Being one of the most competitive freelancer’s marketplaces, odesk is a good way to go for entry level freelancers. But in order to get your first job as a freelancer, there are a number of vital steps that you need to follow. Remember that clients are looking for the best talent that is cost effective to get their work done. So if you play your cards right, you are guaranteed to get that first job. What many entry level freelancers don’t know is that after signing up, you need to complete your profile before you can bid for any job. Below is a discussion of steps to follow after signing up.
Take the oDesk tests
The oDesk tests are meant to show your level of knowledge regarding a particular field. Whether the readiness or the skills test, ensure that you scope the best marks. Your performance is used by the buyers to gauge how well you understand that field.
Complete your profile
The profile of a freelancer his or her heart on odesk . Therefore you have to ensure that the profile is as complete as possible. Add the necessary title, experience, and past responsibilities. Ensure that your profile is catchy in order to attract buyers. Poor profile will always lead to big hustle before getting the first job.
Add portfolio
Add your previous work so that the buyer can see that you got some experience. Remember experience beats all. If you have no previous work, just proceed but remember to add the portfolio when you are done on the first task.
Bid for the first job
Since now you are ready on the pitch, bid for the first job that is relevant to where you fit. Ensure that you meet all the employer needs before bidding. Be average when bidding. Very low bids will create an image inexperience which is bad. Too high bids are also not what the employers want.
Bid Quickly on Fresh Jobs
According to my experience, bid quickly on fresh jobs, where there isn't a lot of bids. If there are already tens of bids on a job, it is too hard to win that job, as the client mostly look at the initial bidders, and the old latter applications are mostly waste. But this is not always true case, I am just sharing my experience. I have faced this situation most of the time.
Cover letter
Write a catchy cover letter that that tells the employer that you are ready to sell your services to him or her. Ensure that the letter is not copied and include all what the employer needs. You may also attach some of your past work so that the employer can gauge your ability.
Communication
Ensure that you keep in touch with the employer and keep checking for any active candidacy or invitation to interview. Also ensure you have all necessary communication tools like Skype, Google talk and others. These are important to ensure that you communicate with the employer with what is convenient to him or her.
Determination
This is the most important factor in my point of view, because I have noticed a lot of my friends who leave the freelancing when they are tired to apply for jobs and all of their applications are rejected. I was also among them, but I was determined and kept trying again and again. In the first week of joining oDesk I got my first job and after that the series of winning my favorite jobs is still in progress.
With this, you are guaranteed to get your first job on odesk. Good luck!
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