Paid for Expert Vetted application but got not response

[#1]

For 300 connects, It is reasonable to expect a decision one way or the other in a timely manner.

Instead, I flushed 300 connects into the abyss, and from the other threads it appears I am not the only one.

It is bad enough to routinely get blown off by potential clients, but it is a bit offensive to get scammed by the platform.

Note to self:  do not participate in the any gimmicks the platform promotes. 

[#2]

It is truly going to be sad witnessing the backlash of freelancers who paid to maybe get a little digital trophy, and what happens when a certain percentage who feel entitled get nothing....

And at the same time it is going to be amusing to see this backfire in Upwork's face.  

[#3]

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 Harsh J wrote:

It feels like my 300 connects (which I bought to apply) have gone to waste.

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Feel no such thing. You've helped make it easier for staff to report positive financial news on the Second Quarter investors call.

Have no doubt that your contribution is very much appreciated.

[#4]

Jarrett - I agree that this is a scam, but it is a GOOD thing that this is taking a while.  That means human beings might be involved in reviewing the applications.  Would you prefer that one of Upwork's malfunctioning AI bots reviewed all of the applications in 5 minutes?  

[#5]

As previously stated, the timeframe should have been articulated from the beginning, or at a minimum an update to when we are hearing back after applying should have gone out.

as it is, this application went into the void, like most of the proposals I have sent out.  for the amount spent, an email or messenger update would have been the professional thing to do.

[#6]

You signed up to pay for a scam... I don't think you can complain that the offending party isn't following your personal rules of etiquitte.  

[#7]

That is one way to look at it.

Or another way to look at it is I paid for a professional service and and have a reasonable expectation to a professional response, in which case I have every right to call it out.  Especially when I am paying for it

[#8]

To be fair, the timeframe was actually mentioned twice in advance. 

Once in the FAQs (see screenshot) and again on the main application page, which I can no longer access since I applied.  But I clearly recall seeing it.

[#9]

Funny that Luiggi copied and pasted that text in his message.  

[#10]

Hi there! 

So recently I applied for Upwork's Expert Vetted Badge. 

It's over 1 week now, I just wanted to know if there's any update reg when they are going to announce results for this round also How many rounds are going to take place and what's the timeline 

Lastly, what's the criteria for getting into Upworks Private Talent Cloud 

Thanks and regards 

[#11]

I've read on multiple threads from moderators the review time is 4 weeks.

[#12]

Is there any way for the client to identify the real expert-vetted freelancer from the paid one to qualify for it?

[#13]

Why should there be a differentiation?
Once examined, both will be the same, expert vetted, it doesn't matter if it was by invitation or an Upwork offer to raise money, right?
Paying to be examined does not mean that you are going to get the badge, which on the other hand I think most of those who have applied think.

[#14]

No, but there should be!

[#15]

Just got this email:

Thank you for your interest in Upwork’s Expert-Vetted Talent badge and for taking the time to complete the application process. Recognizing the time required to complete your application, we appreciate your enthusiasm in consideration for the top 1% on the platform.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application for the Expert-Vetted badge at this time. This determination is not a reflection of your capabilities or achievements, as our review process is highly competitive to select those advancing in the process.

While we are not moving forward with your application, you will be re-eligible for consideration in 6 months. Please note this does not affect your eligibility for other Upwork badges and programs. We appreciate your time and interest and wish you continued success.

Best Regards,

Upwork

Well I guess I won't be getting it 🤡

[#16]

Many won't. But make sure to reapply!

[#17]

---

 wrote:

Just got this email:

While we are not moving forward with your application, you will be re-eligible for consideration in 6 months. Please note this does not affect your eligibility for other Upwork badges and programs.

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The next round of shearing will begin in 6 months.

[#18]

I got the same letter and I am not surprised.

Upwork has turned into a pyramid scheme where the only upward mobility is pay-to-play.

As a landscape designer with more than 15 years experience and well over 30 years in the workforce, there are few I would trust to "vet" me as an expert.  I am more concerned that the platform using these badges and gimmicks to play gate-keeper with profiles and only promoting those workers that are willing to fund the platform.

In an interesting twist, after I got the rejection I also received another e-mail requesting I take a survey.  I took the survey and found that that AI is front and center (Tools, Marketing, Workflow and Content, etc).  They wanted to know how much I intent to shift toward AI use in my practice, using AI to connect with clients on the platform, AI tool to streamline efficiency, the works.  Somehow I get the feeling the two are connected

[#19]

Hi Jarrett - Was this a general survey, or a specific survey related to the Expert Vetted Program?  I sure hope that there isn't a correlation between the EV program and adopting AI into workflow.... because from my experiences the people who are adopting AI are the low-quality workers.... 

[#20]

I just saw this, sorry for the delay

To answer your question, I don't know.  The survey popped up right after I got the rejection letter, but did not specify if it was related to the EV Program.  But I thought the timing to be a little suspicious.

I still draw on trace paper at a drafting table and type proposals in Word, so AI is pretty useless to me in my practice. 

[#21]

I applied on June 19th and was told approximately four weeks. Hopefully I'll hear back soon, as it will be 30 days this week. Like anything in life, you have to pay to play, have patience and keep pushing forward. 

[#22]

Today has been exactly 30 days since i paid the 300 connects. No updated yet. 

[#23]

It was scam for sure. I lost 300 connects by just one email from Upwork that you are not selected.
Atleast be responsbile to give us those connect back so we can apply for some jobs. Upwork is looking to eat connects these days. its like we are playing a video game where to survive here you need to buy connects and upwork eating them with small small scams.

Pathetic platform.... I didn't get a single job in past 2 Months .....

[#24]

Why should you get your connects back?
You agreed to pay to see if you were eligible. Lost connects.

[#25]

Agreed - you can't complain if you lose money at a casino.  

[#26]

I've shared my experience here: https://community.upwork.com/t5/Support-Forum/An-Upwork-SCAM-EXPERT-VETTED-Badge/m-p/1655239#M178723 check it out.