Odesk,,how to get a job?
By fheiyl
@fheiyl (40)
Philippines
January 27, 2010 8:44am CST
any tips on how to get a job/project in odesk?
im a newbie on this site..hope anybody share some tips and ideas..
4 responses
@jswindell10 (417)
• United States
27 Jan 10
Dwight made some good points. It is best if you take as many of those tests as possible. It also helps to have a resume, clips or links where anyone can view your work.
I've been with them for a few months and have a few tips based on experience.
1) Do not submit unique (unpublished or customized to their request) samples of more than 100-200 words. Some people say not to send any unique samples without some sort of compensation. I had a client request two "samples" I reported her immediately and made a slide presentation with links.
2) They have a lot of overseas clients so watch time zones when quoting work.
3) Be prepared to take on a couple of low-paying gigs when getting started but be cautious of the dialogue from the time you are accepted for an interview. I had one client switch from 300 words on a variety of subjects to 400+ word articles on home loans.
Finally, if you have a BrainBench acct., you can save on testing time by importig your scores to your public profile.
Best
@jswindell10 (417)
• United States
28 Jan 10
That last sentence is supposed to be 'importing'.
One last thing, when placing bids on jobs notice the number of words you can really write vs. the hourly pay vs. flat rate.
I had a client who wanted to pay less than $3/hour to write articles (but did not specify word count minimum). Assuming the word count was maybe 350 avg., I put a bid in and started the interviewing process. After a while, he wanted to pay about $2 (after oDesk gets their fees) for a 500 word article that would have involved opening up a database account that I wasn't familiar with.
Think I've covered enough.
@hanasadako (92)
• Philippines
29 Jan 10
you can also try: craiglist, gugu.com, elance.com, getafreelancer.com, reviewme, or reviewstream.
These are legitimate sites like odesk.
@fheiyl (40)
• Philippines
29 Jan 10
thanks for that dude.. i remembered i am a member @getafreelancer.
@my_january (967)
• Philippines
30 Jan 10
Hi, I got few jobs in Odesk and as far as I remembered, it takes 3 weeks before I get my 1st job. I just apply and apply- make sure your resume is 100%comlete. I created original cover letter for each of my application. For my starting rate, I make sure that it is just low because I haven't had any work history yet, buyers are usually looking for those experienced provider. Also, take those tests that can be of good use to support the service you are offering. For example if you are a writer/blogger, of course those spelling tests, english grammar tests and alike are important for you to take. Some certification will also give you an edge if you have them. As of now, I haven't been around Odesk, I did it just for part-time, I have a regular job. I am just so tired of my regular job and sometimes when I get home I just can't focus on anything but to rest.
Goodluck! Hope you have your first job, ahm TOMORROW!
@viryabo (69)
•
28 Jan 10
I just joined oDesk a few days ago. I took the test and failed woefully. Why? Because i didn't read what i was supposed to before taking the test.I intend retaking this test and starting off on a better note. I'll take as many as is possible till i get it right. I'm trying to start another line of internet earnings (diversification) so i think odesk is a good start.