How to Get Your 1st Job on oDesk

I started oDesk in October 2011. Till now, I have completed over 130 Contracts and almost 3000 calculated oDesk hours. This wasn’t achieved in a day or a month. I had to struggle hard when I started my career as a freelancer, but I kept trying and kept learning new techniques and kept climbing up the ladder to reach where I am comfortably placed today.

There are thousands of talented people trying on oDesk, but are out of luck after months of struggle that’s why this article is going to be a major part of your escape route from this hard luck.

Following tips were written by a great fellow Hussain on oDesk forum and I am sharing them because these are the pretty much what the whole debate is all about, so let’s start.

1. The most important thing, after joining oDesk, is to carefully read the terms & conditions and policies. These are a great information resource for newbies. You will find them in their Help section.
2. Make a comprehensive profile. Provide true information about your Education, Work Experience, Skills & any Certificates you possess. Complete your profile 100%.
3. Know your skills & abilities. You should be well aware of what you can do and what is beyond your working capabilities.
4. Take oDesk Tests to prove your skills. The better you score in oDesk tests, the better you’ve chances to succeed. (First take oDesk Readiness Test).
5. Carefully read the Job Description. Usually clients clearly mention their requirements in the job description. You should read the job description twice, very carefully & then ask yourself. Can you do it? If you can offer the client, what he’s looking for, then apply on that job, if not, then don’t bother.
6. Cover Letter, in my opinion, is the BACK BONE of the hiring process. After profile, cover letter is the 2nd thing, which will make a client contact you. Write your cover letter in response to the job description. NEVER EVER USE THE SAME COVER LETTER FOR EVERY JOB.
7. In cover letter, explain your skills & abilities in short & to the point. Don’t write long paragraphs.
8. Rate Recommendation: Some contractors may not agree with me, but in my opinion, initially a contractor should start with low rates.
9. After applying to a job, be patient. If you’ve done it right & gave the client a reason to contact you, then you’ll definitely get a response, from the client. (Hopefully Positive)
10. Even if you’re rejected from a job, don’t lose hope. Keep trying & you’ll succeed.

 I am very hopeful that these Small Tips will surely help you to Get your First job on oDesk.