Have your profile reviewed by oDesk Community
okudamanova
1823 postsTo help our new providers create an attractive oDesk profile and, therefore, launch their first project, we are introducing a feature in the forum.
If you would like to get advice on creating a great profile from more experienced oDesk providers, Buyers and oDesk staff, create a new forum topic with a link to your profile, so it can be reviewed and commented on!
Before asking for your profile to be reviewed, make sure that you have studied the Profile Help Pages and these tips from a successful oDesk Provider. Also check if any advice already provided in this thread applies to your profile as well.
Summary of the advice provided in this thread:
* If you are a web designer, your portfolio is going to be critical. Show as much as you can.
* Provide external links to examples of your work, whether programming, design or writing
* In your title I would try to highlight something that really makes you stand out.
* Make sure your cover letters to buyers are highly personalized and custom to their job posting. Buyers hate getting cut and paste cover letters.
* Take the time to do a spell-check
* Format your profile so it looks accurate and is easier to skim through
* If you are an individual provider upload a portrait rather than a logo
* If you are skilled in several different areas, help buyers really understand your focus
* Spend time on your Objective field. It's at the top of the profile and is intended to deliver your profile summary and goals in a concise sentence or two. Might want to talk more about what you want to do for potential buyers than what you have done for others.
* Try including a brief testimonial from some of your previous clients / employers
Regards,
Olga
oDesk
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Score: 8.5, Votes: 17
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pbayard 4 posts
I am new with oDesk and would like the older more experienced providers to look at my profile and give me any input they may have. Search for Phyllis and you will find me Phyllis B
Phyllis Bayard
jbreinlinger
Welcome to oDesk - I'm not an experienced provider but I do work at oDesk. I'm not sure what the rest of the truly experienced providers would think about my advice, but here goes...
It probably will take you a little bit of time, but I'm sure any veteran provider would tell you that the first job is the hardest to get since you don't have feedback yet. You could try listing some "testimonials" right on your profile from some of your previous clients.
Last, make sure your cover letters to buyers are highly personalized and custom to their job posting. Buyers hate getting cut and paste cover letters.
Good luck!
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
pbayard 4 posts
Thanks Josh for your input. I will make some changes to my portfolio and title. I have received my first interview request. So wish me luck. By the way no one else has given me any input.
Thanks again Phyllis
Phyllis Bayard
andrewsvintsov 7 posts - Russia - Joined Apr 12 2007
Hi Phyllis...
I think you should provide more work examples.. it will be greate if you will create photo album (use any freeware web service) and upload there you graphic design samples... It will be usefull to provide links to your samples in your cover letter.
Anyway, your profile looks very good!
Good luck!
Andrew
pbayard 4 posts
Okay, How do I go about providing more examples of my work? I looked through my profile and don't see where to add this. Other than providing examples in my cover letters.
Phyllis Bayard
Phyllis Bayard
dmitry
You have already provided project descriptions in employment history. Another place to add such descriptions is skills: http://www.odesk.com/console/d/profile.php?do=EditSkills - you can add some comments to each skill, list projects, etc. Hope that helps.
Regards,
Dmitry,
oDesk.
dmitry
I am new with oDesk and would like the older more experienced providers to look at my profile and give me any input they may have. Search for Phyllis and you will find me Phyllis B
BTW, there is no need to search - just click on any provider's username in this forum (under a posting title), and it will bring provider's profile!
jbreinlinger
Good luck on your first interview.
And on a more general note, I was browsing through some profiles and noticed some misspellings in profile titles. I know English is not primary language for a lot of providers, but take the time to do a spell-check.
Expirienced --> Experienced.
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
shineblue30 2 posts - Pakistan - Joined May 19 2009
how can i pass odesk test it confusing na. plz anyone who pass this test plz send me answers on my id that is shineblue30@yahoo.com
am waiting...........
iszabo 3 posts - Bolivia - Joined Jun 08 2007
What you guys think about mine...
Thanx
jbreinlinger
Everything on your profile looks pretty nice, but there are no external links to any sites you've worked on. It will be very hard for a buyer to get a sense of the quality of your work.
