Getting Started Part Three: Creating Job Winning Profiles

Many people don't take the time necessary to create a killer profile, assuming that the bid proposal is the key to landing jobs.

Don't make this mistake!

Your profile is your online calling card, your first contact with many buyers, and your first (and sometimes only) chance to show off your spectacular writing skills. Without a top-notch profile, you will lose out on invite-only bids, and may possibly lose open bidding projects because another provider dazzled the buyer with their profile.

There are three key points to crafting job-winning profiles. Make sure your profile scores high on all of them:

Professional

This first one should go without saying, but you would be shocked at how many unprofessional profiles are out there.


Good: I have ten years experience writing copy for the automotive industry

Bad: I'm desperate for cash and this seems like a good way to get it


You get the idea.

A professional profile is easy to create. Tell them who you are with relevant experience, what you can do for them, and how you do it. It's that simple.

Oh, and another faux pas that shouldn't need to be mentioned - correct spelling and grammar. (Unless, of course, you don't really want to work.)

Personality

You're a writer, it's time to show it! Your profile needs your unique voice. Let the buyer see the person behind the words. Add a touch of humor if that's your style, or bold in-your-face words if you're a marketing guru. As long as it stays professional, it's totally okay to let your inner writer out to play. In fact, showing your personality may give you a leg up on other providers.

No one said profiles couldn't be FUN!

Promise

If you've nailed the two previous points, your profile already promises buyers a high quality of work. But take that further.

List your skills and take the relevant Elance skill tests. High scores attract more attention, and having at least a few tested skills ups your credibility in the eyes of the buyer. It also allows them to find you when they search for tested providers.

More information on skill tests can be found here.

In the near future, I'll be taking a close look at some amazing profiles, so if you've seen one that blew you away, or are confident that you've written one yourself, get in touch.

I'd love to hear from you.

And if you're stuck or have questions, ask away!


Are you ready to move onto the art of crafting winning proposals?




image by fotorita