what is a cover letter on upwork

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Updated: November 19, 2023

4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs

This article is about writing effective Upwork cover letters / proposals , so you can spend less time looking for clients and more time doing paid work.

Readers have gotten results like this:

“Not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!”

• 4 Proven Upwork Cover Letter Templates
• How To Avoid Upwork Scams And Find The Best Jobs
• What Ivan Did To Beat 50+ Freelancers On Upwork
• 8 Keys To A Killer Upwork Profile
• How To Compete With Cheap Freelancers On Upwork
• How Justin Went From $9 to $50/Hour On Upwork In 12 Months
• How Susan Earned $1,375 Her First Month On Upwork
• 81 Best Paying Freelance Jobs On Upwork

Upwork is the largest freelance marketplace online, with thousands of jobs posted every day.

Getting started as a freelancer on Upwork can be tough, because you’re often competing with dozens of other freelancers for a single job, and many of them are well established on the platform, with lots of great ratings and reviews.

So, how can you compete?

Well, it helps to submit A LOT of proposals.

In the words of Wayne Gretzky…

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

And it follows that the more shots you do take, the more likely you are to score.

But you should also ensure that you’re submitting QUALITY proposals, proposals that will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a solid chance of winning the job.

So, QUALITY and QUANTITY.

That’s what you should be aiming for.

And that’s where the following list of Upwork sample cover letters can help. They will enable you to apply for more jobs without resorting to obvious copy-and-paste tactics.

Each sample below is derived from a real cover letter that won a real job on Upwork.

I’ve included screenshots of the original job postings and cover letters so you can see exactly what the job was and how it was won.

Below each sample you’ll find a corresponding template you can use to quickly craft your own proposal for ANY job on Upwork.

There are 4 templates in total:

The Short And Sweet

The screencast standout, the honest newbie, the quick lister.

Note that each sample you’re about to see was submitted by a member of our private Freedom Business Builder community. Two of them were responses to job invites, and two were cold pitches.

Before we dive in...

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Alright, here are the cover letter templates…

This first proposal sample comes from Justin, a freelance web designer and digital marketer.

The Job Description

The cover letter.

Justin was hired for the job at $50/hour.

The Template

Justin explains:

I typically use the same model for Upwork proposals: I ask about 3-4 relevant questions about the job in the first paragraph, and I qualify myself in the second paragraph.

So the template is as follows:

Hello [Client Name] , [If applicable: Thanks for the job invite.] It’s a pleasure to meet you. [Ask 3-4 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] [Qualify yourself briefly here. 1-2 lines that communicate why you’d be a good fit for this job.] Best regards, [Your Name]

• Justin addressed the client by name at the beginning of his cover letter, even though the client never mentioned their name in the job description. Often you can find the client’s name mentioned in the reviews section of their profile. Going to the effort of finding their name and including it in your proposal will help you stand out from the crowd.
• Keep in mind that Justin was invited to this job, which gave him a much better chance of being hired. I asked Justin about this and he believes the key to getting hired is his strong profile and track record on Upwork.
• Justin taught himself web design in a two-month period, then started on Upwork at $9/hour. A little more than a year later he’d also taught himself digital marketing and was earning $45-55/hour consistently. Read more about his journey to Upwork success here .

This next proposal sample comes from Natalia, a freelance copywriter.

See Natalia’s screencast here:

Natalia explained to me via email:

This was my very first proposal screencast. It saves time to make a screencast to review a client’s website rather than writing endlessly to explain what you mean. This proposal was an answer to an invite to apply, but he invited a few people so I wanted to stand out.

The client was impressed:

Natalia ended up getting paid $350 for this job, but that wasn’t the end of it:

I’m still working for this client, and he is constantly thinking up new jobs I can do for the campaign because he is always happy with my work.

First, a warning:

• You should be selective including screencasts as part of you cover letter. They are are not always appropriate. Use them if you find yourself trying to explain something to a client in writing that would be more easily explained on screen.

The template is as follows:

Hello [Client’s Name] , [If applicable: Thank you for your invitation.] [Share a link to your screencast and briefly explain what it contains. You want to give the client a compelling reason to click the link and watch. Tell them what benefit they will get from it and note that it will only take up a few minutes of their time.] [1 paragraph explaining why the job appeals to you. Bonus points if you can share why the goals of the client resonate with you personally.] [1 paragraph sharing an example of your work, ideally closely related to the job you’re applying for.] If you want to collaborate with me let’s discuss it in more detail over the chat. Kind regards, [Your Name]

• Pro Tip Use the free version of Loom to create and share screencasts effortlessly.

This next proposal sample comes from Gray, a freelance graphic designer.

Gray was hired to do the job at a 10% discount, but that was only the beginning. As he explained to me via email:

This also led to ongoing work and was for the guys who I am pricing up that $8,000 job for. Its looking like it is going to be a bit more than that btw. Its for a complete game, and Im currently going through the spec with them bit by bit.

Gray explains:

I came at it with an honest approach and said basically ‘look, I have a lot of experience, but none on upwork, help me out and Ill do it for a 10% discount. Win win.’

