Tips I've Learned as a Newbie in Odesk

I've encountered a lot of questions on how to succeed in oDesk as a newbie. I myeslf have just started working in this site. However, I've earned my first few hundred bucks in a few weeks time. It takes a lot of patience at first. When you get a hang of it. You'll learn that working online is not that bad.

Here are a few tips I've gathered from experience:

If you haven't registered yet to oDesk, try to register first.

Second, after you registered, you also need to pass the exams. The first exam you need to pass is the Odesk readiness test. It may sound difficult, but don't be intimidated by the questions. Besides, you can search for answers while you're taking the test... the answers are all in the website. Also, if you haven't passed it the first time, you can retake the test as many times as you can... and take note of where you had a wrong answer, because you'll be taking the same set of test every time.

Third, after passing the oDesk readiness test, you need to pass other exams related to your chosen job. Example, if you want to work as a data entry specialist, exams related to this are as follows: US English Basic test, Office Skills test, MS word 2003 test and others. Remember that you don't have to take all the skills test, just take the ones that you think are related to the job you want to work on.

Fourth, make sure to pimp your profile. It must look presentable. Don't be afraid to showcase your achievements. Also, I have heard that it helps a lot if you post a pictureof yourself. This way, the employer won't think you are just someone not serious with your job that you don't bother completing your profile.

Fifth, you may want to set your rate per hour to as high as you want on a later stage. Let's face it, thousand of applicants are around each day. You need to compete with them. However, employers would want someone with a lot more experience. To gain experience, I would advise you to lessen your rate initially. Over time, when you think you have gained a lot of hours already... you can increase your rate per hour accordingly. You also need to be wise enough in doing this. You don't want to bill the employer a higher rate, when you know that the job is too easy.

Sixth, make a good cover letter. This helps a lot in presenting your self to the employer and may give him his first impressions of you. Make sure to make it a personalized cover letter. The employer will know if you made a copy and paste cover letters. To avoid this, show your employer that you have read about the job description, and prove to him why you deserve the job by sharing your experience related to it. If you have no experience to that certain job, show him or her your interest to the job, and that you are learn easily. However, make sure you only apply to jobs that you feel you can do. You don't want to get a low feedback just because you are not familiar with the job. Don't be afraid to clarify with your employer abouth things you are not sure of when you get the job. This way, you are able to give them a quality result.

Lastly, be patient on applying for jobs. It may take days before you get your first interview. All this depends on how you pimped your profile in my opinion. And when you are scheduled for an interviiw... be on time, and be confident.

I guess that's about it. Good luck and enjoy working online!!!

Online Earning in Odesk...kewl!

It's been almost two months since I started doing freelance jobs at oDesk. Though I work less than 10 hours a week, I have earned quiet enough... At first, I contemplated whether it's worth a try, I was too scared of online scams. Now that I am receiving my earnings on weekly basis, I am uber happy, and I just want to share to you guys about it.

Below is a screenshot of my oDesk account profile, on the lower part, you'll see the number of hours I have worked, and their equlvalent earnings... kewl, huh?

(please click on the image for a larger view)

Odesk, Mylot, Elance...what else?

It's been days since I last posted here. I have been busy since I just started a job in oDesk, and yet still hunting for more jobs in Elance. Being a single mother, It's not that easy to leave my son at home... at the same time earn money. The best option for me, is to earn from home.

So what does it take to be a member on these sites? I tell you, a lot of patience. I personally prefer oDesk, because from my experience, it is easier to register. Elance and Guru were equally fine...I guess... although I can't say so much about them, because at the moment, I earn from oDesk. The thing is, even if I work the whole day at oDesk, being a newbie, I only get a few bucks a day.

I wonder what other options do I have? Well...patience is a virtue, and I am yet to discover more sites where I wish I can have an earning.

Being a single mom, I need to have extra income. A lot of times, I feel like giving up with finding an online job, but everytime I see other Filipino providers starting from zero, and are now earning a lot, I gain more courage and patience to find more buyers.

I am willing to try and succeed on this. I will try. One of these days, I will be flaunting my online earnings here... That’s a promise! I’m crossing my fingers on that, and I am giving up :-)

Since I am new in blogging, I am still trying to figure out, how do I solicit my reader's thoughts. I wish I can ask you guys if you have other ways of earning online. hmmm... just elave your messages on the left side if you have any more suggestions, I will really appreciate it.

For now, I have to go, will be having an online interview in a little while...

Mahalo!

Randomness...after days of being absent here?

I am back.

Been busy for the past 2 days, sorry. There are a lot of forms to fill up for the visa processing, and not to mention...sooooo many requirements to complete. I have to prioritize though. But hey, you gotta do, what you have to do. I submitted myself to this, and have to accept, that along with it are uber many responsibilites. Wanting to go to Canada is one thing, doing something to go there...is another thing.

Well, so what's new? Hmmm... I am still trying my luck in oDesk, applying for jobs for extra income, while I am at home, waiting for my documents to be processed. I also tried out other "earn at home sites". Learned a few, and though I am not sure of their genuity, I still tried them anyway....namely: Elance, Twitter and Mylot. I thought earning online is that easy... but I just learned it's not. Will have to learn more stuff... being a newbie and not knowing much is a bummer.

Wish me luck guys.

Ciao ciao!