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
iszabo 3 posts - Bolivia - Joined Jun 08 2007
Thanx, i didn't place my previous jobs for client confidentiality and i will prepare some test sites for it....
Thanks an hi everyone here in oDesk.
hjohnson 1 post
Hi Forum,
Please view my profile and give your valuable suggestions
Thanks in advance.
hjohnson.
okudamanova
I would upload your portrait, change the title to a more catchy one (see above for examples) and take more tests, for example, MS Word test.
mwhyms 1 post
Hello everyone
,
I'm new to odesk, and I was wondering if I could get some feedback on my profile. I know it needs lots of work, but any feedback would be nice.
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/b85803ae6416e1fe
Thanks!!
okudamanova
One of the first things I would do is work on formatting of your profile, so it looks more accurate and is easier to skim through.
Also, it will help if you take tests on different MS Office applications, since you state you are good at them.
Finally, you use blog writing and writing as your skill categories and it would be great to provide links to any work you have done in that regard to illustrate your skills.
Hope this helps,
Olga
oDesk
arudrabhatla 4 posts - India - Joined Oct 11 2006
Hi,
Please format my profile if you feel that is not more appropriate from buyer's perspective. I am more of technical person than in to technical writing or blog writing. I have done tetsing work for 6 yrs on different applications. As its a client proprietry I can not put any links of my work in this. Appreciate if you can tell me any other way of putting my work for the buyer to get some idea.
Thanks,
Aruna
okudamanova
Aruna,
My previous comment about blog writing was related to this particular profile: http://www.odesk.com/console/users/b85803ae6416e1fe.
Regards,
Olga
oDesk
aynamohol 21 posts - Bangladesh - Joined Sep 21 2008
I think 12 is not favorable hourly rate for normal (i mean small projects with small budget). So, you should less your hourly rate. I was lost some projects, when i was like you(hourly rate was 15.00). It was so high, but when day i was decrease it. I was got first job.
alexwilson 21 posts - Japan - Joined Oct 05 2007
Hello everyone. I'm a new provider here and would like to make sure my profile is marketable... Do you think you could take a look at it and give me any feedback you have? Thanks to anyone in advance!
Profile: http://www.odesk.com/console/users/End-End-Commerce-Web-Developer-and-Designer-osCommerce-Expert_49576b08732284e6
- Alex
fahimahmad 2 posts
Dear All please see my profile and send comments
Best Regards
Fahim
jbreinlinger
MS Access and ASP.NET
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
fahimahmad 2 posts
hello Thanks i have corrected
please send more on remaining
Fahim
shineblue30 2 posts - Pakistan - Joined May 19 2009
hello yar tm nay odesk wala test kaisay pas kia hai mujy b bata do yar mery id py shineblue30@yahoo.com
dlaroche 3 posts - United States - Joined Sep 14 2007
Could you please review my profile and let me know what i need to do to improve it so that i can land my first oDesk job.
jbreinlinger
-You have a couple misspellings in your profile, not major, but fix them. "pursueing"
-Mechanical experience does not seem very relevant to work on oDesk.
-Use a portrait for your portrait. Not a logo.
-Mainly, I think you need to establish some feedback on oDesk. It's always hardest to get your first job, but consider talking about that in your cover letter to a buyer. eg, "Hey, I know I don't have feedback yet, but I'm looking to establish my reputation in the oDesk network. I'd be willing to do your small project for you with no risk. Set a weekly limit to zero and approve all hours or work on a fixed-price basis so the buyer approves every payment. (Obviously, this means you do not get guaranteed payment for the first project).
-Good luck!
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
mbeveridge 7 posts - United States - Joined Oct 07 2007
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/e97bd6bd46901016
Help me make mine a great profile.
Thanks,
Melodie
jcostanzo 14 posts - United States - Joined Oct 15 2007
Ok here is my profile
John Costanzo
I know it needs some work
jbreinlinger
Ok here is my profile
John Costanzo
I know it needs some work
I'd suggest working on your portfolio site quite a bit more. It's the only link on your oDesk profile and it's a representation of the quality of your work. I'm sure you can make it quite a bit more attractive.
For reference, here's the profile and portfolio of a very successful oDesk provider.