Hello [Client’s Name], I’d really like to work with you on this one if possible! I do have a couple of questions, but first I’d like to make you an offer and some background so you can check my work out. [Short paragraph explaining your work experience relevant to the job.] However, I am new to Upwork and looking to get a few clients that I can build upon. If you take a look at my work and feel that I could help you, I’ll do it for a 10% discount. You’ll get all the expected stuff like a great professional service and a fast turn around, at a bit less, and I get a bit more exposure. [If applicable, include a link to your portfolio website here, or invite the client to check out the work samples you’ve attached to your proposal.] [Ask 1-2 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] If the above offer sounds like something you would be interested in, I’d love to hear from you. Regards, [Your Name]

Note that the template above doesn’t contain the word TOKYO, which was included at the top of Gray’s cover letter. Gray added that as a response to the client’s request at the bottom of the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve actually read the job description.

So… make sure you actually read the job description!

This next proposal sample comes from Susan, a freelance editor and proofreader.

Susan explained to me via email:

I bid $125, and it was accepted immediately. This job took me 90 minutes to complete and 30 minutes to double check. As this was a legal document, I was careful to edit in a way that did not change the meaning of any of the sentences. This Swiss lawyer had English that was near perfect. I delivered the files within 2 hours and the client added a $40 bonus to my payment and left me 5-star feedback. $165 for 2 hours is a pretty good rate.

Hi [Client’s Name], I would be happy to work on your [document/job/whatever] immediately. [Numbered list covering the most important requirements mentioned in the job description, and how you plan to meet them. This shows that you fully understand what’s needed and have a plan for making it happen.] [1-2 paragraphs detailing your background/expertise, as relevant to the job at hand.] What you’ll receive: [Short list that paints a clear picture of what you will deliver (and by when) should the client hire you to do the job.] Send me a quick message and we can figure out if we are a good fit to work together! [Your Name]

• Not included in the template: the “Code 833” at the top of Susan’s proposal. This was a response to the client’s request hidden within the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve read it thoroughly.
• Want to know how Susan earned €1,226 in just her second full month working online? Check out an interview with her here .

What To Do Now

Five things:

• Pick your favorite template above, jump on over to Upwork, find some jobs you like, and use that template to quickly craft and submit effective proposals. (Make sure each proposal counts by learning how to avoid scams and find the best jobs on Upwork .)
• Report back and share in the comments below what kind of response you receive.
• If you’re not getting any response at all, screenshot one of the jobs you’ve applied for, and your cover letter, upload both screenshots to imgur , and post the links in the comments below. We’ll take a look and suggest some changes to help you get more responses and win more jobs.
• Join 23,060 subscribers and sign up for our weekly newsletter below. You’ll receive an email every Friday packed with tips and insights to build your online business.
• If you’re looking to improve your skills so you can win more jobs on Upwork, check out this list of FREE top-rated courses on Udemy (updated daily).

Get more Upwork success tips

This article is part of an 8-part series:

About The Author

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38 thoughts on “4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs”

Hi, I have been an Upworker for the past several years. But of late, only very few clients are contacting me for jobs, and I could not figure out the reason. After going through community discussions, I figured out that rewriting proposals can help a bit. So I am trying to do that. This blog post is really interesting, and I could get some ideas from this. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Confirm that this approach to proposal writing works well. I get about 50% of the answers. Thanks Niall!

Hey, Thank you so much! I read your blog post the previous night and sent a proposal according to your first 1. The short and sweet. I applied it and tomorrow morning I saw a reply from that client. Thank you so much. It is crazy. I am going to subscribe you to get more and more beneficial posts.

Hi Nail, I read this writeup and some other posts (the profile remodeling and scam flags) and I have to say, I was really pumped and I put them to work. A few days later, I got my first gig. I finished in record time and got an excellent review. It’s just that after that, I’ve got nothing else. After a lot of proposals using the techniques above, I get a few responses but nothing serious. Any advice? Thanks for the tips and the first job, tho’ and thanks in advance for any tips. David

It could be a number of things, hard to know just from what you’ve written. But ultimately pitching for jobs on Upwork is a numbers game. You have to keep pitching as much as you can and perhaps even lower your rate to get the first few jobs and reviews. Once you have more reviews it becomes easier to get jobs.

Thanks a lot Niall Doherty,

Your Cover letters really helped me to win more jobs on Upwork.

Thank you again!

Thanks for the helpful tips. I’ve already had some successful contracts on upWork, and do use some of the ideas (such as addressing by name.) I’d like to increase my percentage of contracts won, and hope to do so by following some of your other tips. I’ll report back next week, after I’ve tried a few. Cheers!

Thanks for an excellent resource. For once, Google’s #1 search result truly deserved to be #1

Hi Sir Niall, Good day! I just sent my proposal today and hopefully, I’ll get a response soon. Here’s the link to my cover letter and the job posted. https://imgur.com/a/YOwNZdJ Thank you, Joshie

i won my first client in just 5 minutes thanks a lot

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this information! I used a mix of a The Honest Newbie & The Quick Lister for my very first proposal on UpWork. I got a contract back later that day!

Glad to hear that, Sam. Well done!

Hi Niall, I have been trying to freelance on Upwork for the last few months, but am getting little interest from potential clients. I am an architectural designer with 13 years experience, but have no college degree. I write cover letters offering to help with the problem the clients listed about design or construction, list the services I can give them, attach samples of my previous work, and tell that I am ready to start if they are interested. So far nobody is. It is discouraging to keep submitting offers for work that are ignored, when I try to be friendly, professional, and interested. What am I doing wrong do you think?

It’s hard to know what the issue is based only on what you’ve shared here. But first thing I’d say is that if you’ve submitted less than 20 proposals, you should keep trying. You can keep tweaking and experimenting with your proposals, but ultimately Upwork is a numbers game. Even the best freelancers on there probably win no more than 30% of the jobs they pitch for. And starting out it’s probably more like 5-10%.

