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Finding first job?

Good afternoon, I am new on Odesk and I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to get my first job. I have applied to many, but it seems overwheming when competing against 50+  people who charge $1/hour. I cannot charge that little since I live in the USA, I need atleast $12/hour to survive in this country. I would like to start with mini one-week assignments, but would like to eventually find a full-time assignment once I get experience.

I appreciate any advice since I am new!

Thanks!

Vote Result

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0
Welcome to oDesk! You've

Welcome to oDesk! You've got a great start on your profile, although I see some formatting issues in you in your employment history.

The two things I can recommend for your profile are:

  1. try to write some sort of objective. Make it about what you can do for the buyer - why they should hire you instead of anyone else. Don't make it about what you want from the buyer. Read through other providers profiles to get ideas.
  2. find something to add to your portfolio. A sample document in spanish and english if you can't think of anything else. Buyers can filter out providers with empty portfolios. Don't make that the reason a buyer doesn't look at you.

But no matter how good your profile is, the most important part of landing a job is your cover letter. You've got to impress the buyer. Don't sound needy, but don't sound self-important either. You can't ask for $12/hour 'because you live in the USA'. You have to ask for $12/hour because you've worth it. It's tough, but it's all about proving your worth.

My final suggestion is to read our blog, the oDesk Insider blog, and the Savvylancer site. They all have tons of great tips specifically for oDesk providers.

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Jacqui Pittenger :: Forum Moderator :: Visit the Help Center :: Contact Customer Support :: Read our blog

Jacqui - Forum Moderator | Help Center | oDesk blog | Contact Support | Vote on Ideas

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