Tips for finding that first job

[#1]

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!

[#2]

Study the Learning Path video's. They offer a lot of advice from designing a first rate profile, to winning cover letters.

[#3]

 I am new to Upwork , so was wondering how long does it take to get a job and the procedure to getting a job thank you. I am open to learning new things while working.

• Graduate of Mass communication
• Research project writer
• Data analyst
• Business plan writer
• Pitch deck creator
• Logo designer
• Proposal writer

[#4]

Ok sure

[#5]

I am Valentine and very new here I don't know how to make a proposal or a bid. I really want to start freelance jobs to support my family. My contract ended on July this year and since then I have not secured any job and I am happy to be part of Upwork community. Please assist me in any way you can I will appreciate.

[#6]

Hello, I am new to Upwork and am encountering difficulties securing jobs. If anyone has any feedback or tips regarding my profile, it would be greatly appreciated.

My profile compilation is at 100% but there might be more that I could be doing. 

Thank you for your time! 

[#7]

Hello Everyone! I'm Yuki and I am currently seeking out projects in translations from Japanese to English, and vice versa.

Hopefully, I will be able to find a few projects in the next few months to gain more experience in different contexts of translation. 

😊

[#8]

Hiii I'm Aaria!! I'm a student who is pursuing medical and I'm into the content writing, video editing , graphic designing . I would love to find some type of appreciation. I am from Rajasthan , India .

I'm hoping to learn to be successful in my career and i would love to hear from others how to attract first clients .

[#9]

Make it Easier for New Freelancers to Get their First Clients

Hi, I'm new on Upwork, but I've been working as a freelancer for over 20 years. After a few days using the platform and searching for both jobs and talent, I'd like to share my first thoughts about the Upwork ecosystem.

I think the platform works very well, the Academy material is well-presented, and the Community provides very useful tips and advice. However, the point I want to make is about the difficulty new freelancers face in getting their first clients.

I can see lots of people with zero or minimal earnings, and almost all job postings ask for freelancers with an established track record. It's very unlikely that a client will find a new freelancer through search, and even if they do, they're likely to pass them over due to their lack of credentials. This leaves new freelancers with only one way to get clients: to apply for jobs and spend their Connects hoping to get clients' attention and a fair chance to make direct contact.

In my humble opinion, this process imposes a huge time overhead that dramatically reduces the effective hourly rate you finally get if you win that business. For example: spending 6 hours to get an 8-hour job at $25/hour means you really worked for 14.28 - 10% Upwork commission = $12.85, which means you're working for half your established hourly rate.

Rather than being critical of how hard it is for new freelancers to get their first profitable jobs and start building their reputation, I'd like to open a discussion about ideas that would make things easier for newcomers. Some suggestions:

1. Make it more attractive for clients to hire new freelancers: allowing them to apply for small jobs (lets say less than 6 hours) at 0 USD/hour, using 0 Connects, and 0 Commission. This will give new freelancers an option to invest their own time and money doing a couple of small jobs for free, to get their foot in the door and build their reputation.

2. When doing a search for talent, display the number of freelancers available and offer options to display new freelancer profiles in a position with a fair chance to be seen by clients: this could be done by providing options to reorder results by hourly rate and/or filter results to see new freelancers that completed their first 5 jobs in the past 90 days with a success above 90%.

3. Offer a "New Freelancer" badge that would be displayed on the profiles of new freelancers, so that clients can easily identify them.

The idea is to make Upwork more attractive for new freelancers and make it easier for them to get their first clients.

Best Regards

[#10]

Dear Roberto,

There is another important step your are missing:

Freelancers should create their own examples and place it up on Upwork...the next step is to ask business associates, friends, and family to offer testimonials  (like feedback) of their opinions of the examples. {This is different than a project that the Freelancer creates}

The testimonial section is located towards the bottom of each freelancers profile.

Feedback is like 'gold' in form of words to Freelancers as clients view it. It will grab their attention.

[#11]

Good day everyone, I am new to this Upwork platform and I am eager to learn how it works. Additionally, I am currently seeking work opportunities and would greatly appreciate any recommendations. As a legal practitioner with a background in humanitarian work, I am open to all kinds of employment opportunities that fit my skills, both within Nigeria and the global community. Thank you for your assistance.

[#12]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Nicole and i am a Property Manager in  Ohio, I will be downsizing out of a 5 bedroom home  into a bus/home conversion  and i am looking for remote work . I looking to further my knowledge on remote employment and find employment .

[#13]

Hi Nicole,

Welcome to the exciting world of the Upwork Community! This is where you can hang out with like-minded folks, ask and answer questions, explore hot topics, and keep up with the latest buzz on Upwork.

And that's not all! The Community is also your chance to give us feedback on what you love and want to see more of. We're all ears, so don't be shy!

But before we get carried away, let's start with the basics. Check out these excellent Upwork Academy courses to help kickstart your Upwork journey:

• How to create your profile
• Finding work
• Profile Title & Overview
• Building Your Portfolio
• Submitting Proposals

And if that's not enough, you can also sign up for upcoming events and webinars that are sure to boost your success on Upwork.

So get ready to have some fun and learn a lot. We hope you find these online resources super helpful. Let's rock this Upwork journey together!

[#14]

I'm ready to start developing enriching activities. You can count on my knowledge to help with your needs.

[#15]

Hi Juliana,

Hello NAME,

Welcome to Upwork! We’re here to help you navigate the world of online work. Let’s start with the basics here at Upwork.

Below there are a few Upwork Academy courses to help you get started:

• How to create your profile
• Finding work
• Profile Title & Overview
• Building Your Portfolio
• Submitting Proposals

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.

[#16]

Hello there,

I'm new to Upwork and finding myself a bit frustrated. Despite submitting over 20 proposals, the majority haven't received any views or replies. I understand that securing the first job can be challenging, but I'm wondering if there's something extra I could be doing or if I'm overlooking something.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this. I'm open to chatting with fellow freelancers who might have faced similar concerns. Have a fantastic day!

[#17]

you are going totally write, just send it proposal and don't give up

[#18]

I strongly recommend you read this post and follow every link: To all freelancers looking for help - Upwork Community

[#19]

20 proposals is nothing. You can get first results after 200.

[#20]

I do not feel that is true. It depends how your profile is worded to match the project and your cover letters.

[#21]

Craft your cover letters specifically to the clients requests.

200 - 250 words only.

Acquire testimonials that you offer 'work' to business people you already know.

[#22]

In January 2021, I had my last job on Upwork. I have now decided to resume my work on Upwork. What can I do to secure a job and start working again?

[#23]

Watch as many Learning path videos as possible.

I too took time away from Upwork. Much has changed!

[#24]

HI Upwork Team,

Recently i have completed 2 jobs and both feedback was showing as well but now just one is showing, as well as it showing 1 completed job on work history,

why?

Please check & help me out,

Waiting for your best response,

Regards,

Khalil U.

[#25]

Ask the question mark on the messenger page.

You might receive help there.

[#26]

I am new on Upwork, and I specialize in Amazon PPC and Amazon FBA. How can I find work