Secondly, it might be worth lowering your rate for a while, if you haven’t already. Do that in combination with the Honest Newbie template above and see how you get on.

Thank you Nial.

I combined your two templates No.4 + No. 3 in order to write my proposal yesterday. And I got the first job out of 5 proposals.

I really appreciated it!!!.

Great job, Olivia!

Woow! Niall, this is an amazing content and excellent guides to upwork. Thank you and keep it up.

Thanks, Nicholas 🙂

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. Great work! I will definitely try in this process.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I was able to get my first job within my first round of sending out only 6 proposals because of these templates! As a student this was such a great feeling.

That’s great, Christine! Well done 🙂

Update, not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!

You’re crushing it 🙂 Thanks for reporting back!

Hi Niall.. As i am new to upwork.com. I am so.much disturb due to not getting a perfect contract here on upwork. i quit my job as a teacher. But when i started sending proposals here it didn’t worked out. Will these templates of yours help me out in getting the desired job

You’ll do better with these templates than without them, Hussain. Give them a try!

wonderful, i have been much disturbed with this cover letter but now am ok.

Hi Niall Doherty. My name is Jay and Thank you for sharing your great experience Knowledge here. I has just start on upwork. and this will be big help for me. If i says honestly then i was completely tired because there is no activity acting on my profile. i have tried many things to get clients but i just got only one client in a month which is not good. and was looking for guidance and it’s my pleasure that i meet you here on your home(website). I have just read your most of articles and i would like to follow your steps. I am very exciting to leave a screenshot of my next success here on your site by following your words. do you like to give me any suggestions!! great regards, Jay R.

Thanks a lot! This information is so valuable. Hoping to get project soon.

This article really gave a boost to my aspirations. I believe you have just jump started my career on Upwork. Thank you.

Thanks for all the super helpful info!

This article is very helpful, thank you so much for this

Thank you very much!! Valuable info

So, Susan, in her linked interview, mentions a specific course she took with you, Niall (or perhaps it’s one you made?). She mentions that this course was what she believed helped her in her 30-day experiment with Upwork. I’ve clicked around and can find nothing but the Facebook group. What is the course she’s referring to, and are you still offering it?

Yes, I had a course (originally called “3 Months -> $1k” … later rebranded as “Freedom Business Builder”) that was available for almost 3 years but I closed it at the end of November 2018. The Facebook group for the course is still active and our Patreon supporters get access to it.

Are you looking to do similar work to Susan?

Thanks for replying, Niall! Yes I am looking to do the same line of work. I’ve landed a few jobs and would love some tips about how to really take off on Upwork.

Really Good. I strongly recommend this article

Thanks really find this article useful,will try follow the tempelates with my own works,appreciate.

Thank you so much for this, i find very helpful. I will definitely make use of these templates especially the 1st and 4th ones. Thanks once again

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How to Write a Winning Upwork Cover Letter (+Sample)

Crafting an Upwork cover letter that wins you the job is one of the two things that drive new Upworkers crazy (the other being how to get approved on Upwork ).

This drove me crazy too when I started out. In fact, I must have spent countless hours and sent so many proposals before I started getting replies.

I almost purchased a $300 course just to get access to their community’s Upwork proposal vault.

If you’re in a similar position, you have come to the right place.

In this article, let’s discuss how to write an effective Upwork proposal cover letter that will win you the job.

Let’s get this started!

From Zero to Hero

When I started using Upwork, it was a while until I was able to land a contract.

When I did manage to land my first contract, I thought I had cracked the code and all I had to do was submit the same cover letter again and again.

Here’s what that (cringy and embarrassing) cover letter looks like:

(Good thing it happened before Upwork started banning accounts who submit way too many proposals without getting an offer.)

Using that stinky cover letter above, I still receive a few replies. But that’s it — no new offers or whatsoever.

Two realizations hit me:

• I knew then that I didn’t crack the code.
• Canned, word for word cover letters don’t work.

After three years, here’s my marketing effectiveness:

Stick until the end and I will show you an example of an Upwork cover letter I used to land a premium deal with a client.

Now, here’s how to make your cover letters better:

Sign up for exclusive updates, tips, and strategies

Answer the Additional Questions First

Many job postings will require you to answer additional questions besides submitting a cover letter.

Here’s a good example:

As you can see, the cover letter comes first followed by the additional questions you have to answer.

Naturally, you may spend most of your energy trying to make that cover letter flawless and then, answer the additional questions with a one-line sentence only, like an afterthought.

What you may not know is that when the client reviews your proposal, he will see the additional questions first.

I discovered this when I posted a job on Upwork.

Here’s one of the answers I got:

As you can see, clients will see the answers to the questions first. The cover letter will be the last element. That’s why when you see questions in the job posts, focus your energy first on the questions.

In a way, additional questions are more important than the cover letter itself.

Address the Client by Name

Whether it’s an Upwork cover letter, a cold email, or a private message on Facebook, addressing the client by name has a great impact.

After all, names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language according to Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People book.

But does it really increase the effectiveness of your Upwork proposal?

Well, calling the client by name is just the first part of making your cover letter more personal.

It shows that you have done your research and most likely, the content of your cover letter isn’t canned.

As an example, let’s say that you’re the client and you need someone to write new articles on your website.

One of the proposals you received is this:

Would you hire him? Exactly!

The question is, where will you get the name of the client?

How to Find the Client’s Name

It’s easy enough when the job post has the client’s name.

Unfortunately, only around 1 of 10 posts has the client’s name.

