I’ve noticed that there is an increasing number of people are asking what oDesk is all about. I decided to write a new post to talk about this freelance site where I offer my freelance services.
What is oDesk?
oDesk is a freelance site where your services can get paid by the hour or by fixed-price bids. A client gets to post their job so that they can get a freelancer (termed as provider) to do that particular job. These are contracted work where the client can handpick his freelancers or he can wait for active freelancers to apply to his job. oDesk posts a wide range of jobs such as data entry, writing, programming, graphics and web design jobs. So basically, oDesk is a third-party website that makes it easier for clients to find freelancers, and vice versa.
Create a Profile
To begin with, one has to create a profile. That profile is similar to a resume. A portfolio is also very helpful in proving one’s capability to finish a job. It took me a day to update my profile but once that it is done; my profile was appealing enough that I got some interviews.
Measuring One’s Skills
Don’t forget the tests too! oDesk offers free tests that measure the skills capabilities. Programmers can get tests related to the programming skills; writers can also take tests that are related to writing. These tests are important, especially to those who do not have any oDesk work history and feedback to back up their profile. The oDesk Readiness Test (ORT) is a new test about the oDesk policies and procedures to make sure that freelancers are ready to apply and accept jobs in the marketplace (I have not encountered this test in the first place).
How Job Progress is Monitored
Hourly jobs are monitored using special software called oDesk team that needs to be downloaded and installed in the freelancer’s computer. That software logs in the time consumed, and captures a snapshot of the entire freelancer’s screen at regular intervals.
Fixed rate jobs don’t need that special software. However, I do not recommend getting fixed rate jobs because, unlike other similar freelance sites, oDesk lacks escrow system that secures these kinds of jobs.
This YouTube video explains further how oDesk works:
Get Paid
For the Philippine-based freelancers, the most favorable option (because fees are low) to withdraw funds from oDesk is using local funds transfer or LFT where money is transferred directly from the oDesk site to the Philippine bank of your choice. The older ways to withdraw from oDesk is Payoneer and Paypal which still works well up to now.
Unlike other freelance sites, oDesk allows you to create a FREE account. This permits anyone who just have empty pockets but have the skills to start finding and working for projects. The only catch here is, oDesk takes away 10% of what you have earned from every project that you do with them.
hi gem…i have already signed up at odesk few months ago…but i was required to take the readiness test. can I skip that? hehehe…
September 19, 2008 at 2:06 pm
@Naomi
I can just base on what others had said about the ORT because I was one of the few who got first to oDesk when ORT was not yet a requirement.
According to other newcomers it is NOT possible to take jobs anymore without passing the ORT.
September 19, 2008 at 4:38 pm
So this is oDesk. Got any idea how much they pay per hour Gem? Hey, I want to know also what do you do as a freelance. I might have some opps for you as well.
October 15, 2008 at 7:34 pm
hello gem. ive been quite disappointed w/ the change of prices in paid opps and finally decided to go for freelancing. i know im a computer science student, but im too scared to test my programming skills in the real world so i think i should go off first as a writer. guess i have to go over your past posts, including this one.
im looking forward to learn more here and be ready for the freelance world in no time..
blanne´s last blog post..As If Going To School Everyday Isn’t Stressful Enough
January 26, 2009 at 6:20 am
yeah odesk is good lots of projects but what annoyed me is you have to take a damn test you have log you time etc etc… so instead i just did freelancing designs at least i have my own time to manage hehe
.-= rovielran´s last blog ..washing lang =-.
June 30, 2009 at 3:58 pm
The test wasn’t really there when I first joined and got my first oDesk job. Other freelancing sites actually started with their own tests – and oDesk followed. Anyway, the test is really easy – the trick is to just retake that one.
It’s true some freelancers don’t want to be monitored with the oDesk software. I was in that situation before, but when I got into one job after another I soon found out that most buyers are not really into checking your screenshots.
Anyway, I’m aware the oDesk isn’t the only option open to offering freelance designs.
July 19, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Anyone interested to work freelance? You may join my creatively juicy team. I am outsourcing jobs/projects in and out of Odesk so you have more chances/opportunities to earn.
Please visit my website through the link provided in this comment and email me through the contact form provided in my site.
Thank you.
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..Creatively Juicy Team =-.
