Victor Obinali
In this article we would be going over in a full detail how you can get your first job at upwork.
Make sure you properly read this article because it will be containing a lot of information.
This article would not be a promotion based article for Upwork freelance site in any way we are aimed at just teaching you on the proper steps that you should take in other to earn on upwork.
You should know that Upwork is a Gig economy which links independent contractors with customers and businesses in need of their services.
Freelancers create a profile after registering on the website, which includes a photo, a list of their skills, and a collection of work samples.
If you find a job that hits what you are capable of you write a short letter, answer some questions and provide a picture for the job, as well as listing your skills and experience in the particular job.
After doing this a client who has a project and needs the skills you have to offer can select you from the many and then give you a task to complete with a deadline if the task is not an immediate one.
Freelancers and clients can communicate on Upwork through their built-in messaging platform, which has chat, voice and video-call capability.
Interestingly, unlike some other freelancing platforms, off-site communication (such as email) is not expressly prohibited.
The method of payment to you as the freelancer has to be negotiated with the client by you as you can get paid hourly or through a flat fee.
There are a lot of gig jobs which you will see available on upwork so you should not limit your mind on the few gig work which are popular on the internet.
When people think of freelancing jobs, they often think of things like writing, graphic design, creating a WordPress site and editing. There are a lot of gig work out there so make sure you find the one that suits you.
Many clients are interested in hire new freelancers as they do not charge much so you should not worry about being a newbie with little to no experience.
How To Get Your First Job On Upwork
Now we have worked you through the basics of upwork let us now head into the section which you have being waiting for.
Many new freelancers learn about the opportunity offered by Upwork and get a rush of excitement that is gradually replaced by frustration and disappointment as they fail to actually get a job on the site.
So you should try as much as possible not to make this same mistake do not rush things.
But you have to admit this whether you rush or not getting your first contract or gig is one of the biggest barrier.
There are a few reasons. But first and foremost is your lack of feedback.
Upwork relies on a five-star rating and feedback system. This feedback is front-and-center when you go and apply for a job
When a freelancer and client are done with a task they will be given the ability to rate themselves the rating shows on the profile of each person.
The rating greatly shows whether this person is actually a good person to work.
This rating greatly affects and contribute to the Job Success Score (JSS).
Job Success Score is a publicly-displayed metric that Upwork uses to determine how satisfied your clients are with your work.
Now when clients are searching for someone to work with they check your Job Success Score so make sure your Job Success Score ranking is left on.
But now the main problem is if you are new freelancer you have no job success score, so this makes it hard for clients to actually know whether you are reliable or trustworthy in the job skill you said you offer.
So let us go over some steps to counter this Job Success Score:
Step 1: Craft A Knockout Profile
As you have no Job Success Score you have to make your profile have more Scrutiny and more perfection.
So what you will be doing is selling yourself to clients most freelancers rush into creating a profile and making their profile not perfect.
Here are a view ways to create a perfect profile.
1. Use a business-friendly photo
An appropriate photo which is clear and cuts from your neck up is very important if you which to get a good business friendly photo.
First impression matters a lot so make sure your image is very attractive to look at as it would make you more trustworthy and professional.
Note that it should not be like a passport you are trying to get a client so you can smile and tilt your head to one direction instead of looking straight into the camera that's not what you want.
2. Write a compelling, keyword-rich job title and overview
Whether you are planning on getting your first contract or your 1000th contract this is something which you have to work on very well.
This involves crafting a detailed description of your skillset that’s filled with keywords relevant to the kind of jobs you want to be hired for, as well as an overview of your experience.
When you’re just starting out, you may not have a niche yet. However, you can absolutely underscore the benefits clients would gain by hiring you. Don’t just say what you’re good at; think about how your skills translate into specific, tangible returns.
That said, you should always be thinking about your future niche(s). Because there’s so much competition on Upwork, appealing to a particular niche within your wider area of expertise can help you win more clients and earn better rates.
3. Consider Adding An Introductory Video
Most of the work listed on Upwork is done remotely. It's unlikely that you'll ever have the opportunity to speak with a client on the phone, let alone in person. It is typically very transactional and impersonal: you receive an assignment, complete it, and submit the deliverables.
Tell prospective customers who you are, a little bit about the services you provide, and how long you've been in your line of work in your video.
Make a note of the projects you want to work on and the clients you prefer to work with.
There isn't much distance to cover here; 30 to 60 seconds would be ideal. The objective is to simply present your face in a way that shows you are a genuine, sensible person.
4. Add your work experience and education
Clients want to see your work history, much like on a typical job application.
All Upwork freelancers should therefore include this information.
However, it's essential to do so when you first join the platform because it gives your profile legitimacy.
If you've been employed for a while, you don't have to list every position you've ever held under your profession. It is sufficient to list the last three or four jobs.
Step 2: Search For The Right Kinds Of Jobs
Just the first step you can quickly rush and get into a pitfall well here are some common ways to navigate it.
1. Be patient and selective
On Upwork, there are many jobs available, and more are posted practically every minute. You'll probably be astounded by the number of opportunities when you conduct your first job search on the website for positions in your specialty.
To get your first job, however, you need to be a little bit strategic and resist the urge to pitch the first opportunity that fits your skills.
Yes, the website offers a ton of opportunities. But there are also lots of freelancers, the majority of whom have reviews and have billed a lot of hours, giving them strong Job Success Scores.
2. Focus on small, one-off projects
Gaining a few quick victories will help you establish a feedback profile. You'll probably need to bid on projects for less than your time is worth in order to achieve that.
A good way to convince clients to give you a chance is to price your services less expensively than competing independent contractors. Yes, hiring you might be risky, but considering the potential savings, it might be worthwhile.
Step 3: Submit A Can’t-Miss Proposal
You have the chance to "wow" the client with your proposal. Utilize the chance to showcase your skills and explain why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
1. Fully read the job description
A few of the job descriptions on Upwork are only a few lines long and fairly simple. Others are considerably more engaged. Be sure to read the job description in its entirety. You don't want to accept a job for which you are not qualified or which requires work that you simply find unpleasant.
The client's needs should be specifically addressed in the proposal you create, which is more important.
2. Provide social proof
Social proof can take the form of reviews and ratings. However, you don't have any when you first join Upwork.
It is crucial that you provide additional social proof that you are qualified for the job you are applying for.
The Bottom Line
This leads us to the end of this article let us know what your opinions are in the comments section below make sure you share this article to whoever will find it useful.
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