If this is the case, scroll down to the client’s recent history and find reviews from past contractors that mentioned the client’s name.

For example, this job post doesn’t contain any clue about who the client is.

But on the client’s recent history, you will find two mentions of his name there.

Sometimes, you may find different names on the client’s history. Some may have addressed the client as Darren, Karen, or John.

To make matters easier, use the name mentioned in a review from a freelancer with similar services as you.

Let’s say that you’re a content writer. A past content writer left a review and addressed the client as John. In this case, use John in your cover letter.

There may also be instances when the client, together with his name, wrote the name of his company. There’s a lot of gold in here simply because you can make even more research.

One of my clients, when he posted the job, only displayed the company name. There was no clue about the recent history of his name. But since the company name was there, I was able to dig deeper.

Here’s a portion of the cover letter I sent that I’m quite sure caught his attention:

This has led to an active partnership. (I can also confirm that working with his particular client’s team is fun and exciting!)

Show Interest

By that, I don’t mean writing a line that says “I’m interested in your job post.”

There are usually two ways to do this:

• Make a suggestion
• Or ask a question

Let’s use this job post I found about a client looking for a content writer for his travel website:

Just because the job description was short, it doesn’t mean you have to put in the same effort and make your cover letter short.

This is often a mistake I see new freelancers do.

But how will you add value to a post as short as this?

If I were to submit a cover letter to do this job post, here’s what I would do:

• Explain to the client what an awesome about us page is and what it contains. (If you’re not aware, the about us page, in addition to telling your story, is an excellent waypoint to different pages or content on your website.)
• Include links to show him what I mean.
• Suggest how I can do the same.
• Ask him for a link to his website.

You can also show interest by mentioning something that only someone who dug deeper will be able to know. An example of this is the cover letter I showed in the earlier section where I mentioned something about the client’s team.

The Rate Matters

This part isn’t much about the cover letter itself but on what job post you submit your cover letter.

One of the things I have learned over the years is that there could be a mismatch between your rate and how much your client can afford or is willing to spend.

For example, no matter how good your cover letter is, it’s impossible for you to ask a high rate for this project.

How did I know this? Looking at the client’s recent history, he paid someone a measly $25 for an educational blog.

From the client’s recent history, you can be certain that he’s only looking for freelancers with (super) low rates.

One more thing: Avoid low-ballers .

These clients will not pay you for what you’re worth. You will only be wasting six connects which you could have used to submit a proposal to a premium project.

Further reading : There are a few job posts that have a high budget but will actually pay you peanuts — they lure freelancers by posting big budgets. This is one of the things I shared in my tips for Upworkers article . It’s perfect for those who are still starting out in Upwork.

Mention Your Experience

I have read numerous posts from “freelance gurus” that you don’t need experience to land premium contracts.

Although there’s truth to it, it’s not the whole truth.

As a client myself, I would like to make sure that the freelancer has the capability to do the tasks and that he’s willing to learn if he doesn’t have the skills yet.

However, freelancers who have previous similar experience and can prove it will most likely win the contract.

Why? Because it’s more certain that they will be able to do the job better and faster, which is a win for clients who go into hourly contracts with freelancers.

In addition to experience, include samples of related work or outcomes that you know the client will love.

For example, after including relevant samples of my work, this client has responded well to my cover letter and we ended up working together.

If you don’t have any relevant samples, just create one, and show it to the client.

Include a Call to Action

At the end of your cover letter, invite the client to do something. It’s proven that they will likely do something if you tell them exactly what to do.

It’s tempting to say “Hope to hear from you soon” or “Hoping for your kind consideration”. But it doesn’t really invite the client to do something.

Here are good examples of effective CTA (call to action):

• Hit that reply button over there to continue our conversation. (Favorite)
• How about we hop on a five-minute call to discuss your business needs?
• If you want to collaborate, let’s discuss it more over the chat.

I have been working with different combinations and so far, the first one has worked best for me. However, I don’t think there’s much difference as long as you keep your call to action, clear, specific, and easy to commit to.

Keep a Swipe File of Upwork Cover Letters

If you’re not familiar with what a swipe file is, it’s basically a folder where you keep all awesome ideas, copies, content, and ideas you have encountered.

In this case, keep a swipe file of Upwork cover letters that worked. Then, reverse engineer them and see why they work.

This is actually how I started improving my cover letter. I found and saved the winning cover letters I found online and try to understand why they worked.

I usually have three places where I store them:

• OneNote (favorite)
• Google drive
• Local drive

A piece of advice: save your cover letters that worked.

Here’s mine:

Since I have a record of what works and what doesn’t, I regularly update and optimize my cover letter to reflect what I recently learned.

That’s how I knew which call to action I thought worked best.

In addition, you may want to include links to your best work too. This makes it easier for you to swap out the samples you want to mention in the cover letter to make sure you only mention the most relevant work samples.

Example of a Winning Upwork Cover Letter

As promised, here is a cover letter I used to land a premium deal with a client.

Note that you can use the pattern I set but make sure you don’t use exact words. This cover letter was designed solely for the certain job post to this cover letter was submitted to.

In a gist, here’s how I did it:

Hey [name] , I’m sure you’ve got a lot of pitches to deal with so I’ll keep this short. I help [your target industry] [the outcome your client would like to get from your service] . In the past, I helped [a previous client you worked with] [the outcome you helped your previous client achieve – should be similar to the outcome the client would like to get] . Here are links to some of my work: – [link 1] – [link 2] – [link 3] [Ask a question or suggest something] Simply hit that “Reply” button over there so we could continue our conversation. Regards, [Your name]

Feel free to use this template.

