Just starting need help

First and foremost I would like to thank you for responding to my question.  I am new to odesk I don't have a portfolio or much job experience. I would like to know how am I going to get started when all the jobs I find want you to have at least one hour of odesk experience.  I tried to take the english structure test but it said my test had expired and I couldn't take it again until the 12th or 14th of next month, but I haven't taken it before.  I would also like to know about the jobs I see that have $0 for the hourly and the fixed rate.  All In all I just need help with everything, I've read the instruction time and time again I just need more info.  If you can will you please help.

Thank you,

Sharon Young

Sorry about your frustration, Sharon.

I do not believe trying to help you with "everything" is going to be very productive, so let's start with the issues you have listed - and then you let me know which other areas you have questions about.

1) No oDesk experience.
Each provider on oDesk was new and didn't have any oDesk experience at some point. The key is to use your non-oDesk experience:
* Populate your portfolio with previously completed (non-oDesk) projects
* Include external references (either in your profile or in the coverletter when you apply)
* Offer trial period, when you work a certain number of hours (say, first 10) at a discounted rate to show Buyer your skills and the progress

2) Re-taking the test. If you in fact haven't taken the test, yet it appears to have expired, please submit a help ticket, so our support team can restart it for you.

3) $0 job openings. These most likely mean the Buyer doesn't have a good idea about the cost of the project. So your best bet is to apply to such an opening and either provide a time/cost estimate in the your coverletter - or ask questions, answers to which will help you to provide a more accurate quote.

I hope this helps to start with, but do let me know what other issues and concerns you are having.

Good luck,
Olga