Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letters – oDesk Cover Letters

While beginning your career on oDesk , you better understand the influence and importance of cover letter, it plays a vital role for you on oDesk as well as on Elance and other freelancing platforms. It is the thing which lays an impression of you in front of client indirectly. You always need to make efforts and keep updating it for each sort of Job.

Here I list few mistakes which are commonly made by freelancers:

1. Less Attention to Job

Most contractors on Odesk/ Elance do a common mistake while bidding over the job, they didn’t read the job posting carefully and most of them use a copied cover letter for every job post , they even didn’t read carefully the job requirement. Always go through the job requirement if you want to increase your hiring, mention something relevant to the job and your intention about the job.

2. Spelling Mistakes

It’s the things which can spoil your maximum chances for getting considered by the client, so be careful while posting the cover letter; make use of spell-checker to proof your writing if you don’t know English well. Nowadays, many online spell-checkers are available i.e. Ginger software, Thesaurus, Grammerly check etc. Misspellings and bad grammar harm your professionalism so be careful.

3. Underestimation of Cover Letter

Cover letter is the main weapon of freelancers while interacting with the client regarding the job posted. It is the way to let the client know about your willingness for the job and what techniques or things you going to use for the completion of the task assigning by them. Clients don’t have too much time to go through every cover letter so keep your cover letter descriptive to the point, don’t share irrelevant details. Don’t make it very big neither too short one liner or two liners.

ODesk, a great source of earning credibility online

When I started my career as a freelancer, oDesk is a perfect platform for me as well as a great source of earning credibility online.

The thing I’d like to share by this post is how can a newbie can start his freelancing career over Odesk & Elance like platforms.

A brief Introduction about oDesk

ODesk, Elance & Freelancer etc. are unique freelancing online job posting sites. Freelancers from all over the world can make their online profiles in them and bid over the tasks on which they are most experienced in, by quoting a satisfactory amount in which they are interested in accomplishing the task.

There are so many freelancers from every continent who started their careers on these platforms and gained profit as well as an expected amount which they deserve.

Who can use oDesk ……

• Anyone who is interested to work at the comfort of themselves
• Anyone who is not interested in time bound jobs (9am -5pm jobs)
• Anyone who is not comfortable in selling and negotiations

How much money an individual can make on oDesk ….

Earnings can depend on the basis of your expertise and portfolio as well as how you perform the task.

How much you can charge from a Client ….

It depends upon your experience; the minimum amount you can charge on oDesk is $10-$20/hour. But this amount can also arise a competition with other freelancers, so keep in view always that the amount you always bid for is not too low which can harm your identity and quality. Too much charge can results in low clients and less work beyond to your expectations.

Get started on oDesk….

Create a profile of you then step by step complete it to 100%, after this all you have to take few tests to test your ability on oDesk which will highlight the areas of your expertise as well as your skills. It will take hardly 5-6 hours to complete all the series of completion of your Odesk/Elance profile. Once you successfully create your profile you will get a quota of 20 job applications to bid over the jobs which perfectly match with your skills and these applications expire after seven days when applied on any job posting.

Apply regularly for new jobs till you get your 1^st job and perform it well so the feedback will help you get other jobs.

How to get jobs on oDesk…..

Apply with realistic cover letters. No copy pasting, writing in the context of job in a realistic approach can do much better for you in getting clients.

Conclusion:

Your performance working with the clients on the Odesk can give you a lot of job opportunities as well as open new horizons for you. I wish you a great success over Odesk & Elance

TIPS & TRICKS on ODESK

• Make sure that each cover letter you send on oDesk, is personalize and specific, to each job, that you are applying for.
• Never copy and paste your cover letters contents, as every project is different, and needs, to be tailored, to it’s own requirements.
• Never Provide Email ID / Skype ID or any other Contact Info (This is Against oDesk Policy)
• Keep your cover letter short in length; four short paragraphs, are more than enough to get your message across.
• Avoid boring them to death with an essay, this will turn them off, from hiring you.
• Every single line in your oDesk cover letter should be written in a way, that will provide the employer an incentive to hire you.
• Show a high level of enthusiasm that you are accessible, prepared, and ready, to start working with them.