Win Premium Clients With a Personalized Cover Letter

Writing a winning cover letter is easier than you think. But it will need a lot of practice and trial and error to finally get it right.

As I said, it took me so much time and proposals before I got a reply. From there, I continued optimizing it and seeing what works for my target clients and industry.

I’m definitely positive that as you practice and write more proposal cover letters, you will get better and win jobs.

And if you get lost, try the template I provided above.

Now it’s your turn. Here’s what to do now:

• Go back to Upwork and apply what you have learned from this article.
• Use the template and check my sample for inspiration.
• Get back here and let us know how it went.

And as always, let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment down below.

Alan is the founder of Work Pajama and other sites by Content Growers. When he's not writing here, he's busy helping clients generate more qualified leads and increase sales by educating readers with strategic content and writing blogs.

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25 comments.

I am new and wanted to have virtual work ASAP. Thank you for this blog, will surely help me with my application. Wish me luck!

Stay safe always.

Hey Genera! Glad you find this article helpful to you. I know you can do it! I was able to do it even without experience (or skills) at that time so there’s no way you can’t do it.

Keep it up!

Hi sir I just want to ask in upwork sometimes it offer milestone in specific job how can i break the budget into milestone and what will a put in the description of each milestone ? Thanks God bless

Thanks Alan. Let me go back and re-strategize

Thank you so much for sharing this very informative article. I’m about to start my GVA career… your blog post truly help me a lot. I hope I could make it in this industry.

Good luck on your journey!

I am inspired by your post and I made some notes out of it. I believe it will go a long way to help. Am a newbie in upwork; am good in data entry, typing and I can handle Microsoft Office. But I do not have any past experience in any company or works done before except personal. How do I start, my first cover letter was rejected. Please help out, I will appreciate it. Thanks

My most regards, Hilary

That is tricky since the skills you have are the same skills that 99% of Upworkers have. If I were you, better learn a better skill and try again. For every job post that needs basic stuff, the client probably gets 100+ proposals, so your chance of even being seen is super low. Hope this helps!

thanks so much for this awesome reply of you Alan. We’ve same issue with Hilary. I think your reply here will surely help. Better learn a better skill!

Good to know. Thanks for dropping by!

Thank you for this Allan. This is very useful specially for people like me, just starting careen on being a Virtual Assitant.

Happy to help!

Wow, great tips on writing an effective Upwork cover letter! I completely agree with you on the importance of mentioning your experience.

Including samples of related work or outcomes is also a fantastic idea. It provides concrete evidence of your skills and expertise, and it gives the client a glimpse of what they can expect from you. If you don’t have relevant samples, creating one specifically for the client is a brilliant approach to showcase your abilities.

I also appreciate the emphasis on including a clear call to action (CTA) in the cover letter. It’s true that clients are more likely to respond when you tell them exactly what to do. Your examples of effective CTAs are spot on, and it’s important to make them clear, specific, and easy to commit to.

Overall, these tips are insightful and practical. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience in writing Upwork cover letters. I will definitely implement them in my future proposals and strive for better results. Keep up the great work!

Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.

Thanks Eileen!

That’s quite an interesting read. Of late I figured out that it is very difficult to get new jobs in Upwork, though clients are viewing my proposal. So I feel the best way is to rewrite the proposals. Thanks a lot for your input.

Hi Alan, this was very very helpful and am looking forward to learn more from you. I would hope that a Q&A platform will be provided in place for people like us who would wanna feed from your brilliant experience. Thanks!

Thanks, Alin!

Just discovered your content through Google search. Awesome and unique content. Just about to start freelancing on Upwork and I can tell it is of a great help to me. I believe I’ve just find a good teacher here.☺️

Thank you Allan and God bless you.

Hey Patrick!

Appreciate the compliment. I wish you a good fortune on your journey.

Thank you Alan! hope it works. Good luck for everyone.

Hey Alan! Best inspiration tip, Thanks alot.

Excellent information. This article offers practical tips and a clear structure for crafting effective Upwork cover letters. It’s a valuable resource for freelancers looking to stand out and secure projects on the platform.

Thank you for this fantastic guide on writing a winning Upwork cover letter! The tips and sample you’ve shared are incredibly helpful for both beginners and experienced freelancers like myself.

The sample cover letter is a valuable resource. It not only demonstrates the principles you’ve outlined but also serves as an excellent template for crafting our own personalized letters.

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Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Alan Anthony Catantan

Tips & Tricks For Making More Money Online

How To Write An Upwork Cover Letter: 5 Tips + Free Template

One of the reasons most freelancers struggle to land clients on Upwork is failing to write a convincing cover letter.

The cover letter is the main component of your job proposal and if you don’t write it well, you won’t be able to get the client’s attention.

Each client who posts a job on Upwork gets dozens and sometimes hundreds of proposals from freelancers. And the only way to grab their attention is to write a cover letter that addresses their needs and requirements.

So if you’re new to Upwork and trying to land a client, keep reading. This guide will help you write better, more focused, and well-optimized Upwork cover letters to get more responses from your clients.

What Is An Upwork Cover Letter?

The cover letter is an essential part of a resume or CV. Normally, when you’re applying for a job, you include a cover letter with your CV to let your potential employer know why you’re applying for the job, what kind of goals you have, and why they should hire you for the position.

Upwork cover letters use the same concept. Whenever you’re applying for a job on Upwork, you now have to fill out a section called Cover Letter.

