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Trying to outsource on Odesk. What am I doing wrong?

by mc9320
5 replies
I'm trying to outsource some linkbuilding work on Odesk but have really struggled to find workers. I've tried 2 methods and would appreciate any advice you may have.

1) I posted a fixed price job for 100 backlinks and had 10 applicants, but none of them followed the instructions I gave, including writing a secret word, which shows either none of them read the instructions, or their English was not good enough to understand.

2) I then reposted the same job, but invited candidates myself this time focusing on the Philipines as it seems a lot of IM'ers recommend them as good workers. 5 people expressed an interest, but when I asked them all to do a short test to complete as part of the interview process, no one replied (The test only involved completing 3 backlinks!)

Have I just been unlucky? Or is there a better way find suitable candidates?
#odesk #outsource #wrong
  • Profile picture of the author stevenfabian
    Regarding method 2, most people don't like to do free samples. Too often they get cheated by cheap IMers who "test" them and then get away with the free service they get. You could offer a small rate-fee for that and I think you'd have much better success.
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  • Profile picture of the author HappyLuke
    Hi,
    I have used vwork3r.com successfully many times. Some jobs over $2,000.00
    The reason my employees give me 10 out of 10 ratings every time is because i make very detailed plans of what i want. they prefer very detailed plans because you teach them step by step what to do.

    I'm a training manager and I teach people. if i make instructions that are step by step including screenshots, it makes it super easy for ANYONE to follow.

    Maybe you aren't making it easy enough for them to follow?
    Maybe you aren't paying enough?
    You can try other outsourcing sites.
    Keep interviewing and when you find someone KEEP em.

    Good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author fernandoraymundo
    I agree with edvvardbrian, I am once a freelancer before and I've experienced clients who give sample work but have no intentions on hiring. If you need long term VA to do the tasks you need try an outsourcing company that can provide you different people that you can choose from that you think suits your needs.
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  • Profile picture of the author gentryliving
    You will not easily get workers especially when you asked them to do the test. I remember my Filipino worker before, she'd been applying jobs at oDesk and most employer asked a test before anything else. But then no one hires her after all those test.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Paella
    mc9320,

    When I post my job on odesk, I talk to them a lot on Skype and get to know more about their experience. I'm in this for the long term so getting to know them first may take time, but it's worth it in the long term.

    You also have to be very organized and give detailed instructions. And just pay them a bit first. It won't cost you much. Test them out for an hour or two and see how it goes.
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