Paid for Expert Vetted application but got not response

[skodtdesign]

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. 

[LuiggiR · Accepted solution]

Hello Jarrett,

Applications will be reviewed in approximately four weeks from the date they are submitted. If you qualify, you’ll be selected for a pre-vetting video call. Time slots for these interviews are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the time required to make a determination on your application can vary. If it's been longer than four weeks since you applied, feel free to let us know so we can look into it. 

[skodtdesign]

The timeframe should have been articulated up front.  It was not.

4-weeks you say.  That is coming up soon, so I'll be looking for a notification.  If there is none, I'll be submitting a ticket. 

[ai83]

Did you receive any response?

[skodtdesign]

My application, like most, was not accepted.

[arsalanrajpoot]

Hello Upwork community. Just few days I submit my profile to Expert Vetted. But I don't get any response from Upwork. Anyone tell me when I can respose.

Regards,

Arslan

[kooshesh]

What are the qualifications? I've contributed to the node source, developed since .net20, php 5.6, python 2.7, and so on. I have a competitive programming trophy in c from 2001 when there was no google or internet. ACM level regionals and world alt.

On Linked In, I'm considered in the top 5% in multiple languages and the top 20% in my worst. I've developed longer that some people on this site have been alive. I feel like you have just used AI, which is a terrible choice since that would promote people who used AI to generate their answers as AI recognizes its own data. I've seen that a lot with places.

It's why Amazon sent out a letter today about limiting recursive calls because so many people set up was so poorly done. People are lazy and use AI and are not doing the work of vetting. So it has gotten so bad amazon has to step in and limit people from blowing up aws bills. 

[yofazza]

I've contributed to the node source, developed since .net20, php 5.6, python 2.7, and so on. I have a competitive programming trophy in c from 2001

Then what are you doing on this broker website, brother?😁  Why is their "Editor's Pick" badge so interesting to you? I'll admit, I'd be proud to have such badge, but I'm not pushing myself to get it even for a little.

I started programming commercially IIRC in 2003 (and bought a printer with the money). Now, I have tons of contacts, where 1-2 of them as clients are usually enough to keep me busy. And I said this before, most of them will use sites like this only as a last resort to find a worker.

Although I know some of them do use sites like this, to quick-outsource work for profit! (being a broker themselves) 😁

I saw your profile, and your forum posts. I think maybe, you haven't tried seriously to see things from your client's perspective. I've been someone who is strict, have my own way, etc., but that doesn't work well with most clients. Try to see things from their eyes, they might not care about how semantically-perfect a code is. Result is all they care about.

What are the qualifications

It's an "Editor's Pick". Despite someone here persistently claiming that a profile needs to be active and impressive etc. etc. to earn the badge (the guy is known for the lies and hallucinations though), a person with two jobs and $500 in total earnings that hasn't worked (here) for years has it. It's an Editor's Pick, and there's nothing wrong with paying the Editors for their time to pick. It's actually bad if you get the badge because of the paying, isn't it?

The Editors may choose anyone based on very subjective criteria, and there's nothing wrong with it. The person with the $500 earnings I mentioned, seems like a professional in their field, even if they're not well-known (or perhaps it's because I live in another part of the world). Maybe they were picked because an Editor knows them personally? Again, there's nothing wrong with it. This place is the Editor's space and they can pick anyone at their discretion. Your 300 connects payment (aside from the money grab) is just to make them 'check' your profile, not for the good result.

That's how I see it.

[vatsalchevli]

I did apply for Expert Vitted program, It's been more than 4 weeks already, I see no notification about what's going on with my application! All I can see is in my manage connects section "300 connects deducted for Expert Vitted program" but nothing on email/notifications! I don't even know if anyone is even looking at applications or what's actually happening with submitted applications! I would highly appreciate if we can at least get notified about what is happening with the applications! 

Thank you,

Vatsal.

[ai83]

3 weeks ago I've received an email saying that I'm confirmed for the next step and I'll be getting an interview invite any day now. It's 5 weeks since I applied, of the time frame of 4 weeks. What gives?

[885597ab]

Greetings!!

when you say

"Time slots for these interviews are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the time required to make a determination on your application can vary"

Can you give an approximate time line?

[RonnaP]

Hi Fritz,

This is Ronna, stepping in for Luiggi. I'd like to clarify that if you are selected, it can take up to four weeks to receive another notification to schedule an interview. If four weeks pass and you still haven't received the notification, you can let us know so we can check it for you. 

[885597ab]

Thank you Ronna, yes, I just crossed 4 weeks this week....10 weeks in total

[RonnaP]

Hi Fritz,

I have shared your concern with the relevant team and confirmed that a notification has been sent to your email on July 11th. I highly recommend checking your email folders, including junk or spam, for the notification our team has sent. 

[885597ab]

Thank you, But that info is wrong....mostly they mis-read my concern. I will send you a private message on this with evidence.

[vikram-malik]

Isn't that rather obvious? While this "Expert Vetted" gimmick takes the scam to a whole new level, relatively smaller pushes from the platform like "Freelancer Plus" membership, "boosted" proposals & profiles, etc. are ALL nothing but smokescreens meant to empty our (already depleted) pockets.

Nothing good is coming out of any of these, and I refuse to partake in them.

Moreover, the aggressiveness with which every extractable dime is being pursued by the powers to be, clearly points toward the ship sinking sooner or later.

It's sad (and strange) that many folks here don't seem to get it & continue to be hoodwinked. 

[solveitinfotech]

I purchased and spent 300 connects worth $45 before 30th Jun 2024 as I got a notification of the same in my profile to apply for the Expert-Vetted badge. I have applied and waiting to see any notification or updates for me to get it or maybe an interview process or anything. 

But it's been a long time and I don't have any update or anything. I think Upwork is asking freelancers to spend more money for such offers and they can earn more out of it instead of facilitating to the community. 

I tried reading many forums but I don't find that they are actually providing such offer or was it a spam?

[f1785f8c]

It was a valid offer.

Can't be sure how long they will take to get back to you. They likely received a lot of applications.

[saangharsh]

I applied on 16 June. Heard nothing back from upwork

[spectralua]

Its a strange. Many users claimed already that scammed in that way.

Somebody know about succefully applications? At least one person?

[saangharsh]

Hello,

I saw an offer where we could apply for expert vetted. I applied using 300 connects, while I understand the application does not gurantee the status but it said it does gurantee that your profile will be reviewed. 

It's almost been a month I got no communication from upwork on status of my application. It feels like my 300 connects (which I bought to apply) have gone to waste. Even if my profile is not eligible atleast shoudln't I be informed of that?

Anyone else facing the same?

Thanks!

[tjmisny]

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.  

[aprovado]

---

 Harsh J wrote:

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

---

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.

[tjmisny]

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?  

[skodtdesign]

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.

[tjmisny]

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.  

[skodtdesign]

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

[lizablau]

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.

[tjmisny]

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

[05a5b72c]

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 

[ashrafkhan81]

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

[bijujx0a]

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

[m_terrazas]

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.

[tjmisny]

No, but there should be!

[trennder]

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 🤡

[the-right-writer]

Many won't. But make sure to reapply!

[ravi_iitian]

---

 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.

---

The next round of shearing will begin in 6 months.

[skodtdesign]

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

[tjmisny]

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.... 

[skodtdesign]

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.