Here, you can write a detailed yet concise message to clients explaining how you can help the client and why you’re the best person for the job.

As you can imagine, this is a crucial part of a job proposal that will determine whether you will get the job or not.

Before You Apply For Jobs..

Before you apply for jobs and start writing cover letters, make sure you complete the following steps. Because without these steps, clients will never hire you, even if you write the perfect cover letter.

1. Improve Your Communication Skills

Improving your communication skills is the first thing you should do before applying for jobs.

Learn to write better messages to clients and learn the proper etiquette for writing emails. You can follow this guide to learn more about it.

Also, I highly recommend that you take an online course on copywriting and business communication. Think of it as an investment in yourself.

And it will go a long way to help you write great proposals, cover letters, and communicate with clients like a professional.

If you’re interested, start with these Skillshare classes:

• Business Communication Skills: Write & Speak More Professionally
• Copywriting: Essential Skills For Writing Engaging Marketing Copy
• Professional English Emails: Write Clearly and Effectively

2. Optimize Your Upwork Profile

The next thing you need to do is optimize your Upwork profile.

When you apply for a job and send a proposal to a client, one of the first things they do is check your profile.

Now imagine doing all the work to find the perfect job and write a great cover letter while you have a terrible profile. It will only send those potential clients away. Don’t make that same mistake.

I wrote a complete guide on creating an effective Upwork profile. Give it a read and optimize your profile accordingly.

3. Gather Some Samples

Now, you can say all you want about your skills and abilities in your proposal but the client will never believe you if you don’t have hard evidence to back your claims.

So make sure you have some samples of your work to show the clients.

If you’re a writer, you can include links to your previously published articles.

If you’re a graphic designer, you can include a link to your portfolio.

If you don’t have any links to show, attach sample documents and files in the proposal.

4. Ask For The Right Price

When using Upwork to find jobs, asking for the ideal price is very important. Because it’s always going to be a bidding war between freelancers.

But the key to finding the right price is not to ask too low that clients think you’re desperate. Or ask too much that turns clients away.

To figure out the sweet spot between the two, you can check the Upwork services section.

Browse the category related to your work to see what other freelancers are charging for similar jobs.

Then come up with a price that fits your client’s budget and the regular rates at the same time.

5. Only Apply For The Right Jobs

There are some freelancers out there who apply to every job that comes up in their feed while copy-pasting the same cover letters and proposals.

This is a huge mistake that will get you nowhere.

Learn to pick the right jobs that fit your set of skills. Find jobs that have detailed descriptions that give you more information about the job. So that you can research the client and their industry to write better cover letters.

What To Include In Your Cover Letter

Once you complete all the initial steps to optimize your profile and writing skills, here are the most important points you need to cover in your cover letter.

• Address the client by their first name (eg: Hi John,)
• Mention that you’ve read the entire project description
• Do some research to understand what the client is asking for
• Provide solutions to the client’s pain points
• Mention why you’re the perfect person for the job with facts (eg: I have 5 years of experience in social media marketing and I worked for client X)
• Show examples of your previous work, portfolio, or client case studies
• In the end, mention that you have a strategy in mind for the client’s project and ask them to DM you for details
• Remember to keep it short, detailed, and concise

You’ll see how all these points come together in the example and the cover letter template below.

How To Write Cover Letter for UpWork

It’s best to write the cover letter on different software like Google Docs or MS Word and then copy it over to Upwork. You wouldn’t want to accidentally hit send while you’re writing the cover letter.

As I mentioned before, learning to write well is very important. Taking a copywriting class will not go to waste.

Take all the key points I mentioned in the previous section. Write in friendly and simple words to describe your proposal for the client.

Here’s a quick Upwork cover letter example to show you how it’s done:

Hi John, I read your entire job description and I think I’m the perfect person for the job. Here’s why: -I noticed that you’re looking to build an online store website. I think WordPress is the best platform to build your website and I have over 5 years of experience building WordPress sites -I’ve built WordPress websites for many clients including CocaCola and Pepsi -Here are just a few of the links to websites that I’ve recently built for other clients (include links here. Or attach your sample documents) -I have a really great concept idea for building your website that will make your brand look even better than your competitor (Do research to find the competitors and mention the name here). Send me a DM or respond to this proposal so we can discuss more details I’m really excited about this project and to work with you to build something amazing. Looking forward to your DM. -Your name

See how simple and concise that looks. And we covered all the key points in that 150-word cover letter. You can easily edit this message to include skills and experience related to your industry.

There are also great tools you can use for writing your cover letter online . They offer more professional-looking layouts that you can easily customize, which are ideal for applying for not just freelancing jobs but for any type of job application.

Free Upwork Cover Letter Template

I made a more beautifully formatted Upwork cover letter template that you can use when applying for jobs. You can download it below.

Make sure to edit and customize this template according to your needs.

10 Tips For Writing Professional Cover Letters

Follow these quick tips to make your cover letter look more professional.

1. Personalize Your Greeting

Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Take the time to find out the client’s name and address them directly. A personalized greeting shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the job.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

Grab the client’s attention right from the start. Mention the job you’re applying for and briefly state why you’re excited about the opportunity. Highlight a key skill or experience that makes you a perfect fit.

3. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

Focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use bullet points to make this information easy to scan. Be specific about your accomplishments and how they align with the project’s requirements.

4. Show Enthusiasm and Interest

Clients appreciate freelancers who are genuinely interested in their projects. Express your enthusiasm and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. A passionate approach can make you stand out from other candidates.

