Find Freelance Jobs On ODesk
Work Available for Programmers, Writers, Designers and Researchers
Oct 17, 2008
oDesk has categories for writing, translation, graphical design and illustration, web content, administration, research and programming, so all kinds of freelancers can find work there.
Finding Jobs
On oDesk every provider has a profile, essentially a résumé. One can also take "qualification tests", multiple option quizzes whose results show up in your profile (if you flunk, you can hide them). Most of them are about programming languages or computer software, though a few are related to writing.
On oDesk buyers post jobs and providers (freelancers) apply to them. The buyer can then decide which providers to invite to an "interview", whether or not the providers applied. Some jobs are very quick, but there is essentially full-time work available as well. Most are charged hourly, but some have a fixed price.
There are four primary fields that determine your chances of getting a job via oDesk: profile/portfolio, job application, the amount you bid and the feedback you've received. After each finished assignment both the buyer and provider can rate the other from one to five stars. Some jobs require a certain minimum feedback rating.
Pros
Most freelance job listing sites charge a membership fee, but oDesk is free for both buyers and providers. One does not have to pay for membership nor to apply for jobs, so nothing is lost by joining. There is, however, a commission of 10% for all earnings. So if a freelancer charges $20 an hour, they make $18 and oDesk gets $2.
oDesk can also boast guaranteed payment. Many freelancers have been scammed by not being paid, or the payer has later withdrawn the charge - very easy to do by PayPal if you're not shipping a physical project, as it is difficult to prove delivery.
The guarantee is achieved by two means. The buyer's money is held by oDesk until it is paid to the provider. Also, all providers must install a software which takes screen captures of their work at random intervals when they are logged in, together with a status bar that displays the mouse/keyboard activity. With this software the provider has a proof of hours worked.
The guarantee only applies to work that is charged on a hourly basis and to buyers with a verified method of payment, but one can choose to only take work with guaranteed payment. There are several methods of payment to the provider, such as PayPal and wire transfer.
oDesk offers handy job alerts sent daily via email. The alert only lists jobs in categories you are interested in. This is nothing unique, but the service works very well. It is a good idea to check the alerts every day, because most jobs go in a day or two.
Cons
Unfortunately there are some downsides to oDesk, too. The interface of the site is somewhat confusing and it can take a while to find what you're looking for. It takes fairly long to set up an account. Not only does one have to build a profile and install the aforementioned software, but it is mandatory to take an "oDesk readiness test", to show one understands the terms of service.
Most of the writing jobs are of rather low quality, such as blog articles or rewriting web content for "SEO" with a very low pay. Some members are willing to build their profile and feedback by doing work for as little as $2 an hour. There are well-paid writing jobs available, but usually they involve technical writing or copywriting, rarely journalism.
See Also
How to Be an Excellent Medical Writer
