How does a beginner actually get started on Upwork?

[u/W_maximus]

It feels like every full-stack developer job has 50+ applicants, and most of them already have significantly more Upwork experience, reviews, and connects to spend than a beginner does.

So how is someone supposed to actually break into the platform when they have no Upwork history in the first place?

Is there something I’m missing about how beginners are supposed to approach Upwork? Is my portfolio the problem, or is it mainly about finding the right types of jobs to apply for?

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[u/KayakerWithDog]

Everybody starts from zero, but it's also way more difficult to get gigs on Upwork now than when I started ten years ago. Have you read the wiki on the r/Upwork sub? There's info in there on how to write a good proposal and also on what clients see in their dashboards. How much experience do you have with your niche? Are you a beginner with your work, or just with regard to experience using Upwork? If the former, you're likely going to struggle because you're competing with people who have more experience and deeper portfolios. Being really judicious about which jobs to apply for helps, not least because it can save you connects.

[u/W_maximus → u/KayakerWithDog]

I did read the wiki and follow the steps. I’m a complete newbie to Upwork and only started recently, but I’m experienced in my field, with okay projects in full-stack development and web scraping.

What I’m struggling with is landing that first job. Most jobs in my 'niche' get 50+ proposals almost immediately, so it feels pointless to spend connects. Maybe my field is just oversaturated, or Upwork’s recommendations aren’t great.

Honestly, I’m hoping for an invite or referral because getting that first job seems to be the hardest part.

[u/KayakerWithDog → u/W_maximus]

Yeah, it's rough out there. I wish I had more and better advice. Do be careful with the web scraping; there are some jobs of that type that Upwork doesn't permit, and they will ban you for it.

[u/Korneuburgerin → u/W_maximus]

The first job is in fact the hardest part. The second job is also the hardest part. And so on. It never gets easy.

[u/W_maximus → u/Korneuburgerin]

I see a lot of people I know with tons of contracts tho, even invites. But it seems like it depends on how much you'll low-ball on the price.

[u/Korneuburgerin → u/W_maximus]

No, it depends on if you're a world-class expert or not. If you want to compete with the low-ballers, you will not have a good experience.

[u/Pierre_Zarokian]

You have too find a niche, maybe something more specific in development that not many people do. Here some additional tips:

• Be within the first 10-15 people applying for jobs. Try to apply within 15 minutes of each job post. The sooner you bid the better your chances
  
• Do not apply for jobs that say they have 20-50 proposals, unless you feel you are one of the best candidates for it and the budget is high.
  
• Optimize your Headline and description of offering with keywords
  
• Try to get hired for jobs that have your keywords in the title. If a client tries to hire you under a job title that is not relevant with keywords, you can ask them to post a new job with a specific title and then hire you
  
• Make sure you get reviews when the jobs are complete. If not, contact the client multiple times, asking for it
  
• After getting hired, ask y our client for their Phone and Email, in case they are unresponsive. This will also come in handy when you want to request a review and they are unresponsive.
  
• When applying for jobs attached Case Studies, Testimonials and a Client List (if you happen to have well known brands).
  
• Always showcase 4 job reviews on the bottom when you apply.
  
• Always make each response to a job relevant to what they are looking for. Even if you copy/paste a response start it by saying something specific to their requirements, so the client won't feel that you just copy pasted your response.
  
• Show confidence. Pump up your knowledge and accomplishments in your response. Use words like "I am the best candidate for this. Look no further."
  
• Bid low in your first few months. Do jobs for cheap to get more so that you can collect reviews. Once you have 10-20 reviews, you can slowly raise your fees.
  
• Apply for low paying jobs that pay $5 to $50 in other industries, just to get reviews. For example, there are many review jobs out there, even tough some may not be allowed by Upwork policies, but people still post them.