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".

Finding the Right Job for You

By now I assume that you have already completed building your profile. Its time that you start searching for jobs. There are basically two (2) categories of jobs being posted by the employers, the hourly and fixed-price jobs. The hourly jobs are tasks where contractors are being paid per hour of work. Contractors are guaranteed to be paid since the salary enters the contractors account as the hours pass by. But the employer has the prerogative to end the contract once they have learned that you are not doing the task assigned to you. The fixed-price jobs are the ones which does not count the number of hours a contractor spends in doing the task but rather the quality of the output. Unlike the hourly jobs, fixed-price jobs does not guarantee payment since it is the prerogative of the employer to pay you or not. For beginners, I suggest that you search for hourly jobs first to avoid being taken advantage of. If in any case you were not paid for unaccepted reasons, you can always report this on oDesk Contact Support.

For newbies on oDesk, I also suggest that you start at a low bid. Try making your rate $1/hour. I know its a big blow toy our pride, but those with no experience in oDesk with high hourly rates will have less than 5% chance to be hired.

Below is the list of available jobs needed/posted on oDesk:

WEB DEVELOPMENT

• Web Design
• Web Programming
• Ecommerce
• UI Design
• Website QA
• Website Project Management
• Other-Web Development

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

• Desktop Applications
• Game Development
• Scripts and Utilities
• Software Plug-ins
• Mobile Apps
• Application Interface Design
• Software Project Management
• Software QA
• VOIP
• Other-Software Development

NETWORKING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

• Network Administration
• DBA-Database Administration
• Server Administration
• ERP/CRM Implementation
• Other/Networking and Information Systems

WRITING AND TRANSLATION

• Technical Writing
• Website Content
• Blog and Article Writing
• Copywriting
• Translation
• Creative Writing
• Other-Writing and Translation

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

• Data Entry
• Personal Assistant
• Web Research
• Email Response Handling
• Transcription
• Other-Administrative Support

DESIGN AND MULTIMEDIA

• Graphic Design
• Logo Design
• Illustration
• Print Design
• 3D Modeling and CAD
• Audio Production
• Video Production
• Voice Talent
• Animation
• Presentations
• Engineering and Technical Design
• Other-Design and Multimedia

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Customer Service and Support
• Technical Support
• Phone Support
• Order Processing
• Other-Customer Service

SALES AND MARKETING

• Advertising
• Email Marketing
• SEO-Search Engine Optimization
• SEM-Search Engine Marketing
• SMM-Social Media Marketing
• PR-Public Relations
• Telemarketing and Telesales
• Business Plans and Marketing Strategy
• Market Research and Surveys
• Sales and Lead Generation
• Other-Sales and Marketing

BUSINESS SERVICES

• Accounting
• Bookkeeping
• HR/Payroll
• Financial Services and Planning
• Payment Processing
• Legal
• Project Management
• Business Consulting
• Recruiting
• Statistical Analysis
• Other-Business Services

Jobs are posted on these categories as employers wish them to be. When you search for jobs, you will see a figure next to the job showing the number of posted jobs on this category.

You can search for particular jobs through the search engines provided. It will then display results based on the keyword you entered. Jobs are displayed by 10's.

You will see a preview of the job description. The red text shows the type of job needed (hourly or fixed price). The "Est. Budget" is the proposed payment amount. Beside it is the date the job was posted. Then next to it displays whether the employer is already interviewing applicants (You don't have to worry if so. Sometimes, employers interview all applicants first before hiring anyone). On the far left, if the job is already filled or closed by the poster, the text "Closed" will appear, while the text "Cancelled" appears if oDesk employees deem the post as a scam or if the employer did not follow oDesk rules. The image next to "Employer" shows the status of the employer: whether he has verified his payment method, a new job poster, or the amount he has paid (the image turns green as he pays his employees). The "stars" correspond to the average feedback the employer received from his employees. The "Skills" shows the specific skills required by the employer. The "Qualifications" show specific requirements like oDesk experience (no. of hours worked on oDesk), average feedback received by contractor from previous employers, self-english assessment,etc. Click on the Job Title (blue-colored) for more details.

On the right portion of the window you will see filter selections avaialable (Image on the left). You have the chance to select specifications like the no. of hours needed per week, no. of months for the job, job type, etc. Thus, the results will only show what you specifically wanted.

This is how it will look like. The Job Description details the task. You will also see when the job is needed to be finished. You can also have an overview of the employer's track records. Click on the "Apply to this Job" button to apply.

This is your "Application Form". This is where you put your proposed hourly rate, your cover letter (click on the blue link to see sample cover letter), and attachable documents required by the employer. Click on the checkbox and click "Apply to this Job. And now you have made your first job application. You will receive a notice or a message in your inbox if you're accepted on the job or if the employer seeks to have an interview with you.

*On fixed-price jobs, you'll input your proposed salary instead of hourly rate.

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.