5. Address the Client’s Needs

Show that you understand the client’s needs by referencing details from the job posting. Explain how you plan to meet those needs and solve their problems. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job demonstrates your attention to detail.

6. Include Samples or Links to Work

Provide links to your portfolio or attach samples that are relevant to the job. Seeing your work helps clients assess your skills and makes your application more compelling. Ensure the samples showcase your best work and are easy to access.

7. Keep It Concise and Focused

Clients are often busy and may not have time to read lengthy cover letters. Keep your letter concise and to the point, ideally no longer than one page. Focus on the most important information and avoid unnecessary details.

8. Proofread Carefully

Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a poor first impression. Proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure it’s error-free. Consider asking a friend or using a tool like Grammarly to help catch any mistakes.

9. End with a Call to Action

Conclude your cover letter by expressing your eagerness to discuss the project further. Invite the client to contact you for an interview or to ask any questions. A clear call to action can help move the process forward.

10. Follow Up if Necessary

If you haven’t heard back within a week or so, consider sending a polite follow-up message. Reiterate your interest in the project and ask if the client needs any additional information. Following up shows your persistence and commitment.

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Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition. 

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a cover letter in the freelance landscape.

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Here's why a cover letter matters:

• Provides Context on Your Fit:  A cover letter allows you to expand on your experience and skills beyond a simple resume bullet point. You can explain how your unique background and approach make you the perfect person for the role.
• Cuts Through the Noise: Upwork is a crowded marketplace. A strong cover letter makes you stand out.
• Demonstrates Initiative and Communication Skills: A well-written cover letter showcases your professionalism and ability to communicate effectively, essential qualities for any freelancer.
• Opportunity to Address Specific Requirements: A cover letter for Upwork helps highlight your skills directly relevant to the project's needs, demonstrating your understanding of the client's goals.

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.” 

Integrate Keywords Seamlessly

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like " I have experience in marketing ,” go for keyword integration: " I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies. "

Proactively Address Client Concerns

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Crafting a Memorable Closing Statement

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying " increased website traffic, " quantify it. " I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client. "

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

General Template: A Versatile Approach

Hi [Client Name],

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Web Designing Template

Dear [Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

Content Writing Template

Hey[Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

Graphic Design Template

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Video Editing Template

Hello [Client Name],

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Q1. What Components Are Mandatory for a Good Cover Letter?

Ans. While there's no strict format, strong cover letters typically include:

• A personalised greeting
• A brief introduction highlighting your relevant skills and experience
• A specific example from your portfolio that showcases your expertise
• A closing that expresses your enthusiasm and next steps (e.g., call to schedule a call)

Q2. The Resume and Cover Letter Dilemma: To Copy or Not to Copy?

Ans. Your cover letter shouldn't simply replicate your resume. It expands upon your resume by demonstrating your understanding of the specific project and how your skills directly benefit the client.

Q3. What is the difference between a Proposal vs. a Cover Letter?

Ans. On Upwork, the terms "proposal" and "cover letter" are often used interchangeably. They both refer to the written document submitted to convince a client to hire you. However, some freelancers differentiate between the two. A cover letter might be the initial introduction, while a proposal includes the cover letter alongside more detailed information about your approach, timeline, and pricing.

Q4. Should you use ChatGPT to write your cover letter?

Ans. While AI writing tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas, it's crucial to maintain a personal touch in your cover letter. Clients value genuine communication and a clear understanding of your skills. It's best to use these tools as a starting point and then personalise the content for each project.

Six Steps to Writing the Perfect Upwork Cover Letter

To succeed as an Upwork freelancer, a great cover letter isn’t optional. It’s crucial.

The moment a job is posted on Upwork, it becomes visible to thousands of people who do exactly what you do. And unlike your middle school gym class, you aren’t competing against 20 neighbors with similar abilities.

You’re applying to the same projects as skilled  $3/hr Filipino writers, $300/hr startup experts from Silicon Valley, and award winning Forbes contributors.

The only way you can land any of these projects is to set yourself apart. And one of the most effective ways to  stand out from the competition  is to create a killer Upwork cover letter .

Related content:  Maximize your income with  this free freelance rate calculator .

How to create an attention-grabbing Upwork cover letter

I’ve won over 50 contracts on Upwork during the last couple of years – with many worth thousands of dollars. After a plethora of “trial and errors”, I’ve discovered how to win more clients than I can manage – for both myself and several other writers.

Here’s how I won over 50 Upwork contracts.

If you do quality work, but are still unable to find new clients, the issue probably has to do with your cover letter.

Add these six elements to your Upwork cover letter and watch the interviews roll in.

1. Start by sharing your qualifications

Why are you more qualified for this project than the other twenty applicants?

If the client doesn’t see a reason to keep you around right at the beginning, they will rapidly move on to the next candidate.

So establish yourself as a professional . Do you have a degree? State it here? Have you worked in the industry? Now’s the perfect time to state this.

But  keep it short! If this goes on for more than two or three sentences, you’re going to lose it. You can refer to a writing service, where you can not only get help in writing your essay but also get appropriate writing tips for your cover letter. The point isn’t to toot your own horn, but to show why you are the right fit for this position.

Here’s how I state my qualifications for a business blogging project:

Hi, my name is Rob and I have an MBA, experience in financial analytics, and have written content for over 50 highly satisfied clients here on Upwork – as you can see from the “Top Rated” freelancer badge on my profile. 

Although it’s a long and slightly wordy single sentence, it sums up who I am concisely.

