Getting your first job on Upwork is the hardest step for most new freelancers. Without reviews, you’re competing against established sellers with track records — and winning that first contract requires specific strategies.
Why Getting the First Job Is Hard
Upwork’s algorithm favors freelancers with successful job histories. New accounts have no reviews, no Job Success Score, and no demonstrated reliability on the platform. Clients taking a chance on an unproven freelancer is a real risk from their perspective.
Your job in the early stages is to reduce that perceived risk as much as possible.
Strategy 1: Complete Your Profile to 100%
Before sending a single proposal, ensure your profile is fully complete:
- Professional headshot
- Compelling title and overview
- Relevant portfolio samples (even mock work if you’re new)
- Education and certifications filled in
- Skills section complete
- Hourly rate set
Upwork itself ranks complete profiles higher in search results. Clients also take complete profiles more seriously.
Strategy 2: Target Entry-Level Jobs Strategically
New freelancers often make the mistake of applying to high-budget jobs immediately. Instead, start by targeting:
- Jobs explicitly labeled “Entry Level”
- Fixed-price jobs under $200 — lower stakes for both parties
- Short-term projects rather than long-term contracts
- Clients with a history of hiring new or less-experienced freelancers
Filter job searches by “Entry Level” experience and check client hiring histories before applying.
Strategy 3: Write Highly Personalized Proposals
At this stage, every proposal must be exceptional. You cannot rely on reputation — your proposal has to do all the work.
For each job:
- Read the entire job post carefully
- Address the specific challenge or goal they’ve described
- Show you understand their problem, not just the task
- Keep your proposal concise (100–150 words maximum)
- Include any test or instruction embedded in the job post
Generic proposals from new freelancers get ignored. A short, specific, insight-driven proposal from a new freelancer stands out.
Strategy 4: Price Competitively (But Not Desperately Low)
For your first 3–5 jobs, price slightly below your desired rate to reduce client risk. Once you have 5+ strong reviews, you can begin increasing your rate.
Don’t price so low that:
- You can’t afford to do quality work
- You attract clients who expect unlimited revisions for nothing
- You establish a reputation for bargain-basement pricing that’s hard to overcome
Strategy 5: Use Buyer Requests and Project Catalog
Buyer Requests: Check the Buyer Requests section daily (available under the “More” menu for newer accounts). These are clients posting needs without full job listings — competition is lower than the main job feed.
Project Catalog: Create fixed-price Project Catalog listings for your services. Clients can purchase directly without a proposal process — removing a significant friction point.
What to Do After Your First Job
- Deliver outstanding work — over-deliver if possible
- Communicate proactively throughout the project
- Request a review after delivery (“I hope everything met your expectations — any feedback is always welcome!”)
- Ask if they have additional needs or can refer you to others
Your first few reviews are the foundation of your Upwork career. Treat them accordingly.
Related Reading
- Upwork Profile Optimization 2025: The Complete Guide to Getting More Jobs
- Secrets to Writing a Winning Upwork Job Proposal in 2025
- How to Find and Win High-Paying Jobs on Upwork in 2025
- 7 Best Freelancing Jobs on Upwork to Make Money in 2025
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