Applying for your first job

Make sure you read the first part of this article: "Getting started with Odesk".

Now, let's get started with the next step: Applying for a job.
First of all: BE PATIENT. It takes time to get your first job on Odesk. In my case, it took me about a month to get hired for the first time. But then again, I couldn't really dedicate much time to Odesk back then.

Browse through the categories and try to find those jobs that you're certain that you can complete. Don't apply if you're not sure you're qualified, you don't want to get a negative review on your first job on Odesk. That will make it impossible for you to get another job.

So, you found a job and hit APPLY! 

Let's go for it!

Writing a cover letter:

Writing a proper cover letter and having a full, consistent profile are the most important tools on Odesk (or on any other site!). Don't copy/paste the same letter over and over again until you get hired. Write a specific cover letter for that job. Introduce yourself, and say why you think that you're the most qualified for this task. Read the job description carefully and clear any doubts that you have (deadlines, amount of images to be delivered, image size and format, etc.)

Attach relevant samples that are related to the job you're applying to. Now there's an issue with this: Odesk only allows one file attachment. So you can either attach only one image, or better post a link to an online portfolio. Try not to send a bunch of files in a zip folder, it's not practical for the employer to download dozens of zip files to see your portfolio samples.

Some employers don't give much details about the jobs that they post, so make sure you clear all your doubts in your cover letter. Sometimes the jobs seem to be quite simple when you read the description, but turn out to be extremely complex when getting the full brief.

Be honest, specially when it comes to your skills and when they have tight deadlines. Don't commit to a job if you're not sure that you can finish it by the established deadline.
You can ask for an advance payment, but that's optional, and I would advise against doing that, at least until you get some positive feedback from your employers on your profile.
I never ask for advance payments, besides, you can arrange that later with your employer once he hires you.

Avoiding scams:

I never had bad experiences while workin on Odesk. But it's known that some scammers are out there (not only employers, but also freelancers asking for advance payments and then dissapearing withouth completing the jobs). It's a good idea to do a little research on your potential employers when they don't have an established profile. First of all, check if they have a verified payment method. 

This means that they've linked a credit card or a PayPal account to their Odesk accounts, and verifies that they have the funds to pay for your work. Secondly, check their reviews. For every job that they post and complete, they receive feedback from the freelancer.

And of course, read through the job description. If it's too vague and poorly written (no punctuation marks, all written in small caps, etc), don't bother applying. Also, NEVER trust employers asking for "non-paid tests". You should never work for free, even if they guarantee later ongoing jobs if you succesfully complete the test. You have your profile to show your talent, and if this is not enough for an employer to trust you, then it's not worth wasting your time with this person.


Now that you've applied for your first job, all you have to do is wait. Again, be patient, it might take some time to get hired for the first time. 

Take a look at the following step to learn about how to get paid:
"Getting Paid!"