Create Your Contractor Profile
Start by joining oDesk
here and create your Contractor profile. A complete profile, including
providing details like your title, objective, and availability will
ensure you will stand out among the rest. Many new Contractors fail to
take the time to complete their profile in full, prohibiting them from
obtaining contracts. Make sure to give as much information as possible
about yourself without being too personal.
Take Tests
oDesk provides Employers with qualification tests to help with wean
out candidates for their job postings. Contractors have a better chance
of being picked for a job if they complete a test relevant to their
field. For example, a web developer may choose to take a PHP, CSS or
Java test. The test results will be displayed on your profile, unless
you specify to hide the results. Make sure to take the oDesk Readiness
Test so that you know all the ins and outs of the site.
Search and Apply for Jobs
Now that you have your profile ready, you'll want to start applying
for jobs. Search for jobs by category or keywords. Once you have found a
job which interests you, apply for it by placing a bid. You can either
propose an amount that will be paid to you, or the overall fee that will
be charged to the employer. Insert a customized cover letter in order
to outline your skills and any information that is needed for the
application. For fixed rate projects, you will have to enter the
duration of the project or the amount of time you believe it will take
to complete the job. Agree to the terms and conditions, then hit apply!
The employer will review your application and either decline your offer,
invite you to a virtual interview, or hire you straight away.
Increase Your Job Quota
When you first sign up for oDesk, you are only permitted to apply for
two jobs at any one time. You can increase your allowance by completing
your Readiness Test, taking four or more other tests, and completing
the ID verification process. The maximum job quota is twenty jobs at any
one time. When a job posting has been removed or expired, a position
has been filled, or you have been hired, your quota will allow for more
job applications.
Your Questions Answered
What types of jobs are available on oDesk?
There
is a wide variety of jobs available in a number of different sectors
including administration support, customer service, sales, web
development, writing, translation, and design.
How are hours worked calculated on oDesk?
There
are two types of contracts: hourly and fixed price. The employer will
set out the job type and it is up to you to apply under those
conditions. When working under an hourly contract, you will be required
to use the oDesk Team Desktop or iPhone Application. This will log
your time, take periodic screen shots, measure your activity level, and
enable your employer to contact you by IM. Your earnings will be based
on time logged via the Team Workroom.
How much can I earn?
There is no set amount when earning
on oDesk. You determine your worth, hours you are available to work,
and who you want to work for. There are a wide variety of employers
looking for either high quality or low cost contractors to help them to
complete their projects. Place bids for projects based on what you
think your time is worth.
How do I find top paying jobs?
You can base fixed rate search on the employers
budget. The sliding scale is between $0-20K+. Once you have selected
the range you are inquiring about, you will be provided with jobs based
on those budget specifications.
How do I get paid?
There
are various ways that you can receive payments from employers. Every
week, you will be asked to review your time log (applicable for hourly
contracts only). Withdraw methods are Paypal, Payoneer, Moneybookers,
wire transfer, ACH (US), and local funds transfer (Australia, India,
Phillipines). See below for an example pay schedule.
5 Ways How to Get Employers Interested
1. Market Yourself
Remember, you are going to be competing with hundreds of contractors
for the best jobs. In order for an employer to find you, you have to
stand out. You may be the most fabulous worker, but they don't know
that. For example, bump up your title from "Web Designer" to "Talented
PHP Expert with Top Industry Experience".
2. Start Low then Reach for the Sky
Most oDesk contractors start by offering lower bids on jobs to obtain
more oDesk hours. After you have established a good feedback score, you
can then start asking for a higher rate of pay. This is up to your
discretion as you are the only one who can set your rate of pay.
3. Write a Good Cover Letter
Just like any job application, it is required that you submit a cover
letter with your oDesk bid. Write a clear, concise and thoughtful cover
letter which is free from any grammatical errors. Avoid using
copy-pasted letters as most employers can usually identify these
straight away. You want them to know that you genuinely want to work for
them.
4. Keep a Good Feedback Score
Employers like to review your past employment history on oDesk before
hiring. After a contract is completed, you will be required to provide
feedback to your employer and vice versa. Always try to maintain
professionalism when dealer with your employers, as it will be reflected
in your feedback score. A good feedback score is often required when
applying for jobs. If your score does not meet the requirements, you may
have difficulty being hired.
5. Inspire with a Top Notch Portfolio
Do you have current work that you're able to show off? Add it to your
oDesk profile to let employers see what you're capable of. If you don't
have anything to show, create new content to post, i.e. new graphic
design work, writing samples, etc. When they see how good you are,
they'll just have to have you.
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