Critical Mistakes Newbies Make on Freelancing Websites

Newbies are bound to make critical mistakes at one point or another on their freelancing careers.

I remember when I started freelancing way back in 2012. I got my Odesk account suspended faster than I landed any job. I was making mistakes left-right-and-center.

I needed help but I was alone in an open sea with countless freelancers bidding day and night.

I was getting frustrated and before I figured out the mistakes I was making I was on my third suspension. That is my story.

Before you get your account suspended here are some critical mistakes newbies make or even a advanced freelancers for that matter.

1. Use of Generic Cover letters – (Most common)

When applying to a job, your cover letter is the most important piece of your journey to getting hired. One too many times, freelancer ignore the fact that each cover letter needs to be proofread, personalized for a specific job post and result in recycling cover letters. This is a grave mistake that landed me my first odesk suspension.

Avoid at all costs the use of generic cover letters as this is your first impression for the client to see if you understood the job posting. Be human and craft a cover letter that you would read and hire yourself for the job posting.

Learn how easy it is to Write a Killer Cover Letter.

2. Incomplete Profile. (Very Common)

Do you want to get hired ? Ensure you have a complete profile.

When you apply to a job posting ensure that your profile is populated with relevant content, it lacks grammatical mistakes and has some portfolio items.

In cease you are struggling with your odesk profile, here are some Tips and Tricks to Creating an Irresistible oDesk Profile.

3. Mentality that Working online is a Get Rich Quick Scheme

One of the question I get asked alot is, How much money do you make ?

My honest response is the amount I make but caution is important when it comes to freelancing online.

Most newbies on hearing how much I make, think that this is a get rich quick scheme. Ha Ha Ha.

It takes rejection by clients, sleepless nights, frustration, patience, time and tireless bidding on jobs to make some good money.

Newbies – Rid your mind of the Get Rich Quick Mentality.

4. Getting Desperate – working for close to nothing

You have been bidding on jobs day and night. You are at the point of giving up or working for almost close to nothing / for free. I have been there.Desperate and broken.

This is a grave mistake when it comes to working online. Newbies often get frustrated and result in working for close to nothing.

Often this results in serious exploitation, poor pay and work that is close to torture.

Word is : Do Not Get Desperate

5. Asking for upfront Payment

Critical Mistake Newbie !!!! How do you request for upfront with no job history or feedback?

Some jobs justify requesting an upfront payment but on most occasions, clients do not want to deal with newbies that request for upfront payments. I know I would not even consider that job application.

6. Applying for all jobs -related or not related to your field

Finally, you get frustrated to a point that any job that you believe you can ace 5% – you apply.

This is a serious mistake that results in poor feedback reviews. It is a move of desperation that can be compared to shooting aimlessly with the intention of hitting the target. You will lose lots of bullets hitting bushes and rocks.

Reserve  the job application quota for jobs that you are confident and knowledgeable on. Jobs that will lead to more work and repeat clients with positive feedback.

 Here are some jobs that Newbies should apply to on odesk

Do you have any more mistakes that you feel newbies make on Freelancing Websites? Add them in the comments.

Photo by Ryan McGilchrist