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/187d59f5ad8cd648
http://www.insite.cc/resume/
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
jcostanzo 14 posts - United States - Joined Oct 15 2007
Ok here is my profile
John Costanzo
I know it needs some work
I'd suggest working on your portfolio site quite a bit more. It's the only link on your oDesk profile and it's a representation of the quality of your work. I'm sure you can make it quite a bit more attractive.
For reference, here's the profile and portfolio of a very successful oDesk provider.
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/187d59f5ad8cd648
http://www.insite.cc/resume/
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Ok made some changes but should I take more tests? Should I change wording? Thanks again
jbreinlinger
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/e97bd6bd46901016
Help me make mine a great profile.
Thanks,
Melodie
I think your profile looks pretty solid! Keep at it and I'm sure you'll have some good results.
A couple thoughts:
At a glance, it is tough to tell what your focus is: are you a writer? a beta tester? system admin? I can see that you have a broad experience but help buyers really understand your focus. I might suggest moving away from "beta testing" as a focus since most companies can get that work done for free by inviting existing users to be beta testers. (that's what we do).
-Spend a little more time on your Objective field. It's at the top of the profile and is intended to deliver your profile summary and goals in a concise sentence or two. Might want to talk more about what you want to do for potential buyers than what you have done for others.
-A random "untested" idea. Looks like you might have some previous reference-able customers. Maybe include a brief testimonial from some of your previous clients / employers right in your profile.
-And a blog post from an oDesk buyer with some additional tips.
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/users/be094e6b4a90c295
scatungal 11 posts
http://www.odesk.com/console/users/e97bd6bd46901016
Help me make mine a great profile.
Thanks,
Melodie
I think your profile looks pretty solid! Keep at it and I'm sure you'll have some good results.
A couple thoughts:
At a glance, it is tough to tell what your focus is: are you a writer? a beta tester? system admin? I can see that you have a broad experience but help buyers really understand your focus. I might suggest moving away from "beta testing" as a focus since most companies can get that work done for free by inviting existing users to be beta testers. (that's what we do).
-Spend a little more time on your Objective field. It's at the top of the profile and is intended to deliver your profile summary and goals in a concise sentence or two. Might want to talk more about what you want to do for potential buyers than what you have done for others.
-A random "untested" idea. Looks like you might have some previous reference-able customers. Maybe include a brief testimonial from some of your previous clients / employers right in your profile.
-And a blog post from an oDesk buyer with some additional tips.
Josh Breinlinger
oDesk
I liked your comments, looks like you did a nice job of looking over her profile. could you do the same for mine? as for "lots of profile entries...(was that gbaltazar's?)" this is my comment:
Everyone started out without a work history and feed back score. I have been a provider for 3 months now and I've also seen what you've seen. Some providers dont have tests and almost nothing on their profile. on the other hand, some have so much, you'd begin to doubt what they can really do well. I think the first tip would be to place your profile under the right category you want to be hired for. which means focusing your job experiences on what you want to be hired for too. Ive been blessed to have 2 continuing assignments (way past the proposed working period of 2 weeks for both) I know both my buyers are satisfied, or else they would have ended the assignment.
Its nice to see that there's an earnest interest in trying to give tips for providers. I hope some of you get to comment on my profile too.
stephenbell 1 post
Hi all
please check out my profile so far!
mclimaco 37 posts - Philippines - Joined Jan 12 2008
wow, this is a nice thread. i'd like to commend whoever started this. and since it sounds fun, i'll join.
my turn.
i'd like to improve my profile. i'm open to tips, suggestions and comments.
anyone?
okudamanova
I cannot really recommend anything except for adding a link to examples of your writing works, if any of them (or extracts) are available online.
You seem to be getting good feedback from buyers, so apparently your profile does attract them and, what's more important you actually do a great job working on the projects.
Keep up the good work!
Olga
syadav 12 posts - India - Joined Nov 24 2006
Hi all
please check out my profile so far!
I tried hard since i registered. Could anyone help me out whats going wrong in my profile.
