How to Get Started on Upwork as a Beginner

Author: Artem Hihach

Remote jobs and other making money online opportunities are gaining popularity. Companies and entrepreneurs are focusing more on hiring workers and freelancers online rather than keeping an in-house team.

If you have a skill, being a freelancer can make you quick money and a stable income if you are committed to it. To monetize your skills, you need to make yourself visible on online labor exchanges. These websites are where employers and entrepreneurs post job vacancies and gigs. 

Today, we will be educating you on Upwork, which is one of the best freelancing websites in the world. 

What is Upwork

Upwork is an American company founded in the year 2003 as oDesk. The company is one of the best marketplace where freelancers and employers meet. Initially, Upwork was created to house creative professionals in writing, graphic design and web development niches. However, its scope changed. You can now find professionals from diverse industries on Upwork. 

Job Categories on Upwork

• Development & IT
• Design & Creative
• Sales & Marketing
• Writing & Translation
• Admin & Customer Support
• Finance & Accounting
• Engineering & Architecture
• Legal

If you are knowledgeable and skilled in any of the above categories, you might be on your way to unending job opportunities if you join Upwork

How to Get Started on Upwork as a Freelancer

Upwork Profile

As a beginner on Upwork, ensure your profile is fully completed (the percentage is displayed on the personal page).  A few sentences about what you do, e.g. I have vast knowledge in building and managing remote commands, creating a web design, and customizing targeted advertising…

Highlight your achievements, people and companies you have worked with. You can even request testimonials from your old or existing clients that are not Upwork. Having a positive feedback on your account will increase your reputation and help you get hired in no time. 

Applying For Jobs

When your profile is ready, check for job posts and apply for the those that interests you. However, applying for jobs on Upwork requires using an Upwork currency called “connect”. As a new user, you will be given 80 connects to apply for jobs. If you are out of connects, you can buy more on Upwork. Upwork sells 10connects for $1.5.

Job Application Hint: Focus on fresh vacancies (not older than one day) and keep track of the number of people who have already applied (this figure is available to everyone). If there are more than 20 applicants on a job, we don’t recommend applying for such job, especially if you are new to the system.

Proposal Letter

To increase your hiring chances, make sure your proposal letter is distinct. Submitting a regular cover letter might get you nothing unless you want to be ridiculously paid.

Preparing for Upwork Interview  

If an employer is pleased with your cover letter, you will be invited for an interview. Upwork interviews are usually done via zoom or skype. Sometimes contracts are opened after chatting with the employer, but an audio/video call is advised for better clarification.

If you are invited for an interview, ensure you are well prepared and follow these tips: 

• Research your prospect and their brand
• Sell your skills
• Ask the right questions

Exhibiting the above tips during your interview will not only make you different from other creatives, but let the employer have faith in your skills.

Types of contracts:

• Hourly Rate: You get paid for the number of hours you worked
• Fixed Price: You will be paid based on agreement or per project or part completed. 

Conclusion

As a new professional on Upwork, the tips shared above are enough to help you get your first client faster than most of your contemporaries. Profile complete at 100%, distinct and creative proposals, and keeping updated with new job opportunities with minimal applications is the key to winning on Upwork.