If you’re at all totally serious of creating a lucrative career in
freelancing, oDesk is the right place to market your services. There are
numerous oDesk jobs to choose from in many industries and the demand only continues to rise.
As companies lay off more and more people, outsourcing their work
projects has become the new “get-the-job-done”
trend for the future. And while there are many other outsourcing marketplaces like Elance, Freelancers, Guru etc., oDesk seems to be sweeping over the market. Real people – real jobs – real money to be made. Simply put…oDesk jobs are booming. While applying for any one of the oDesk jobs currently available, there are many things to take into consideration; from searching the jobs listed that fit your skill set – too choosing the oDesk jobs that fit your wage requirements – too accepting the jobs that you approve.
I started my career on oDesk back in July, 2010 and have been quite successful; not that I didn’t make my share of mistakes while learning the entire process. Reading through all the rules, guidelines and procedures isn’t the easiest undertaking. It’s all very time consuming, time being taken away from actually making money.
But through trial and error, I have learned quite a bit and turned my mistakes into a positive experience. I think what so many Freelancers are up against is to work enough to make a good living. It’s our bread and butter. However, I feel there is enough work for those of us who want to excel and work on a continuous basis.
I’d like to start by having you keep in mind something that many contractors do not take into consideration…the “employer.”
Now this probably stems from my years of Internet marketing, however, it applies here on oDesk as well. What I’d like to share with you, as an oDesk contractor, are tips on applying the mindset of the employer. Try looking at the process of searching and hiring that perfect contractor for the job from their point of view.
Many employers have had nightmares working with different outsourcing marketplaces. It’s reality and it does happen. Many employers have hired freelancing contractors only to be mislead, deadlines missed, lack of communication and well, just flat out left high and dry.
Employers consider their time very valuable as do us contractors. So too lose a great deal amount of time plus, hundreds of dollars working with an unprofessional, incompetent or unreliable freelance contractors, no wonder they become skeptical, frustrated and rather demanding at times.
So when you’re invited for an interview – hired – working on an oDesk job and finally completing it, just remember to treat your employer with respect, be honest and deliver only the best.
Don’t you want to be treated in the same fashion? Of course you do!
Also, have a professional picture on your site. Employers love to put a face to the person they’re looking to hire. The employer should be able to see who you are, read about your unique skills and know in a matter of minutes if you’re a candidate for a specific job. This makes the employer’s life so much easier when choosing contractors.
Note: If there is a project you would really like to apply for but you don’t meet all the requirements, go ahead and send a letter but be honest and let the employer know that. I’ve actually applied for a couple of jobs that read “beginners welcomed.”
For ex: This employer wanted to hire a copy writer to tell her family story and would look at beginner’s apps also. Now that was something I’d never done, but it looked very interesting to me. So I applied, letting her know up front I had no experience with that kind of writing.
She was very professional – asked me some questions, but in the end, I didn’t get the job but it never hurts to try. You just never know.
Another thing never to do is “copy and paste” the content of your letter. Employers can usually tell you didn’t take the time to give even the slightest thought to their project. Make it unique as the job. Sending a generic cover letter to all employers will get you nowhere fast.
Prompt
Employers hate to wait. They’re busy. Always be prompt whether you’re emailing – talking over the Internet or being interviewed on the telephone. You have set a specific time…make sure you show up. If for some reason you can’t make it at that designated time, let the employer know as soon as you can.
Polite
Always, always be polite. This is just a common sense standard. No slang, no swearing and remember…don’t go overboard either. Being overly polite will only make you look like a rear-end kisser to be quite frank.
Professional
Being professional goes a very long way. It shows you have class – you’re respectful and you care about your work ethic and others. And I’m not saying that you have to act like a stick in the mud. You can show the employer your personality while still being professional. Nobody wants to work with someone who walks around with a chip on their shoulder…mistaking this as professionalism. Just be yourself. You’re different from any other contractor, so why not show it?
Prepared
Employers love an applicant who is prepared. One thing you can do is stop whatever you’re doing an hour before the interview to clear your mind. Let your friends and family members know you can’t be disturbed at the time of the interview.
Provide additional information if asked and you too can ask questions about certain things. Don’t be afraid to do that. This shows the employer that you have a stake in this project by wanting to know more about it or to clear up something you don’t understand. Believe me, employers really appreciate that.
You can bring notes to remember anything you want to ask and also double check your portfolio just in case the employer refers to it. Also, if you are discussing the estimated cost, don’t undercut yourself. Believe in yourself and your skill-set.
By dropping your hourly rate or wage down too far, it may reveal to the employer that you’re not as good as you first came across. But having a little wiggle room will show the employer your flexibility which can be a good thing.
trend for the future. And while there are many other outsourcing marketplaces like Elance, Freelancers, Guru etc., oDesk seems to be sweeping over the market. Real people – real jobs – real money to be made. Simply put…oDesk jobs are booming. While applying for any one of the oDesk jobs currently available, there are many things to take into consideration; from searching the jobs listed that fit your skill set – too choosing the oDesk jobs that fit your wage requirements – too accepting the jobs that you approve.
