When I first started freelancing in Upwork in 2024, I had no plans and ideas , just motivation, a few basic skills, and the hope that someone would hire me. 

The truth is: I made a lot of mistakes becoming Top Rated. I’m writing this so that if you’re someone who is trying to start freelancing now whether as a side hustle or full-time. Please you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.

Here are things you need to do to get to Top Rated as soon as possible in Upwork

First of all, Connects are credits inside Upwork , you can use it to apply for jobs , boost your profile and bid for projects.Therefore , as of today 10 connects cost around 1.5 USD. On an average , usually a job costs you around 12-24 Connects to apply.

It’s actually using money to apply for jobs that you are uncertain about getting hired, which you should never overspent your Connects. Previously , i even boosted my proposal for jobs to around 20-30 connects, and yet i still end up not getting the job 😅. 

Spend your connects on jobs applying only , and apply for 5-10 per week depending on your availability. You will be credited the Connects if you manage to receive an interview from the job proposal you went for , which you can roll back the connects to apply for future jobs. One thing i find irrelevant is boosting connects for projects , where you spent more and more connects for a job you are not fully understand or getting even a glance from the client itself.

You have to notice something in Upwork that you are competing with global freelancers in the world. There are tons of talents around the world across 8000+ skills jobs, so be prepared for the war.

That means every job post can attract dozens of proposals within minutes, some will showcase their top-notch profile , or some will lower the budget for clients to obtain the job.

So what’s the strategy on this? Be quick but not too quick to apply for the projects. Let say for example a virtual assistant job that is hiring with 8 usd per hour has been posted for 1 and attracts only 5-10 proposals. There is a high chance that if your skill sets do match, you might get hired for the project.ing

Job proposals are your entry ticket before landing an interview with a client. Clients will read it and make decision on the interview process.

Here are 5 important steps when writing a proposal that actually stands out

1. Summarise your introduction on first paragraph
2. Review the Job Posted, what particular services is needed
3. How are you going to solve client problem
4. How much time can you commit for the project
5. Your relevant project experience (If you have one)

With this actions , you are certain to guranteed a high interview and proposal viewed to land your first job in Upwork.

Upwork support multiple currency withdraw platform. It can be local bank transfer, Paypal , Payoneer or you own a US bank account. With foreign exchange fluctuates daily, local banks tend to offer a lower currency rate (In my case though in Malaysia). I was held at a lower foreign exchange rate throughout my Upwork withdrawal until I used Wise. 

Wise is a fintech platform for global money transfers, offering real exchange rates with lower fees than local banks. In Malaysia, I use Wise to withdraw from Upwork and transfer to digital banks for better rates and flexibility. So if you are Malaysian, you are in for a treat where I’ll share which Digital Bank i use the most .

Freelance is not for everyone , but it will be always available for people that pour on sweat and hard work on it.

Remember one thing , every expert was once a beginner. Focus on building a strong profile, writing thoughtful proposals, and learning from every experience . Obtain your first contract, your first payment , your first withdrawal money , your first 1000$ earning. And you repeat the process.

💡 Stay consistent. Improve your pitch. Keep showing up.

If you found these tips helpful, share this with someone just starting their freelance journey , follow my social media and subscribe my newsletter as i share financial perspective and money making methods.

Kachingss