Last time, I wrote an article about where to find home based jobs in the Internet (click here to view the article). One of the best places to start things off is via Odesk. I recommend Odesk than other websites like GetAFreelancer or Elance because it has a much friendly user interface, easy to manage profile page where you can show off you portfolio and has a great community where people are willing to help you stand on your own two feet.

One of the main reasons Providers (Job Seekers in Odesk) in Odesk can’t land a job or lands a job but takes them months before they get one is because their profile is incomplete or just plain and simple. There is a lot of competition in Odesk especially jobs like Data Entry work, chances to land a job is very slim since the Buyer (Employers in Odesk) will have a hard time noticing your profile and invite you for an interview. I remember browsing for my first job and I was targeting some Data Entry work to get at least something on my work experience and also to land my first feedback, one single Data Entry work can rack up to 300+ Providers bidding for the job! Imagine how hard it is to get noticed by the Buyer.

Providers should always remember that Your Profile is YOU. “First impressions last” as they always say, same with applying for a job. So, what CAN you do to beef up your profile and get someone notice you? Here are just some pointers from my personal experience alone.

Fill up everything in your resume – Buyers don’t like seeing blank boxes in your profile page especially your resume tab. Always make sure that you fill every bit of important information that you can show off in your profile page. Certifications, Work Experience and Educations are the most important one so make sure you don’t miss out on this.

Write an Eye Catching Objective and Primary Role – One of the first things Buyers notices on your profile page. A well written one will surely catch any Buyers attention even with tons of candidates for them to review. Take time to look from other well established profiles so you can have an idea what to write for, but don’t copy.

Show off your portfolio – Another important part of your profile page, lots of Buyer based their decision if you’re the suitable provider by just seeing your portfolio. Show off anything that is related to your job title, if you’re a Graphic Designers you might ought to show your previous designs; Writers can show their blogs or Articles written. As long as it can show your skills, put it there.

Set the right amount of Pay Rate – Even if you are the best among the rest, with a Hourly Pay Rate that’s too high, for sure you will get noticed, but in a bad way. Always remember to set the right amount depending on your skill and capabilities. When you’re just starting, set your hourly rate to a lower amount than the competition but not too low.

Take some test – Aside from passing the Odesk Readiness test, I strongly recommend taking and passing at least three more test in Odesk. Having at least four test passed raises your weekly limit to apply for jobs up to twenty. It you’re having trouble passing tests you might want to take a shot at easy ones first like Email Etiquette test. It’s free anyways and you can finish one test in less than 30 minutes. Also, if you feel confident enough to take some test related to your job title, that would be great. If you’re a Graphic Designer, you might want to take some Adobe software related test like Photoshop CS4/CS3 test. Aim to get at least on the top 20 to make your profile more stylish.

Here are just some things you can do to beef up your profile in Odesk so Buyers can notice you. There are tons more you can do to have a great profile and get noticed by Buyers. Below are some very great guides that I stumble in the Internet. Hope it helps you in your online job hunting, Good Luck!

Get started on oDesk – Beef up your profile and work from home by Danalyn

Start your freelancing career with oDesk – An odesk review for beginners by Tamal Anwar