I started my career on oDesk back in July, 2010 and have been quite successful; not that I didn’t make my share of mistakes while learning the entire process. Reading through all the rules, guidelines and procedures isn’t the easiest undertaking. It’s all very time consuming, time being taken away from actually making money.
But through trial and error, I have learned quite a bit and turned my mistakes into a positive experience. I think what so many Freelancers are up against is to work enough to make a good living. It’s our bread and butter. However, I feel there is enough work for those of us who want to excel and work on a continuous basis.
I’d like to start by having you keep in mind something that many contractors do not take into consideration…the “employer.”
Now this probably stems from my years of Internet marketing, however, it applies here on oDesk as well. What I’d like to share with you, as an oDesk contractor, are tips on applying the mindset of the employer. Try looking at the process of searching and hiring that perfect contractor for the job from their point of view.
Many employers have had nightmares working with different outsourcing marketplaces. It’s reality and it does happen. Many employers have hired freelancing contractors only to be mislead, deadlines missed, lack of communication and well, just flat out left high and dry.
Employers consider their time very valuable as do us contractors. So too lose a great deal amount of time plus, hundreds of dollars working with an unprofessional, incompetent or unreliable freelance contractors, no wonder they become skeptical, frustrated and rather demanding at times.
So when you’re invited for an interview – hired – working on an oDesk job and finally completing it, just remember to treat your employer with respect, be honest and deliver only the best.
Don’t you want to be treated in the same fashion? Of course you do!
Odesk Jobs Tips from Employer’s Point of View
1) Your oDesk Overview:
The “overview” is one of the first elements that the employer looks at that creates their first impression of you. Make sure it’s clear and concise, only relaying your expertise. You don’t need to go on and on about unrelated stuff. Never use slang or talk like you’re chatting with your best buds.Also, have a professional picture on your site. Employers love to put a face to the person they’re looking to hire. The employer should be able to see who you are, read about your unique skills and know in a matter of minutes if you’re a candidate for a specific job. This makes the employer’s life so much easier when choosing contractors.
2) Your oDesk Cover Letter:
One of the biggest irritations employers have is that the contractors who bid on their projects don’t read the job requirements carefully. Many times, they get a numerous amount of contractors to apply however, not all them have the skills required. So in turn, they spend an unnecessary amount of time shuffling through all the applications instead of focusing on the ones that meet the job criteria that they took the time to specify. Don’t be all things to all employers. It’s best to stick to what you do best and apply for those jobs only.Note: If there is a project you would really like to apply for but you don’t meet all the requirements, go ahead and send a letter but be honest and let the employer know that. I’ve actually applied for a couple of jobs that read “beginners welcomed.”
For ex: This employer wanted to hire a copy writer to tell her family story and would look at beginner’s apps also. Now that was something I’d never done, but it looked very interesting to me. So I applied, letting her know up front I had no experience with that kind of writing.
She was very professional – asked me some questions, but in the end, I didn’t get the job but it never hurts to try. You just never know.
Another thing never to do is “copy and paste” the content of your letter. Employers can usually tell you didn’t take the time to give even the slightest thought to their project. Make it unique as the job. Sending a generic cover letter to all employers will get you nowhere fast.
3) Your oDesk Interview:
You should always follow the code of conduct which is “The 4 P’s;Prompt
Employers hate to wait. They’re busy. Always be prompt whether you’re emailing – talking over the Internet or being interviewed on the telephone. You have set a specific time…make sure you show up. If for some reason you can’t make it at that designated time, let the employer know as soon as you can.
Polite
Always, always be polite. This is just a common sense standard. No slang, no swearing and remember…don’t go overboard either. Being overly polite will only make you look like a rear-end kisser to be quite frank.
Professional
Being professional goes a very long way. It shows you have class – you’re respectful and you care about your work ethic and others. And I’m not saying that you have to act like a stick in the mud. You can show the employer your personality while still being professional. Nobody wants to work with someone who walks around with a chip on their shoulder…mistaking this as professionalism. Just be yourself. You’re different from any other contractor, so why not show it?
Prepared
Employers love an applicant who is prepared. One thing you can do is stop whatever you’re doing an hour before the interview to clear your mind. Let your friends and family members know you can’t be disturbed at the time of the interview.
Provide additional information if asked and you too can ask questions about certain things. Don’t be afraid to do that. This shows the employer that you have a stake in this project by wanting to know more about it or to clear up something you don’t understand. Believe me, employers really appreciate that.
You can bring notes to remember anything you want to ask and also double check your portfolio just in case the employer refers to it. Also, if you are discussing the estimated cost, don’t undercut yourself. Believe in yourself and your skill-set.
By dropping your hourly rate or wage down too far, it may reveal to the employer that you’re not as good as you first came across. But having a little wiggle room will show the employer your flexibility which can be a good thing.
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