Job application quota

All oDesk providers must pass the oDesk Readiness Test. You cannot apply to job openings unless you are oDesk Ready. This open book test is designed as a tutorial to help familiarize users with oDesk policies and practices.

In order to encourage only serious providers to apply for jobs, oDesk has a job application quota. We believe this helps to regulate the quality of the marketplace and will make it easier for buyers to assess interested candidates. The quota is the maximum number of jobs you can apply to - not a requirement that you must apply to a certain number of jobs. Your quota is based on the number of oDesk skill tests passed or your feedback score. The table below explains how we calculate your quota:

Please note that the oDesk Readiness Test does not count towards the '# of Tests Passed and Public' portion of the job application quota formula.

Here are a few examples to help demonstrate how the job application quota works:

• A new (NOT oDesk Ready) provider with no oDesk skill tests passed starts with a job application quota of ZERO candidacies per rolling 7 day period.
• A new (NOT oDesk Ready) provider with 8 oDesk skill tests passed still has a job application quota of ZERO candidacies per rolling 7 day period. 
• An oDesk Ready provider with no feedback score and no oDesk skill tests passed has a job application quota of 5 candidacies per rolling 7 day period.
• An oDesk Ready provider with no feedback score must pass 4 skill tests and make them all public to achieve a job application quota of 20 candidacies per rolling 7 day period.
• An oDesk Ready provider with a 3.5 feedback score with no skill tests passed would have 15 candidacies per rolling 7 day period.
• An oDesk Ready provider with a 3.5 feedback score with 8 skill tests passed would also have 15 candidacies per rolling 7 day period.

If you are new to oDesk, we encourage you to take skill tests to boost your job application quota and make your profile more attractive to buyers. We have tests for over 100 different skills, from web design to phone etiquette to English comprehension.

Please note that once you are oDesk Ready AND have earned a feedback score on oDesk, your skill tests no longer factor into your job application quota. But, they remain an important part of your provider profile. Buyers frequently search for and select qualified job candidates based on skill test performance. So it pays to continue taking skill tests no matter what feedback score you have.

What counts against my quota?

• When you apply to a job, it will count against your quota for 7 days, or until you end your candidacy (whichever is sooner).
• Accepting an unsolicited invitation to interview will NOT count against your quota.