwork but I've also got a few other interviews booked as well so I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of it and find my groove on here. I think constantly adding to and improving your portfolio is massively important as well as properly reaching out to perspective clients. You've got to be proactive and apply for jobs fairly quickly after they are posted and also take the time to send a thoughtful cover letter that uses PERFECT grammar and spelling. You have to show confidence and ability in every aspect of your approach to freelancing on Upwork.

 

Help me how can i found my project and start it because when I'm try to open it's not

Hi Iqra,

 

Thank you for your message. I see that you have recently signed up for Upwork. I suggest you take a few Upwork Academy courses to help you get started:

 
Additionally, feel free to sign up for upcoming events and webinars to learn more about how you can boost your success on Upwork. We hope you find these online resources useful in your Upwork journey.
 
Thank you,
Pradeep
Upwork

Help me I didn't find any work. How I can start my work, please help me.

Greetings to all.
I am a Data Analyst. I signed up on Upwork about six months ago, but I haven't received any opportunities yet. I'd appreciate some suggestion on how to land my first job.

Its been too long when i started upwork but still didn't find any clients how can i find clients ?

I'm no expert in your industry, but I would work on your profile. One thing you can do is create an Upwork client profile and look at other virtual assistant freelancer profiles as examples.

Buddy, you signed up yesterday. 

 

But if you want some real advice, and this is gonna sound harsh, but there is nothing on your profile that tells me anything. Your english is broken and at times incomprehensible. It reads like something 2007 Google Translate would spit out. You also don't highlight anything that you're good at or anything about your skillset and experience other than you worked at a call center. 

 

You need to fill in some details, clean up your English, and make yourself stand out amongst the other million people offering the very same entry-level labor. 

Latest Articles
Featured Topics
Learning Paths