Wishing You All Freelancers a Great Success At oDesk

DECLINING A JOB OFFER on ODESK

If any job offer doesn’t suits you or you feel you have applied for a job wrongly than you can decline it in a most polite way so it wouldn’t harm your future jobs and reputation over the Odesk as well with the clients, as you know Odesk has a wide pool of Clients and it really matters when you decline a job of any Client may be in future you have to work with that client and if you have declined his job offer in a polite manner there will be most chances that the client will remember you for his next job postings.

Declining a job in harsh or arrogant manner will lead you to less jobs as well as influence your Odesk Profile. Here I’m posting a sample by keeping in view this scenario:

Hi

It was nice to connect with you .  I appreciate your time and thank you for your interest in considering me.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to accept your proposed offer.  After reviewing your company’s needs and my skill sets, I think it would be best if you find a different candidate for the position.  Thank you again for your consideration.

Regard’s

A Perfect Ending At The End Of Your Cover Letter While Applying For a Job on Odesk

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Waiting for you Kind Response,

Thanks & Regards,
(Your name )

Way to Get Your 1st Job on oDesk, Elance, Freelancer…

 

As being a Freelancer we together as a team has completed more than 500+ projects over the globe and have a large satisfied clientele. All this was not achieved in a single day, it took a long time to get the very 1^st job on Odesk and after that by maintaing the right track we together has achieved new milestones as the time passes by.

We kept trying and kept learning new Web techniques which helped us to be here with a firm base. We W’d like to share few tips which can help you in guding your way towards success.

I know there are thousands of talented people trying on oDESK , Elance or on Freelancer but are out of luck after months of struggle that’s why this article is going to be a major part of your escape route from this hard luck.

There are many things you might not doing rightly or correctly that’s why (despite having all the talent) you are not getting hired, so this post will highlight some basic areas which you need to work on and you will see the amazing results very soon.

I’m sharing few tips with you :

1). The most important thing, after joining oDESK/Elance/Freelancer, is to carefully read the terms & conditions and policies. These are a great information resource for newbies. You will find them in their Help section.

2). Make a comprehensive profile. Provide true information about your Education, Work Experience, Skills & any Certificates you possess. Complete your profile 100%.

3). Know your skills & abilities. You should be well aware of what you can do and what is beyond your working capabilities.

4). Take oDESK/Elance/Freelancer Tests to prove your skills. The better you score in oDESK/Elance/Freelancer tests, the better you’ve chances to succeed. (First take oDESK/Elance Readiness Test).

5). Carefully read the Job Description. Usually clients clearly mention their requirements in the job description. You should read the job description twice, very carefully & then ask yourself. Can you do it? If you can offer the client, what he’s looking for, then apply on that job, if not, then don’t bother.

6). Cover Letter, in my opinion, is the BACK BONE of the hiring process. After profile, cover letter is the 2nd thing, which will make a client contact you. Write your cover letter in response to the job description. NEVER EVER USE THE SAME COVER LETTER FOR EVERY JOB.

7). Same cover letters implies that you didn’t take the time to read the job description & usually the client will not bother to read your cover letter. It’s Simple. If you didn’t read the job description, why would the client read your cover letter?

8). In cover letter, explain your skills & abilities in short & to the point. Don’t write long paragraphs.

9). Rate Recommendation: Some contractors may not agree with me, but in my opinion, initially a contractor should start with low rates.

REASON: Though you might be an experienced person in your life, but the fact is, you’re new on oDESK/Elance/Freelancer & in order to prove your skills on there, first you need some work history on your profile. As soon as you’re awarded a couple of contracts & you’ve successfully completed them, with a Good Feedback Score, then it’s time to increase your rates anytime.

11). After applying to a job, be patient. If you’ve done it right & gave the client a reason to contact you, then you’ll definitely get a response, from the client. (Hopefully Positive)

12). Even if you’re rejected from a job, don’t lose hope. Keep trying & you’ll succeed.

Remember , When You With Client on Odesk

oDesk interview questions

Your answer will affect the rest of the interview. Note down your answers. These may be useful later if the interviewers wish to confirm any answer with you as they forget or wish to discuss more. Answer oDesk interview questions with confidence and maintain proper eye contact with the interviewer. Never say specific things, going for descriptions to the minute details.No matter the question, applicants should provide positive, result-oriented responses.

How to answer these oDesk interview questions: Never go much into the personal details unless the panel asks you. Always use positive language to describe your past career history and never criticise former employers, bosses or colleagues. Try to answer oDesk interview questions completely. Don’t waste time just making your answer long without useful information. Bring an extra copy of your resume and cover letter. If appropriate, you can also bring examples of past work such as a portfolio. Maintain a smile on your face. Don’t look so serious.

Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. No one wants to hire someone who’s going to speak poorly of them down the road. Think of at least two reasons this job is a good match for your skills, strengths, experience and background. Illustrate your examples with experiences from previous jobs, internships, activities, team involvements and community services. Answer as sincerely as possible. Don’t lie as if you are discovered, it shall be very bad situation.

oDesk interview questions for General interview:
– How did you assign priorities to jobs?
– Why do you believe you are qualified for this job?
– What personal qualities or characteristics do you most value?
– What was your best learning experience?
– When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?
– Situation where others disagreed with your ideas.

oDesk interview questions for Face to Face interview:
– Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren’t thrilled about?
– How do you get a peer or colleague to accept one of your ideas?
– How do you let subordinates know what you expect of them?
– Time when you have encountered conflict in the workplace.
– Time when you had to make an important decision.
– How do you communicate goals to subordinates?
– How do you establish good communication and information flow with others?

oDesk interview questions for Structured job interview:
– What do you know about oDesk?
– Give me an example when you felt you were able to motivate a group.
– Tell about a time that you had to adapt to a difficult situation.
– Your greatest weakness in school or at work?
– Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a situation?
– What is the most enjoyable part of working at oDesk?
– What salary are you seeking at oDesk?

How to answer these oDesk interview questions: Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. Answer oDesk interview questions with confidence and maintain proper eye contact with the interviewer. Be ready to provide specific example Be sure to ask about what will happen next in the hiring process. Provide several reasons including skills, experience and interest.

Difficult oDesk interview questions:
– How do you communicate goals to subordinates?
– What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
– What is the most recent skill you have learned that related to this job?
– Example when you were able to successfully communicate with another person.
– What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? How you handle it.
– What are you most proud of?

So make sure you answering in a positive way to the client and don’t try to fool him by making false commitments while answering his questions otherwise it will harm you a lot in a long run.

Odesk Client’s Questions & Answers

Have you taken any oDesk tests and done well on them that you think are relevant to this job?
Yes.

Why did you apply to this particular job?
Because I can do it .

Which part of this project do you think will take the most time?
Thinking of creative concepts and ideas.

Do you have suggestions to make this project run successfully?
I think that good communication between employee and employer is most important. If communication is good, each project ends well.

Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?
Got the confidence that i would be able to deliver the result.

What challenging part of this job are you most experienced in?
I enjoy challenges. Every project is a new challenge but I believe in design that stand out from crowd & i work until client’s 100% sanctification. Challenges comes & challenges goes, I experienced & prepared myself for the next to keep lesson in my mind that it is only to make you more strong. Please check my artwork sample from the attachment so that you could understand my level of work & experience in graphic designing.

Which of the required job skills do you feel you are strongest at?
1) 24/7 Availability & Quick Response

2) Ready to Start Now & Quick Turn-Around-Time Guaranteed.

3) 100% Full-Time Freelance Graphics Designer

4) Quality Industry Experience.

5) Flexible & Unlimited changes. (Reasonable)

6) Wide knowledge about designing (Print, Online, Web, Application)

7) One and only designer who promised you utmost Quality

What past project or job have you had that is most like this one and why?
I have been designing Logos since 2008 and so far gained experience in almost all fields .This job will provide me one more opportunity to work.
What part of this project most appeals to you?
Whole job. And I’ll take whole job as a challenge.

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What versions of HTML are you planning to use and why?

It will be decided after analyzing the concepts and ideas for the website properly.

 

What past project or job have you had that is most like this one and why?

For more details you can check my portfolio and employment history where you will find the similar projects like your desire one. This job will provide me one more opportunity to work.

 

What part of this project most appeals to you?

Whole job and I’ll take whole job as a challenge.

 

What challenging part of this job are you most experienced in?

If anyone has to perform excellent he/she should have the proper knowledge of the present situation. And I am well experienced in this factor. Hope I will make your project successful.

Photoshop, Designing, HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, Java Script, Bootstrap, PHP and WordPress

 

Which part of this project do you think will take the most time?

According to your job details, I have a strong belief that I would be able to complete this project successfully within short time.

 

Which of the required job skills do you feel you are strongest at?

I have carefully read your job description; I am having expertise at all of your required qualities. Hope I will be the perfect worker for you in this project.

