oDesk Freelancing 101

So you’ve decided to try your hands at freelancing. Naturally, oDesk would be among your top choices to market your skills and look for jobs. After all, oDesk is one of the top global marketplaces these days. Not to be a downer or anything, but don’t assume that landing jobs at oDesk is easy. There’s a very stiff competition, and some people somewhere are always willing to take on a job for a rate so slow it’s almost like they are offering their services for free. Contractors would also prefer to hire freelancers with experience and whose profiles are the Chuck Norris of oDesk. But take heart and don’t be disheartened. Those freelancers with 10,000 hours worked and 6/5 reviews have to start somewhere, right?

Below are some things that might help you with your oDesk freelancing career.

1. Your profile. Before you start sending applications left and right, make sure your profile is complete and showcases your talents and strengths. Market yourself as someone capable and confident, but don't lie and make yourself up as something you really are not. For example, don't say that you are fluent in both oral and written English when you only have a fair grasp of the language at best. In the same way, don't say that you have experience editing/proofreading/copywriting articles when the most that you have done was write blog posts, ones riddled with bad grammar at that. If your strength lies in data entry and super awesome typing skill, those are the ones you should highlight and point out to prospective employer.

2. Tests. Be sure to take the free tests. Aside from increasing your application quota, they will also tell the contractors about what you know and your skills. If your score is below average and you don’t want to make the result public, you have the option to hide it. You can retake the test in a month. So be prepared for it.

3. Job hunting. Once you’re ready to start applying for jobs, be wary of counterfeit contractors and bogus job offers. As a newbie with no hours worked and zero reviews, you might be tempted to apply for a job whose contractor has no verified payment method with oDesk. You might also be tempted to accept very low rates or to work for free in exchange for positive/high reviews. If you believe that you are a skilled worker and thus deserve more, don’t do it. But if you want to take the risk, it’s your choice, really.

If you are new to oDesk, no matter how skilled or brilliant you are, expect declined applications at first. Don’t let this discourage you. Keep looking for a job and sending applications. Trust that there will be someone who’ll take a chance on you. If it happens, give it your best. It’s a stepping stone to your getting more freelance jobs.

Before you send an application, ask yourself these first:

     Do I have the necessary skills for the job?

     Do I have time to spend on the job to get it done on time?

If you think you are neither qualified nor free to commit to a long-term job or a job that demands more time than you can spend every day, don’t apply for it. And even if you have enough time to spare, don’t spend all of it on work. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and all that.

4. Cover letter. Don’t just copy-paste cover letter from one application to another. Tailor-fit it to the job you are applying for. It will show that you read the job posting thoroughly and that you took the time to write an excellent cover letter to reply to it. It will show that you take the job posting seriously. In your cover letter, don't take on a boastful air. Be humble. Highlight your skills and state the reasons why you think you are the best candidate for the job. 

If you are lucky and you are offered a job, ensure a fast turnaround of task. But don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Make sure you submit a quality output within the time specified. If you are good, the contractor may decide to offer you a job in the future even without you applying for it. He or she may tell other contractors about you, too. This will increase your chances of getting more jobs in the future. This could probably launch your career as oDesk Freelancer King or Queen (if there is such a thing).

If after everything you still can’t get a job, oDesk and/or freelancing may not be for you. Maybe it's time you look for another way of earning money.  It might be better for you in the long run.