Landing Your First Job

The most crucial part of being a contractor in oDesk is landing his/her very first job. Many newbies tend to give up and back out from even applying because they feel that the employers are looking for experienced contractors. I experienced that, too! And trust me, the agony of waiting to be recognized by job posters is unexplainable. And so I did my research. I searched for forums on how a new contractor can be hired amidst more qualified applicants. After reading their discussions and opinions, I gathered some pointers and used them on my own.

• Start by being cheap. Begin at the rate $1/hour. Many employers will always select those applicants who will offer their services with the lowest bids. Yes, it is a big kick to your ego. But it is just your "starting point". Once you've gained oDesk hours, received your very first feedback from the employer, you can humbly raise your rate.

• Avoid Scamming Your Cover Letters. Employers really hate applicants who submit cover letters that are basic, repetitive, too showy, and are boring. Read the job posts carefully. Try to inject some pointers included there into your letter and add your suggested solutions or your proposed technique in approaching the employer's problem. Some employers will require applicants to include certain "key words" in the applicants' cover letters to prove that they've read the instructions carefully and not just "applying for the sake of applying". You don't have to make it long. A brief, concise, direct-to-the point content will already make it interesting. In this way, the employer will find your application interesting and realize that you understand what he/she is looking for. 

• BE PATIENT. As I have always said, do not lose hope. Many employers won't immediately hire someone. He will still screen the applicants' qualifications. And even if you were not selected (in oDesk the term is "application was declined"), continue applying for more jobs. Who knows? Maybe a better employer is just waiting for your application.

You can use what I have mentioned, you can make your own research. Its up to you. What's important is that you are prepared. As they always say, "Don't go to a battle unarmed".