Cover letter for freelancers
The cover letter is a short message that you send to introduce yourself to a buyer during the application process. When you apply to a job opening, the application screen presents you with a text field where you should enter your cover letter. The buyer receives your cover letter in an email when you apply to the job opening.
Why shouldn't I give the buyer my contact info in my cover letter?
Because it encourages unscrupulous and inexperienced buyers to bypass the oDesk system. A buyer should not be able to contact you without inviting you to interview. Similarly, buyers should not be requesting that you contact them directly in the job posting.
Please note that if the Buyer invites you to interview, your oDesk email address and Yahoo ID will automatically be disclosed to them. You may mention which other messaging services you are willing to use in your cover letter (AOL, MSN, Skype, etc.). You will have the opportunity give the buyer your messenger ID after you are invited to interview.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression
Remember that the cover letter you submit is one of the most important factors considered by the buyers when reviewing your application. Check out this article to help you understand the importantance of a good cover letter and profile from a buyer's perspective.
When writing a cover letter, make sure to:
- always write a new coverletter (do not copy-paste from your previous applications)
- cover all of the following points:
- why you are interested in this job opening
- your skills that are relevant to this job opening
- examples/links to relevant projects you have completed
- why you believe to be a good match for this job opening
- your current availability
- best time and method to contact you (do not include your email address/messenger ID/phone #)
- provide any specific information asked for in the job opening
- use clear and polite language
- let your personality and individuality show in your writing
- check your spelling and grammar
We strongly recommend that you write your cover letter in a text editor on your computer and then paste it into the cover letter field. Depending on your browser, you my format your cover letter directly in the text field, or by using HTML tags. Be sure to spell check and carefully edit your letter to address the individual job's requirements. You really do need to write a custom letter for every job opening. Buyers can tell when you used a template or form letter. If you don't take the time to write a good cover letter, they won't take the time to interview you.
Attaching a file
You may attach a sample directly to your application in addition to your written cover letter. In most cases, an attachment is unnecessary. Most buyers prefer samples be linked with a URL in the cover letter instead. Do not attach your cover letter. Your cover letter should be entered in the text field. Do not attach your resume. Everything relevant from your resume should already be in your provider profile.
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Sample Opening:
Chicago-based women's apparel manufacturing firm is looking for a graphic artist to work with our lead designer on updating our site www.somesite.com. The provider will be working closely with marketing and our development team to overhaul the graphics, make changes to the layout, and make SEO/content recommendations.
Must have: Technical skills needed: Photoshop, dhtml, xhtml, Flash Pro 8 Special consideration will be given to candidates that scored over 70% in the oDesk Adobe Photoshop 6.0 qualification test. |
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Good Sample Cover Letter:
I would like to offer my services for your site updating project. I have recently completed a design for a website with a catalog, shopping cart, and online ordering functionality. I think it may be very similar in structure to what you are looking for. You can see this website at www.url1.com.
You can see some of my other works at I have 5 years of experience in both Web design and HTML coding, which allows me to better cooperate with the development team. I have designed over 20 websites for different industries, including fashion, retail and catering. Please see my oDesk profile for more details. I have not taken the oDesk Adobe Photoshop test yet, but please see my Brainbench certification in my profile. Of course, I would be happy to take the oDesk Adobe test before you make your final decision. I can currently devote about 20 hours a week to your project. We can discuss this and other details Monday through Thursday between 7 and 9 am your time this week (Yahoo, AOL, or Skype). Or let me know your available time and I will do my best to accommodate it. |
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Bad Sample Cover Letter:
I want apply to your job. I need graphix work. I can do what you need. Pls call me (Skype: MySkypeID). |
Relevant Community Posts:
http://blog.odesk.com/2006/08/how-to-not-get-a-job/