October 15, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hello Gem. I took your link to oDesk and will register, take some of the tests and try to get php/mySQL projects. The time required that they qoute, do you find it to be accurate? How about pay/project jobs? Thanks for the info.
November 9, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Great , write up Gem, I’m new to Odesk, signed up under Liz, and I find it good..thanks for the heads up.
December 21, 2009 at 10:29 am
Really? I can’t see your username in my referral list but still, I wish you success in oDesk.
December 27, 2009 at 1:46 am
I signed up under Liz’s name. I forgot you were in Odesk. She convinced me to join. Anyway, malakas naman ang kita mo doon. Now I understand why you don’t have to take on a day time 8-5 job. You go , girl..balato…he he he
.-= Jena Isle´s last blog ..The Boy Who Saved Christmas =-.
January 3, 2010 at 10:08 am
Hehehe. The truth is, maliit pa ang balato ko. The first years was spent in paying debts. Ngayon lang medyo nakakabawi… ahehehehe.
January 7, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I’m new this site. I want to know earning prcess.
……….projit
October 11, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I’ve been in ODesk for months now and like the others, I took some relative exams. After a month or two of selective applications (which were all turned down), I was discouraged and never came back to ODesk. Then came 2010. My horoscope says I will have good opportunities with foreign clients so I thought of trying back my luck at Odesk. Just recently, I visited the site to check if my horoscope is true
and applied for just one job (article writing). Well, to make things short, I got the job and still working on it. Hope my client likes my work and offer me more 
.
.-= juliet´s last blog ..10th Wedding Anniversary – Keeping Our Marriage Fresh =-.
January 18, 2010 at 9:43 am
hello juliet! oh yeah we have the same problem (odesl)
awwww…. plz visit me @ worldofgig.weebly.com.. thx..
November 3, 2010 at 1:51 am
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, but I just don’t have the time at the moment. Still, who knows what the future holds.
January 24, 2010 at 1:15 pm
hi, i wanna know more about odesk? what are the qualifications? how to earn more? and how can i join?
September 25, 2010 at 9:53 pm
same here.. id like to know the mechanics of how am I going to earn from here.. is this for real?
February 7, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Hi lady programmer,
I just found this article via Odesk Oconomy, and this article was posted there under Outsourcing Philippines.
I just want to say great article you have here. I got 1 project already and have good feedback. It’s not really that much price but it’s worthy for me. I need to earn feedback to burst my reputation as freelancer.
Thanks,
James
October 18, 2010 at 5:41 am
Hi. I have an oDesk account. However, I haven’t taken the oDesk Readiness Test yet. I just want to know if I can still get paid even if I haven’t taken the ORT?
January 13, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Where can one find freelance web developers other than on Odesk? I have posted jobs on Craigslist Manila but the only responses have been from agencies and brokers. I prefer to have a one-on-one relationship with my developer. Any ideas? Thanks.
January 31, 2011 at 7:32 am
Hi there, I am really clueless on what to do next. I have an active candidacy, what do I do next? I have tried looking for answers in the Help Center but I did not find it.
April 18, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Hi Gem,
Great article.
I have an Odesk account too and is doing a comic book project with an australian employer now. Im really enjoying it! He has paid me 20% of the agreed amount already for my supplies. More tips please!
Krystina
April 30, 2011 at 9:42 am
Dear Gem,
I desire to join oDESK thus I wish to take your Readiness Test to find out to which job I best fit.
May 22, 2011 at 9:04 am
Im so glad i found odesk its cool!
June 6, 2011 at 9:04 pm
im on odesk, but most of the time im being rejected or the position is filled. is there any tips? im a newbie and dont have much experience. thanks!
July 15, 2011 at 12:52 am
My experience with oDesk has been great. Hourly job is an amazing feature by oDesk where it safeguards contractors against any such cases where they were not paid by the employers even after successful completion of the projects. Another thoughtful article about oDesk found at http://shozeb.blogspot.com/2011/08/career-resource-odesk.html and sharing for fellows but overall it’s hourly jobs feature is amazing for contractors.
August 16, 2011 at 3:03 am
should i be a professional writer before joining oDESK?? ’cause all i know is about art, making videos, blogs, editing pictures, etc..
October 12, 2011 at 12:53 am