Working online
as a freelancer is a great job, but finding work can sometimes prove
challenging without the proper technique. This problem is especially noticeable
on Upwork with thousands of freelancers competing for a limited amount of jobs.
However,
freelancers that know the proper strategy to get hired will face little
difficulty getting hired for a job. The following article will teach you some
of those techniques and show you an example profile that employers look for
when hiring freelancers.
Write “You” Focused Proposals
The most important part of getting hired for an
Upwork proposal is to write a “you” focused proposal. This type of
proposal will emphasize the needs of the clients and how you will help solve
those needs. You should limit the use of the word “I” in your proposal.
Instead, focus
on the problem the client has and then position yourself as the solution to
that problem. You can reference experiences you have and the results that you
achieved for clients, but do not list any irrelevant experience. The client
does not care about that experience because it cannot help them solve their
problem.
You Can Bid Above the Budget
Many new
freelancers think that the winning job always goes to the lowest bidder.
However, this is not always the case. Many employers will assume that the
lowest bidder has the lowest quality. You should strive to bid the budget at a
minimum. Once you have more experience, you can comfortably bid 10% or so above
the budget without losing too many job opportunities.
If the client
likes your proposal, then they will still interview you. Sometimes the client
will offer a counter offer to your proposed rate, but this still might be
higher than their proposed budget.
Choose a Good Profile Picture
Upwork allows
you to upload a small profile picture. For this, you should choose a
professional-looking headshot. A picture taken by a professional photographer
is not necessary. However, you should choose a picture of you in a professional
outfit and setting. Also, make sure that you are smiling in the picture.
Mugshot style pictures are definitely not the type you should have as your
profile picture.
Take the Upwork Skills Tests
Upwork has hundreds of different tests that you can take
that test your skills. These tests can range from writing tests to English
tests to a marketing test. Find the ones relevant to your niche and take them.
If you have an above average score, then you should place them on your profile for potential clients to view.
Some potential
clients will look at your profile, and a good score on those tests will improve
your chances of getting the job. No tests will not look nearly as good, but you
can still get jobs without any tests on your profile.
Put Previous Work in Your Portfolio
You can place previous work into your Upwork portfolio.
You can place screenshots or the actual
files themselves. However, make sure that the files do not
have any sensitive information in them or else your other clients might not
like that.
The work in your
portfolio should be the best work you have available. Double check that it has
no spelling errors if it is writing work or syntax errors if programming work.
You can upload as many portfolio pieces as you want, but three or four
different examples is sufficient enough for most purposes.
Write a Captivating Profile
Your profile is
relatively important for getting a job. The proposal itself, however, is still
the most important about getting hired. Your profile should be “you” focused
just like the proposal. But remember, you want to discuss the problems that
your future clients might have and how you can solve those problems.
An example of that
would be a marketing copywriter discussing the problems that their
clients currently encounter. Some problems could include low sales and low
engagement on marketing campaigns. The copywriter will paint a bad picture and
may even include the consequences of those problems such as a failing business
and not being able to provide for one’s family.
The copywriter
will then offer their service that can help improve sales, improve engagement,
and make the business viable again. This, of course, will excite the client and
make them more likely to send you a job invite or hire you.
You should not
mention things that are irrelevant to the client. An example of irrelevant
information includes why you decided to pursue copywriting, or that copywriting
is your passion. Frankly, the client does not care if you love copywriting or
if you hate it. The client only cares about the results that you can provide
for them.
Turn down lots of work
Turning down
freelancing work might sound counterintuitive to getting more freelancing work,
but it makes sense. If you follow the tips listed above, then you will start
receiving more work than you can handle. Some of this work will come from
low-quality clients that will drain your time with non-billable work.
You should only
accept work from clients that know what they want and know why they are hiring
you. This means you can spend more time working and less time discussing
projects, worrying about getting paid, and figuring out what you need to do for
the client. Choosing the right clients will make more efficient use of your
time, which is more important than having a large number of jobs.
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