 

Why should i choose you over the other 100 that have applied for this Job?

It is a good thing you have asked. Here you will found many so called workers who do not know how to work. I am totally different from them. I have a long term plan to work in here, that’s why I am here with all qualities and experiences. I am here not to cheat you.

 

Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?

I think I am a good fit for this job because I have all the qualities that you are looking for. Experience is the golden factor in this project where you find in me at least 4+ years of working experiences over all the factors in your project.

 

Do you have suggestions to make this project run successfully?

I think that good communication between employer and contractor is most important. If communication is good, each project ends well.

 

Do you have any questions about the job description?

Your job description is fully understandable, but I always prefer to have a conversation related to project requirements and other aspects, which helps in accomplishing the task as soon as possible.

 

Can you tell me, example landing pages are related to what?

A landing page is any page on a website where traffic is sent specifically to prompt a certain action or result.

 

I Wish You All Freelancers a great Success At oDesk…

Frequently asked Questions on oDesk Jobs and Their Answers

QUESTIONS BY CLIENTS MOST CURRENT SCENERIO’S:

What past project or job have you had that is most like this one and why?

According to your job requirements, I have done many projects like yours. For more details you can check my portfolio, profiles and employment history where you will find the similar projects like your desire one.

Do you have suggestions to make this project run successfully?

Sure I have suggestions for you in this project. According to my concept, the updated strategy and proper methods can make this project successful. And surely I will make this project successful.

Which part of this project do you think will take the most time?

According to your job details, I have years of experiences in both fields. And I always use the updated techniques and win the competition. I have a strong belief that I would be able to make this project successful within short time.

Have you taken any oDesk tests and done well on them that you think are relevant to this job?

Yes I have taken oDesk Skill Tests and I have done well. You can check my tests area. Default system of odesk tests is a good method of justify oneself. And yes I appreciate it as well as I did well in here.

How much time do you think it will take to accomplish the task for google results ?

Competition is everywhere. Always want to be ranked in google. But failing in this competition is problematic. And I know this problem. The problem is the so called workers do not use the updated methods where I always hit the iron when it is hot. That’s why I can assure you that I will be able to do it in short times than the rest (2+ or 3+ months)

What part of this project most appeals to you?

Here the two parts of this project appeal me very much, one is that all the requirements are in favor of me and the second one is I like to do these kind of job. These kind of project and job give me mental satisfaction.

Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?

I think I am a good fit for this job because I have all the qualities that you are looking for. Experience is the golden factor in this project where you find in me at least 3+ years of working experiences over all the factors in your project.

Do you have any questions about the job description?

Your arrangement of the job description is fully understandable and I have understood it very well. Still I have no questions about your job description. If I need any information latter, I must convey you and discuss with you in a friendly circumstances.

Which of the required job skills do you feel you are strongest at?

I have carefully read your job description and I have more than 3 years of working experience in both of your required skills. And I am strongest at all of your required qualities. Hope I will be the perfect worker for you in this project.

What SEO jobs have you done in the past?

I have successfully completed many seo projects before, you can see my employment history and portfolio projects. I hope I will also be successful in this project. You can undoubtedly hire me.

How much time will you need to work on this project to see results and how will you spend your time working on this project?

I have a strong belief that I would be able to make this project successful within short time. I will spend my time working on this project hourly with white hat updated method and make it successful.

Have you done high quality back-linking before? if so what sites do you use?

Sure I have done high PR back-inkling before and ranked many sites. You can check my employment history and portfolio. (You can also include some links here)

Why should i chose you over the other 100 that have applied for this Job?

This is a good point you have asked. Here you will found many so called worker who do not know how to work. I am totally different from them. I have a long term plan to work in here, that’s why I am here with all qualities and experiences. I am here not to cheat you rather help you.

What challenging part of this job are you most experienced in?

Everything is now becoming challenging, If one has to win he or she should have the proper knowledge of the present situation. And I am most experienced in this factor. Hope I will make your project successful.

Who have you worked with that has yielded quick results. What was the cost to client to receive positive results?

I have successfully completed many projects. You can see my portfolio and employment history. And I took the relevant cost, I never ask for high price.

Tell me how you would go about increasing my rankings for my website?

Ranking a website on some certain keywords are now very difficult. But if one has relevant ideas and skills about the search engines’ logarithm, he/she must win this competition. According to that I will first make your site search engine friendly then I will make it popular to others and increase its rank.