How Do I Get My First Job at Elance

Why not try www.odesk.com....

I remember wondering the same thing when I started on Elance about a year ago. Since that time, I have gained experience, confidence and made some money :) There are several things that are needed in order to be awarded that first job on Elance. 1) Most of us started by downloading some of our best work into our portfolios. Since you stated that you don't have any work available, that can be a bit tough. So WRITE something - anything. If you need inspiration, check out the contests on a site like Helium or FanStory. Either of these sites have contests that will get your creative juices flowing. Or just pick a topic and write your best article. When you've got something written, check to be sure it is free of spelling errors, bad grammar and anything else that might lead prospective clients to choose someone else. Make sure the articles are interesting and read well. 2) Read the job posting carefully and don't bother to bid on jobs that you are not qualified for, don't have time to complete or that fall outside your areas of interest. Nothing will kill you on Elance quicker that taking a job and then not completing it or doing a half-way job because you can't stand to research or write about the subject matter. 3) Craft your proposal carefully. Give the client enough information that he/she will feel comfortable awarding you the bid. Elance has a wonderful "help" section on how to write your proposal - be sure and take a few minutes to read through it. Then craft your proposal based on the needs of the client and the project. 4) Remember to log into Elance on a daily basis and check to see if you've been awarded a job. Accept the job, complete the work (including any required progress reports), make sure the client is happy with the job you've done, collect your money and repeat! Good luck - Sherry