1. Create a profile. After you register, start creating your profile. If you are a member on any social networking sites, then this will be very simple for you. Just fill out details about yourself. This will be something like a resume. So make it look impressive and professional.
2. Familiarize yourself with the whole application. Explore the site, visit other profile pages of different contractors. Download oDesk Team and learn how it works. I will be posting more about oDesk Team software on my next posts.
3. Take free oDesk skills test. There are many free skills test on oDesk. (Find Contractors & Jobs > Tests)Take as many as you can. This will show future employers that you are really knowledgeable on the skill that you listed on your profile. If you don’t like your score, you can hide it and retake the test again in 30 days. Passing tests is also a way for new contractors to raise their job application quotas. The more tests you pass the more jobs you can apply for. There is one test that is encouraged for every oDesk contractor to take: The oDesk Readiness Test. It is open book, very short and you can retake it immediately if you don’t pass. It’s more like a tutorial than a test.
4. Search for jobs. Just go to Find Contractors & Jobs > Jobs and look for any jobs that interests you. If you are still starting out it is ok to get small fixed-price jobs to build your reputation on oDesk. Later on you can work on long term projects that have hourly rates which have an oDesk payment guarantee.
5. Apply for jobs and make an impressive cover letter. To attract the attention of employers you must create an application letter that will tell them why you are perfect for the job that they have posted. Writing a generic cover letter is a no-no. Your letter should include your skills and experiences that are relevant to the task.
6. Interview with the employer. You will be notified via message center if an employer wants to interview you. This can be through exchange of messages on the message center/email or live chat or call. Just stay calm and be confident. Again, show the employer why you are perfect for the job. Usual questions during an interview are:
i. What is your availability? How many hours can you spend on the job? On what day of the week do you usually work?
ii. Have you had any experience with the same task as this? Share your experience.
iii. Do you have other oDesk contracts? What do you do for them and how will it affect your ability to work for me.
iv. How do you prefer to communicate, email, chat, call?
7. Get hired! If everything goes well then that’s it! You now have your first odesk job. Make sure to do your best. Be honest, value your job and learn from the experience.
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