How to Create A Winning Cover Letter When Applying for an oDesk Job

Take time to write a winning cover letter to score that job on oDesk!

So you found a job post on oDesk that you're interested in applying for. But stop--before you do anything, read this article to learn how to create a winning cover letter that stands out from the rest!

When a job is posted, there are generally numerous applicants that apply within the first twenty-four hours. How do you make a cover letter that sells?

Things You'll Need

• oDesk account
• Internet connection
• Skills to provide to buyers

Instructions

1. First impressions are huge! Before concentrating on your cover letter, be sure your profile title is eye-catching and relevant. It's not a good idea to put something like "Stay at Home mom seeking freelance work!" but a great idea to put "Transcription/Data Entry/90WPM/Reliable!" This is a great way to showcase your skills before anyone opens up your profile and cover letter.

2. Keep the "meat" relevant! Discuss your interest in the job, why you are a perfect fit for it, and include any additional questions you may have about the position. Also, be sure you have a portfolio or some samples of your work, either on or off the oDesk site, so that buyers can look into your abilities before they even have a chance to talk to you.

3. When you say you're available, be sure you really are. It's not a good idea to apply for numerous jobs saying your available, only to be hired for five jobs wanting a one day turnaround--you'll get yourself in a bind really fast!

4. Attach files. Include any portfolio or samples you may have from previous jobs or experiences, if they are not already included in your oDesk samples on your profile.

5. Read and REREAD the requirements. It's a waste of your time, and the buyer's, if you are applying for a job that does not meet their requirements. For example, if they are looking to hire someone for a transcription job at $8 an hour, don't apply if you have a strict $20 hourly fee. Or if they say they want someone with over 100 hours of oDesk hours, don't apply if you're new. It's a simple, silly thing to remind people of this, but you'd be surprised how many people will apply anyway.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your spelling, grammar, and double-check any URL links that are included to make sure they are functioning and presentable.

• Give other contact information if you're willing to be contacted outside of the oDesk program, such as website, email address, or instant messenger screennames.

• Before you start your cover letter, look at the other providers that have applied and see what their strengths and weaknesses are. In your cover letter, show that you've done your research and give reasons why you would be better than the other providers posting applications.

• Do not copy/paste from a previous job cover letter. This is not only tacky and unprofessional, but also mistakes can be made--for example, if the last job was logo design and this one is transcription, the buyer is not going to be interested in your Photoshop skills but rather your typing speed. Mistakes happen, and in addition, everyone loves a custom-written cover letter!

Resources

• Odesk.com Website
• Personal ODesk Profile