Apr 19, 2018 07:05:56 PM by Jon W
I am relatively new to Upwork - while I created the account several months ago, I've only been actively submitting proposals for the past week or so. Unfortunately, I haven't had a single response to any of my proposals - with no job success rating and no Rising Talent flag, it seems as if employers don't even read my proposal letter. The only suggestion I've gotten from friends that have used the system is to offer to do jobs for free to build a history, which isn't particularly appealing... any suggestions?
Apr 19, 2018 07:26:24 PM by John K
Apr 19, 2018 07:26:28 PM by Avery O
Hey Jon,
Don't give up just yet. I checked your profile and would recommend that you remove this line - "I'm a highly experienced Excel programmer (including VBA) looking for some extra projects to tackle on the evenings and weekends, potentially leading to long-term contractual consultant work," and replace it with how you are a highly experienced excel programmer. It would be best to always talk about your skills and expertise on your profile overview so that clients have an idea what you can offer them with just a glance on your profile.
Seeing that you are new here, I would suggest that you read up on these resources we have compiled so that you can read up on great tips on how you can be successful on your freelancing business here on Upwork.
Additionally, you may also want to check out these articles from our Hiring Headquarters to help you create proposals that win jobs, and help you boost your career on Upwork:
Good luck, Jon!
Apr 22, 2018 05:52:05 AM by Jon W
Jun 27, 2019 08:47:47 PM by Dmytro S
Hi, Can you check my profile with experts eyes?
I hope to meet long term work on here
How can I do that?
Regards,
Dmytro
Apr 19, 2018 08:29:48 PM by Melissa C
Apr 20, 2018 04:28:01 AM by Richard W
Hi Jon. I work in much the same line as you. (I probably shouldn't be giving advice to a potential competitor!)
I got started without Rising Talent. It took me nearly a month and over 20 proposals. I doubt that the Rising Talent badge would have made much difference. However, I would have attempted to get Rising Talent (by making my profile "100% complete") if I'd known it has another significant advantage: weeks spent as Rising Talent count towards Top Rated status.
I don't recommend working for free, as such. But what got me started was producing a custom proof-of-concept demo to show the client I could do what he wanted. I invested time making a few custom demos. But now that I've built up library of demo files I usually have a suitable one to send with my proposals, and haven't made a custom one for a long time. That said, I expect a lot of potential clients don't want to bother downloading a demo file, or don't want to risk running a macro-enabled file from an unknown source. So I'm aiming to improve my portfolio with more descriptions and images of past projects, so I can refer to those instead. I just haven't had the time to do it.
Apr 22, 2018 05:53:25 AM by Jon W
Jun 27, 2019 11:15:37 PM Edited Jun 27, 2019 11:16:41 PM by Martina P
Jon W wrote:I am relatively new to Upwork - while I created the account several months ago, I've only been actively submitting proposals for the past week or so. Unfortunately, I haven't had a single response to any of my proposals - with no job success rating and no Rising Talent flag, it seems as if employers don't even read my proposal letter. The only suggestion I've gotten from friends that have used the system is to offer to do jobs for free to build a history, which isn't particularly appealing... any suggestions?
Working for free does not build a history, because those jobs never show up on your profile. A client that you did free work for will expect you to do that forever. So that is not a great tip from your "friends" at all.
I don't think rising talent makes a huge difference, and many people have reported that they get fewer offers when top rated, so you never know.
If you have a professional profile, you will stand out from a lot of people, so just keep writing proposals.
Edit that was an old post....
Jun 28, 2019 02:10:15 AM by Ram S
Hi Jon,
I totally agree with Melissa C that work on your profile and making your proposal eye-catching.
As Melissa C said that don't talk too much about your skills and your services. First, Understand the pain of the client and offer the best remedy. You will always be the winner with this formula.
Never work for free buddy. If you think free work will value the client so no don't think so. Also, don't give cheap price job to get a job. It will damage your cash flow because, without fund, you can not give good services mentally and physically.
Again, in short, Work more on your profile improvement and bid on the job which you feel you can deliver 100% perfectly. Ask important project related questions so as the client can understand that you are trying to understand and you are interested what do they want. For sure you will get a job.
I am also a new member here I just keep reading all articles here in the community. I just won 1 job out of 12 bids only. I bid only on the job which I can do perfectly and follow the same rule what Melissa C is saying.
Another tip mate never listens to your friends or anyone who gives you short cut success advice. Otherwise very soon your account will be suspended by Upwork. Read carefully all terms of uses.
As per Melissa's advice always spare some time to read the content here on Upwork Community.
I hope I have given good advise as per my knowledge, hope it will help you a lot.
Good Luck,
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Always remember: Rome wasn't built in a day, keep trying and be consistent.
Jun 28, 2019 12:33:10 PM by Anonymous-User A