11 March 2009 | Freelancing Tips | Guest Blogger

Whether you are new to the world of freelancing or are a seasoned veteran, there are a number of things to be considered when bidding on an assignment.

I have conducted many interviews through oDesk, and have seen some rather appalling behavior from potential providers that have cost them their chance to ever work on an assignment for me, while others don’t even make it to the interview process.

I will briefly review the proper etiquette for providers to adhere to when applying for positions through oDesk.

Cover Letters. This is the first impression you will have on a prospective employer.  Bidding on an assignment through oDesk is no different than applying for a job.  Your cover letter should highlight requirements or duties mentioned in the job posting.  One of the quickest ways to get your application rejected is to send a generic cover letter that does not focus on any of the posted job requirements.  I will not consider a provider for an assignment if they do not take the time to mention what qualifications they possess that pertain to the project I am hiring for, or why the position interests them.

If you have questions regarding the assignment, it is OK to ask as long as it is done respectfully and tastefully.  I have seen questions in cover letters that read more like  insults or police interrogations rather than a simple inquiry.

Qualifications.  If there are tests available for your skills, take them, and apply only for positions that you are qualified for.  If a project requires that you are proficient with Linux, but all you know is Windows, do not apply.  You will be wasting the Buyer’s time and they will remember you for doing just that.  This could cause you to be immediately rejected for future assignments they have available and could harm your reputation on oDesk via feedback.

Availability.  If you are backlogged on assignments or are not available during the Buyer’s requested hours, then do not apply unless you state your availability for the project in your cover letter.  This may or may not be something the Buyer can work around.

If you land an interview with a prospective client, you will need to give them a reason to hire you over other potential providers.  If you initiate contact with them, be professional and courteous.  If they have stated specific hours of availability in the job posting, contact them within those hours.  A client will most likely frown upon a request to chat at 2:00 a.m. if they are available from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Do not repeatedly message or nag them.  Simply state that you are responding to their interview request and politely ask them to contact you at their convenience.

Kristen Laws is a freelance project manager on oDesk.  She is the owner/operator of Runelady.com