oDesk

So I have just joined oDesk in order to make some money on the side making music. Looking forward to what 2013 will bring with it, as I imagine I will be involved in a variety of different music projects from this venture.

However, I'm finding it hard to get a job as much like in real life, you need some sort of " qualification " to be accepted for anything. In oDesk's case, a lot of users seem to want you to have * feedback and have already worked * hours. Where does one start!!

So I will keep looking and applying.

Was just wondering if anyone one here uses this website? Has it been fruitful for you?

In order to get feedback you might consider setting your prices unreasonably low for the first few jobs. Consider it like giving out review copies. Also don't be afraid to give some links to your other portfolios especially on sites where you have reviews from paying customers.

I haven't worked there but I've hired plenty of people, although not for music. You might also want to take a few irrelevant but low qualification jobs - like writing - in order to get an established profile.

I've been working on oDesk for almost three years.. I earn decent money and enough to support my family.

Honestly, I started working on oDesk for .50$ per hour.. though it was degrading on my part but after receiving feedback from my clients, I started to bid higher than that rate..

I think oDesk is a good place to start, I remained there for around 3 years and worked more than 500 hours.

Getting your first job is a difficult task but you can increase your chances of getting hired by making your profile complete and updated. Don't write things which you cannot do. Creating a portfolio will be a good option.

Increase your job quota by completing various requirements of oDesk, I think you can also increase your job quota to specific limit by passing various tests. Taking test option related to your field will be good option. Keep in mind that most of the test are available for one time only, so take test only when you are completely ready for it otherwise you can go for retest after around 2-4 months.

Writing detailed job application including specific details required by the employer will increases your chances of getting hired. Some employer requires you to write certain lines at top, it will show them that you read their ad completely.

Average rate for any job is also given, so try to bid below average, it will increase your chances of getting hired.

Best of luck,

Thanks

I have been using oDesk for a few months and until recently, only been the employer until recently. I've just started trying to be a contractor. I haven't had any luck cracking the first job yet (only 6 proposals) but I can make some suggestions from a contractor perspective.

Any time you apply for a job, make 100% sure you read the posting entirely. It's amazing how many contractors on oDesk don't and fire off proposals without following some basic requests in the post. Eventually I just started requesting the contractors write me something specific. That made going through applicants much easier. Also, make sure your applications include a custom reply toward that project. That also shows that you read the posting and didn't just copy + paste your resume.

Take a few tests. The beauty of oDesk tests is that if you do poorly, you can hid the result until you take it again. Taking some of the lesser known tests that are specific to your skills will help too if you can complete them well.

I hope you're able to turn some jobs quickly and get going. Good luck.
Ardshael

Thank you everyone, some excellent tips here.


I'll be sure to start off with the lower paying jobs and set my own rate lower. Also I now see the importance of making your reply specific to that post. So I'll be sure to read the proposals through thoroughly.

Thanks again!

oDesk is a great place to earn money. Still now I'm a designer at oDesk and I can earn $1k per week by only designing. So, oDesk is the perfect place for me.
Best of luck to you!!

rikonrahman said:

oDesk is a great place to earn money. Still now I'm a designer at oDesk and I can earn $1k per week by only designing. So, oDesk is the perfect place for me.
Best of luck to you!!

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Well this is promising! Thanks and to you too not that you need it.

Also sit all or as many of the voluntary tests as you can and obviously try and get a decent score

I hire on there regularly and always check the test scores.

Additionally make sure there are no types in your bio and in your applications to new jobs. Try and cater the application to the job a little instead of copy and pasting the same message to all employers, I can always tell when they've made no effort and not read the description properly as I generally ask them to answer a question somewhere in the middle which weeds out the ones that are lazy.

Adam Dudka said:

Hello there
Now I am gonna cooperate with you. of course, I will pay you annually if you agree my suggestion.
Thank you.

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6 year old thread, OP hasnt been here for 5, come one man!

Billy Batts said:

6 year old thread, OP hasnt been here for 5, come one man!

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Billy, I am reporting you for spam posting

Billy Batts said:

6 year old thread, OP hasnt been here for 5, come one man!

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And it's now closed.