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".

Taking The Test

Now that you've finished creating your profile, it is highly suggested that you undergo tests provided by oDesk. Employers usually disregards applicants who have not taken tests like English Proficiency and Office Skills Test. Those with high test results are given priority by the employers.  It will definitely help improve your marketability.

WHAT TYPE OF EXAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ME?

The online tests varies from Office Skills, English Language Proficiency, Web Design, Computer Skills and alot more (For full list please click HERE). The syllabus for the exam will be provided so that examinees can review prior to the test. A test usually is composed of 40 items all with multiple choices. You are given 40 minutes to finish the test. Once finishing the exam you will immediately receive the results. Those who will fail will have the chance to retake the test after a month (normally). 

SUGGESTION

I highly recommend that you first take tests related to English Language Proficiency. Employer usually look for applicants who can communicate well in english both oral and written.

Odesk: Creating Your Profile

This is how your profile would like. You'll see information you've entered during registration. On the User Account Info, you'll see an item about Verification Status. On my profile, it says that my Identify Verification is Pending since I've already submitted Documents. For new contractors, oDesk will say that "oDesk Identity not Verified". It is advised that contractors be subject to identity verification to increase chances of being selected by the employers. Your application quota will also increase (new contractors can only apply for 2 jobs per week).

HOW DO I VERIFY MY IDENTITY?

You just click on the text next to "Verification Status" and it will direct you to the Identity Verification Program. First you need to have three items (digital): a photo, an ID (must show your photo, name, birthdate, signature, and expiration date), and a bank statement (or you can use utility and telephone bills a long as it indicates your name, address and is dated within the last 6 months).

MY CONTRACTOR PROFILE

Now you click on "My Contractor Profile" tab. It serves as your curriculum vitae that employers can look on to for references. The top part shows your account summary. This is where you put your hourly rate. It also shows whether you have completed your profile or not.

The "My Public Profile" item shows the jobs you are specializing in, the hours of work you can provide per week, your self-assessed-english proficiency, as well as your job objective. The "Categories" part indicates the specializations you are good at and their specifications. 

The "Skills" section indicates specific skills where you are good at and your level of expertise like Microsoft Office applications . In the Employment History item is where you put your previous employment(s).

The "Education" item is where you put your educational attainment.

The "Portfolio Projects" section is where you put sample projects you have and, if possible, their URLs like articles you've written, web designs you've created and videos you've edited.

The "Certifications" section is where you can put digital or scanned certificates you've received. The "Other Experiences" section where you can indicate previous experiences like volunteer works, organizations you have engaged into.

You can now start looking for jobs. But I highly suggest that you take tests provided by oDesk to increase your marketability.

Odesk: An Introduction

As a starter, let us first define the term freelancer. A freelancer is a person who has no long-term contracts to any company. He usually works for an employer for limited time (ex. 6 months). 

oDesk is the ultimate outsourcing site for freelancers. The company serves as the middle man between the employers and the job-seekers (called contractors in oDesk). Those with skills in web and software development, writing, multimedia design, sales and customer service, and even data entry can try looking for a job, though the jobs are not only limited with the skills I've mentioned since there are now a lot of employers.

IS oDESK LEGITIMATE?

The answer is a resounding YES. What makes oDesk more reliable is with its ability to eliminate scam employers. Through the Payment Method Verification, oDesk identifies employer's ability to pay for their employees. They also delete job posts promptly which are deemed to be suspicious upon their investigation. Contractors are also guaranteed to be paid for their hourly work.

IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?

Unlike other freelancing sites, oDesk does not require contractors to pay any fees. As long as you've signed-up, you can start building up your profile and begin searching for jobs that fit your qualifications.

SIGNING UP

To register, just click one of either buttons like in the illustration:

                       or

You will be directed to a new page where you enter information about you.

Upon completion, a confirmation link will be sent to the email you've provided. After confirming your registration, you can start building your profile.

Wanna try it? Then register HERE.