oDesk - Tips, Anyone?
By Bannybanzie
@Bannybanzie (1397)
Philippines
May 14, 2011 4:50am CST
I joined oDesk in hope of finding a part time job and then maybe full time job when I'm ready to leave my present work. I have 100% completeness of profile and have actually bid on some jobs already.
But I'm thinking there is a great probability that out of 220,000+ myLot users, some of people here are actually getting jobs from that site.
I made sure that I have a nice resume and cv and I have a portfolio of examples of my works. I basically am in the field of writing as well as transcription. Still, I have not landed on my first job.
I think it's the hardest part - getting someone trust you and give you your very first job, so I want to ask you guys maybe you can give me tips on how I can improve my resume and CV and everything else I can do to make them hire me. I can do the job, I'm sure of that, but what else should I do so they'll hire me?
Every suggestion is very well appreciated. Thank you guys in advance!
6 responses
@SpikeTheLobster (6403)
•
14 May 11
It's always hard, the first job! It sounds like you've done most of the essentials, now you just have to keep applying and hope someone picks you. Honesty is the most important thing, I find: showing people what you can do and just waiting til you land a job.
There are a lot of tips out there on the web - try searching for them using the other bid site names, too (Elance, Guru, etc.). I did a post like that on my blog for Elance, for example, but it all applies to oDesk.
The most important thing, in my opinion, is to never use a template bid: employers hate them!
@SpikeTheLobster (6403)
•
15 May 11
Template bids are where you copy/paste the same text as a bid. There are a bunch of people selling these around the web (the usual "You can't fail with this text!" rubbish). Always type your own bid that has something to do with the job offer. Simple, really, but big IT groups just paste the same thing on EVERY possible job... and get ignored for it.
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
17 May 11
Ah, thanks! Now I know. Thank you so much! I'd really try to apply everything I learned from you guys! Thanks a lot!
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
15 May 11
Hi! Thank you so much for the response. Uhm, just got one question, what do you mean by template bid?.. I'm curious.. and I guess your tip would really help me so please explain this a little.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@firemom31 (598)
• United States
15 May 11
I have been working through oDesk for several years. I even did a lengthy post on my blog about how to get hired on oDesk (Link is in my profile) because I hear so many saying they have trouble getting their first job. When you write your cover letter, be sure to tell them why they should hire you as a newbie. List the qualities you have that will make it worthwhile for them to hire you. Bid on as many jobs as you can at first. You may end up getting several and working very hard at first, but it will build your oDesk reputation. If you stick with it, I think you will find it rewarding, I know I do.
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
17 May 11
Thank you so much! I'll try to read your blog so I can get tips! Thanks a lot for giving me useful tips.
@tash01 (2030)
• Jamaica
14 May 11
I have sign up a few months ago ,but i actually never when back their.I hear a lot of friends say that they have receive jobs their but i don't know how to send the application their.
An the pay is excellent their also,but i need to improve on my cv and Resume too their so maybe i can get a job their.
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
15 May 11
Well, I also was like that. I opened an account and then thought it's a little too much work since I have a job right now and I need to complete my profile in order to be more contractor friendly and everything.. but I reconsidered it again and I think I'm moving forward slowly but I'm hoping this will work. Thank you for sharing!
@starrose_ara (784)
• Philippines
15 May 11
Most of the advice here makes sense. I for one, started really searching for jobs last December 2010. At Christmas eve, after countless submission of job applications, simple yet direct to the point cover letter I was able to land a job. My first job did not pay that much but for me it was heaven sent(previous to this I was praying hard for a sideline job to augment my low income from my day(full time job). Since I was sincerely working hard it paid off. I now have countless finished contracts and have done mostly those work that I specialize in. Don't give up, just keep on submitting and submitting. There are times when other freelancers are so busy that no one was taking on the job that is being offered.
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
17 May 11
Hi!
I really hope I would have a good fortune in oDesk like you! Actually, I'm not looking for something huge as my first project. I'm trying to do the little ones first and then slowly make myself big. I think I really just need to have at least one job done before people there would really hire me. Thanks!
@visminda_824 (153)
• Philippines
15 May 11
Hi there! I have signed up with oDesk last December but did not go back there for the last 3 months, i think. It's good for you that you have completed your profile as I have not improved mine. I was just too busy with my current work. I suggest since you're also a newbie on that site,that you give the lowest bid. This is to entice the employers to try your service. That's what my friends working for oDesk now, have done at the start. When you have already gained enough experience, it's high time to increase your bid for the future projects.
@menace730 (506)
• Philippines
14 May 11
Hi bannybanzie...I am currently working on odesk reviewing articles. I also had a hard time getting a job. But I just kept submitting and it took about a month. Maybe when you apply try asking the employer that you can do the job and to please consider hiring you so you can get your foot in the door. Be honest and appealing to their emotional side. They will forget business for a moment and maybe give you a shot...Good luck
@Bannybanzie (1397)
• Philippines
15 May 11
Yeah, thanks a lot! I'll try that, try to be a little like begging them or sound like something like that. Thanks... I think I need to put more emotions on my cv... thank you! I really appreciate!
