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If you freelance through Odesk or a similar site here is a tip.

by sallan
6 replies
Hi All

I just wanted to share my thoughts on freelancer job applications. I have been using sites like Odesk, Freelancer and elance for a number of years to employ contractors.

One of my biggest frustrations is that over 90% of aplicants for jobs posted seem to just send a generic application rather than addressing the requirements outlined in my description.

In the offline world there is no way you could land a job by sending a generic application, so I don't think it should be different online. I will choose an aplicant with little to no feedback who submits a well worded personal response over one who sends through their standard copied and pasted one.

I even state now in my job postings that generic applications will be disregarded, which has improved things slightly, but I still get plenty of copied ones.

If you are a freelancer wanting more work then you should be sending a personalised application.

If you are an employer you may get better results in your projects and narrow down the recruiting process if you disregard generic responses.
#freelance #odesk #similar #site #tip
  • Profile picture of the author imgeek2727
    Thanks for this. This is basic marketing. Customize your marketing message based on the specifics of your prospect's requirements. Cookie cutter templates are, frankly, insulting. It's all about getting into the minds of your prospect and answering his/her main question: WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE *YOU*?
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    • Profile picture of the author davidkings
      Stand out from the crowd of your competition. good tips
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
    If it's a really big client or a gig you really want you can take it a step further and send them a custom video resume. I've done this a couple times before when first starting out and it builds a lot of trust compared to the generic applications everyone else sends.
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  • Profile picture of the author prismkuet
    I have been working in oDesk and freelancer for long days. Thanks for sharing the tips. What you said is right. In my experience, most of the time, we give less effort on application than it deserves.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris-
    Yes, good point. I'd add that a lot of job applicants apply to a job which their info says they are 100% perfect for, and when you ask a simple obvious question about that job, they never reply. No point in being there at all if you refuse to communicate from the beginning, that wastes everyones time.

    Chris
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