Thanks and regards,
Santosh Yadav
okudamanova
Santosh Yadav,
Your profile seems to describe more of your programming experience, while the list of openings you have recently applied to shows mostly Excel and data-entry related job openings. If these job openings are of most interest to you, make sure your profile displays more information about your experince in this field, as well as more examples of the projects you have completed. Also, you would need to change your profile title accordingly.
Consider also including feedback from your previous happy clients and uploading your portrait.
Regards,
Olga
oDesk
sheighes 5 posts - United States - Joined Oct 20 2007
Hi,
Can you look at my profile - I'd really appreciate some advice.
Thanks
Sam
gbaltazar 637 posts - Philippines - Joined Aug 16 2007
Yes, it is tough for me to get my first job. I had some interviews but most of the job that I have applied to was met with rejection. They simply choose another provider or state that my bid/rate was too high. I have set on very competitive rates lately but I am not yet hired for any job.
I am more interested in data entry jobs and content writing. However, my full time job experience outside of oDesk is more on programming. I could not find similar programming experience here in oDesk, so I am very much content with these data entry jobs and content writing. Moreover, the pay rate for these jobs are even a little bit lower than what are paid for the programming skills. Programming is a lot harder to do than an offshore data entry job.
In addition, I only have work samples in programming than my interest above. However, I have not been able to find any programming job that is similar or related to what I have been doing outside.
I am not sure if it has to do with the cover letter or my profile. I have taken numerous oDesk tests and some of it even have a high rating. I placed portfolio entries and I have also put in my work experience. I followed the tips that are provided by oDesk on maintaining a good cover letter and I have applied it on every cover letter that I made (availability, relevant skills, why I am interested in the job, sample work, best time for contact, questions and most of all custom-made for every job application).
I have viewed the profile of those lucky hired providers and they even have lesser entries in their profile than I have. They even do not have oDesk tests, work experience and porfolios! The edge that they have in their profile is that they have recent work history and feedback scores - it is something that keeps them being hired for jobs.
Some are even lucky to have one job assignment after another, or juggling between two or three jobs at the same time! They have only been a member of oDesk for a month or two.
Now, it might be my profile. I strongly agree that other's opinion is greatly helpful. So what do you think?
Gem
Which is the best method to withdraw funds out from oDesk? Philippine Payment Methods
okudamanova
I am afraid that the problem with your profile is that you describe the projects you have done in the programming field, but are applying to data entry/content writing jobs. If data entry and content writing are in fact your priority, consider including links to the content you have already created and describe data entry projects you have completed.
As for lack of feedback, feel free to include references from your previous non-oDesk buyers.
Hope this helps,
Olga
oDesk
scottgroves 3 posts
Hello, could an oDesk 'guru' please take a few minutes and look at my profile and give any suggestions for making it more appealing to prospective clients? I am a new oDesk user with no hours and find it difficult to secure that first 'gig'. Hopefully it's not a problem with my profile, but please take a look and let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Scott
-------------
Scott Groves
TechWiz IT Services
www.techwizit.com
scottgroves@odesk.com
scott@techwizit.com
dmartel 352 posts
Hi Scott, welcome to oDesk - I'm no guru by any means but a quick glance at your portfolio looks pretty good. Perhaps taking some more relevant tests will help you out - and of course the biggest thing is to continue to put out plenty of applications to new jobs and make sure your cover letters are well written!
Have some patience, all of us took a while to get going!! Good luck to you!
Doreen
scottgroves 3 posts
Thanks for the kind welcome Doreen
I do have another question however... I find that oDesk's technology tests are... kind of all over the place. Not knocking them, just saying they aren't the best...
I have a very large list of specific technology certifications from BrainBench.com and would like to add them all to my profile. I personally feel that the BrainBench tests are much, much better then the ones that are provided by oDesk/ExpertRating.
These certifications have helped me in the real-world, however I have
my doubts about them on the oDesk site, simple because of the way that
the profile is laid out. It would be nice if they were able to be added
under the 'Tests' section.
I know you aren't a buyer, but in your opinion, would you simply just look at the oDesk tests on a provider's profile? Or would you give the BrainBench certification tests the same merit as those provided by oDesk?
