When to start working on a job

[ofureo]

Hello. Please help. Should I start working on a job while my proposal is still an 'active proposal'? Or should I wait until I receive an offer and the job is closed? It seems my prospective client is still interviewing others?
Also, how do I ensure that I am paid for a job when working with a client that has an UNVERIFIED payment method?

[petra_r]

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Ofure O wrote:
Hello. Please help. Should I start working on a job while my proposal is still an 'active proposal'? 

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Absolutely not!

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Ofure O wrote:
Also, how do I ensure that I am paid for a job when working with a client that has an UNVERIFIED payment method?

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You can't be paid at all if a client does not verify their payment method..

[prestonhunter]

re: "Should I start working on a job while my proposal is still an 'active proposal'?"

That is called "working for free."

[colettelewis]

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Ofure O wrote:
Hello. Please help. Should I start working on a job while my proposal is still an 'active proposal'? Or should I wait until I receive an offer and the job is closed? It seems my prospective client is still interviewing others?
Also, how do I ensure that I am paid for a job when working with a client that has an UNVERIFIED payment method?

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Ofure,  never start any work for a client without a formal Upwork contract in place. If you opt for a fixed-price contract, make sure that the first milestone (or the entire project) has been fully funded. 

The site is quite complicated so do read up more about how to use Upwork before applying for any more jobs. This is a good place to start: https://community.upwork.com/t5/New-to-Upwork/Getting-Started-on-Upwork/m-p/264214#M2460