Step-by-Step Guidelines on Landing your first job on oDesk

Landing your first job on oDesk

by Micah on May 25th, 2009 |

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I know you guys are all excited on landing your first job on oDesk so let’s cut to the chase.

When you’re done Completing Your Profile on oDesk, it’s time to explore the site and find appropriate job openings for you. Here’s a simple step-by-step guideline that will walk you through the process of finding jobs on oDesk.

finding-jobs

1. Go to Find Provider & Jobs, then click on FIND JOBS.

There are hundreds of new job postings everyday so you have a lot to choose from. Some other providers tend to lose hope once they have applied for a week and haven’t received any interview invitations. That’s absolutely normal especially for providers who don’t have any work experience or feedback yet. But the thing is, you must develop determination and self confidence because it will show and reflect on your behavior and actions. Once you are determined and confident, nothing can stop you for searching for job openings and applying to them every single day.

2. Determine your expertise

When finding jobs on oDesk, you should figure out which area you are good at. There are various job categories to choose from. It is important that you pick the category that you think you best fit in because it increases the chance of receiving more interview invitations and winning new projects.

You can choose one or more categories as long as you know you’d be able to provide high quality services and deliverables for your potential buyers.

3. Browse the newest job openings on your chosen category

Ideally, you should check on new openings on your selected categories EVERYDAY. This is most applicable during your first month on oDesk and at the time you are hunting for your first ever project. The higher the number of your applications, the higher is the probability that someone will invite you for an interview or hire you.

4. Create a compelling and promising Cover Letter

For me, this is the most crucial part that you guys should focus on before sending your applications. This will create your first impression on your potential buyers and will be their initial tool in deciding if you’re worth an interview invitation. Here are some of the things that you should consider in writing your cover letter:

Briefly discuss your previous working experiences along with your achievements
Tackle shortly about the job opening and how you would be able to meet their requirements
Mind your tone, your cover letter must sound professional and convincing
Explain what you can offer to them and how they’d benefit from what you have to give
Inform them about your hours of availability per week
Lastly, post your means of communication

5. Send tons of applications

Now, that you have a great cover letter, it’s time to send those applications.

Initially, you have a limit of only 5 applications but there’s a way on how you’d increase this. Take various oDesk free online tests and you’ll see that your quota will be increased. This will also add credibility and sophistication on your oDesk profile. Remember, the more applications you send, the more chances of receiving interview invitations and getting hired.

Even after a couple of weeks of applying without any interview invitation, don’t lose hope and never give up. If you want to earn big bucks through oDesk, keep in mind that every path or career a person decides to take, HARDWORK and PERSEVERANCE is always Necessary.

I, myself even waited for more than a month before I got my first job ever. And now, reminiscing all the efforts I’ve given on oDesk, I should say it was all worth it.

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