Cheers,
Scott
-------------
Scott Groves
TechWiz IT Services
www.techwizit.com
scottgroves@odesk.com
scott@techwizit.com
dmartel 352 posts
Thanks for the kind welcome Doreen
I do have another question however... I find that oDesk's technology tests are... kind of all over the place. Not knocking them, just saying they aren't the best...
I have a very large list of specific technology certifications from BrainBench.com and would like to add them all to my profile. I personally feel that the BrainBench tests are much, much better then the ones that are provided by oDesk/ExpertRating.
These certifications have helped me in the real-world, however I have
my doubts about them on the oDesk site, simple because of the way that
the profile is laid out. It would be nice if they were able to be added
under the 'Tests' section.
I know you aren't a buyer, but in your opinion, would you simply just look at the oDesk tests on a provider's profile? Or would you give the BrainBench certification tests the same merit as those provided by oDesk?
Cheers,
Scott
HI again, I think you'll find this topic in others ?'s about their profiles and that folks do look at the brain bench certifications. I think you have a few options on those (a) add them to your resume or (b) link them in 'portfolio' or (c) add them to your resume but add the brain bench cert links under portfolio so if a potential buyer is looking at your profile they're seeing them in an easy to find location.
Being a provider I suspect the buyers train of thought goes something like this (pure speculation)
A) Feedback/Rate
B) Resume (glance over)
C) Portfolio (more intense)
D) Tests
Now this could be TOTALLY offbase because I am a provider also
Overall I thought you did a very nice job on your portfolio including links to relevant sites that you've worked on.
If you have someone you trust to give you an honest opinion have them review your cover letter(
and see if maybe something there is spooking folks.
This will be controversial for some but do not hesitate in your cover letters to let folks know you're new to oDesk but point out your strong points - personally I think our cover letters are what makes buyers look further. Course what do I know again I'm a provider LOL
Good luck and feel free to email/chat if you want some help.
Doreen
scottgroves 3 posts
Thanks for all the insight, Doreen. It sure helps!
On another note, I've received my first interview request!!! Yeehaw! Time to get the ball rollin'
Cheers,
Scott
-------------
Scott Groves
TechWiz IT Services
www.techwizit.com
scottgroves@odesk.com
scott@techwizit.com
dmartel 352 posts
Thanks for all the insight, Doreen. It sure helps!
On another note, I've received my first interview request!!! Yeehaw! Time to get the ball rollin'
Cheers,
Scott
That's great news! Good luck! Doreen
schandak 7 posts
Hi,
I request all of you to please review my profile and suggest changes so that i can get some job.
I do not have any experience in data entry field but in teaching. But inspite of this i'm very sure of doing very good work in this field. Please help.
http://www.odesk.com/users/~~706913c3668fd7b2
Shalini
bbaquiran 5 posts - Philippines - Joined Apr 02 2008
Hi,
Please take a peek at my profile and let me know what I can improve.
http://www.odesk.com/users/~~c7737af31dd5d4b7
I'm not a web or graphic designer, so can't really point to a portfolio. My expertise is in building high-traffic backend apps and frameworks using scripting languages.
I'd appreciate any feedback from the more experienced oDesk-ers.
Thanks!
P.S. I was distracted while taking the Python 2.x test. I'll retake it to get a better score.
ntoye 49 posts - United Kingdom - Joined Dec 14 2006
Hi,
I am just re-launching myself after spending some time working with US clients, and then experiencing a drop due to the recession over there.
oDesk is just one area that I am looking at for work, and to tell you the truth I am not expecting to become rich over night, not even during the first year, as looking at some of the jobs posted they are very very low budget. But, we will see how it goes.
If anyone can see any major flaws in my profile, then feel free to flag them and I will see if I can improve there.
http://www.odesk.com/users/~~e3f3868c6e632353
Thanks for your help.
jpittenger
The first thing I notice is that you should add your sample sites to the portfolio. It's ok to list a few in the skills and work history area, but if you want to have that many, they should be in the portfolio. That's where buyers are used to looking - if they see an empty portfolio, they will usually skip right past the rest of the profile.
Maybe just the top three examples under a skill or history item, and then all of it in the portfolio.
Jacqui - Forum Moderator | Help Center | oDesk blog | Contact Support | Vote on Ideas