Notice how I focus much of the attention on how I can benefit the client. I have business knowledge (MBA and work experience), keep my customers satisfied (beneficial for them), and am one of the Top Rated freelancers on Upwork (which means they will be getting the best).

I also leave a lot out. What you leave out of your cover letter is just as important as what you include. For a business client I don’t mention that I’ve traveled to five continents, am involved in my church, and love sailing the San Francisco Bay. Although I may mention those items for another project.

Ultimately, you want to tell the client why you are qualified for their project, but concisely enough to move on to the rest of your proposal.

2. Make it personal by asking a question

When possible, try to connect with the client – very briefly.

If they include a link to their website, this makes it easy. Otherwise, see if you can pull something from the job description itself.

I’ve noticed that  asking a question works best.

Asking a question is essential – whether at this point or at the end of the application. Why? Because it encourages the client to contact you to respond to your question.

If someone contacts me on Upwork, I have a 50% chance of getting the job.

I seem to get about 50% of the jobs that I am contacted for. Once the client reaches out to me, I can learn more about what they need and present myself as the perfect candidate.

Therefore, encouraging that initial contact is essential. And because we all love talking about ourselves and what we do, asking a question to make it personal is a great way to start a conversation.

Following suit with the same application, I would make the cover letter personal by saying something like:

Your job description mentions your company is in New York. Are your customers exclusively from NY or do you work with clients nationally/internationally?

Although nothing profound, this simple question treats them like a person I am interested in getting to know – rather than just a client I am trying to land. It’s also a question that helps me learn more about their needs and how I might be of assistance. Finally, it encourages a response on their part.

And that’s the most important piece – so I’ll say it again:

Once you get a client to respond to your Upwork cover letter, your odds of winning the project increase exponentially.

3. Explain why you’re interested in this project

Most projects on Upwork come from clients who are passionate about what they do. Whether they’re entrepreneurs or project managers, they have a vested interest in the success of their project.

This means that  they are in love  with their project. Whether it’s a website idea, a new app concept, or simply a poster to promote their band – the client is excited about this project.

And you should be too.

By sharing with the client why you  want  to work on their project, you’ll set yourself apart from the plethora of freelancers on Upwork who are simply trying to land their next job.

As with the other elements, keep it short – but a well-worded sentence can make a world of difference.

As you can see from my own blog, MoneyNomad.com, I love writing about entrepreneurship and would thoroughly enjoy researching and developing blog posts for your website.

This simple sentence reveals that I am already an expert on this subject and will be just as excited about this venture as the client is.

4. Share examples of similar projects

This is HUGE ! Although more and more freelancers on Upwork are showing links to their past work – there are still too many that don’t.

If you have previously published work – share links to it in your job posting. Even if the projects are on your own blog or developed under someone else’s name, it still shows a level of credibility and gives the user a feel for what they can expect from you.

If you don’t have any samples, then you probably shouldn’t be trying to sell yourself to someone else. Instead, focus on building up a portfolio of 1-3 items that you can share. Do this by offering your service inexpensively on Fiverr , starting your own blog , or writing a few articles on HubPages .

I have a wide enough collection of articles that I’ve written, that I can usually find some worthwhile samples. But if I can’t, then I’ll share related content with voice I think the client wants. And I’ll share ghost written content as well.

Here are some samples of articles I’ve written in the past:

http://www.happyfox.com/blog/gamification-employee-engagement/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e4746fe4b00267764fbcbe

https://moneynomad.com/6-ways-to-live-on-under-10000-a-year/

Because Upwork doesn’t allow you to add hyperlinks to your job proposals, you’ll need to add in the entire url. Also, include a space between each url so that it’s easy for the client to copy and paste into their browser if necessary.

5. Vaguely explain your rate

Sometimes I state my rate right upfront, but other times I provide a ballpark figure or don’t share it at all in the cover letter.

Ultimately, when it comes to stating your rate you want to keep two things in mind:

• Encourage the client to make contact (remember, I get 50% of contracts once a client interviews me).
• Prevent yourself from wasting time with clients looking for cheap work.

From a freelance writer’s prospective, there are ample projects that want a writer willing to develop articles for $10-25 a post. This is far too low for me – and I really don’t want to waste my time interacting with someone not willing to meet my rates.

However, if I state my rate at $0.30/word when someone else offers to do the same project for $0.15/word – they may not make contact with me, allowing me to negotiate a rate and level of quality that meets their needs.

Depending on the client, I will say something like this in the proposal:

I generally charge my B2B clients $0.30/word. However, because I enjoy writing about entrepreneurship and think your project would be a lot of fun, I may be able to reduce my rate slightly.

By stating the higher end for my blogging rates, and then mentioning that “I may be able to reduce my rate slightly”, the client will understand that I don’t write $10 articles, but he will recognize that he may not have to pay $150 for 500 words either.

If we ultimately agree upon $0.20-0.25/word, the client feels like he’s getting a steal. Win-win!

6. Offer something for free

If you’re confident in the service you offer, then offering an initial trial for free can help you  make a lot of money.

Particularly when you are new to Upwork, and competing with freelancers with a large portfolio and high reviews, providing a free trail offer is a great way to get started.

If you’re a freelance writer, a 500 word article won’t take you more than 1-2 hours – so offering one for free is certainly worth the potential of ongoing work.

For one-off projects, like web-design, this could be a bit more difficult. But it’s not impossible. Rather than doing the entire site for free, offer to do an analysis of their current website, a review of their top competitors, or a 30 minute mock-up of what their website could look like.

Once you’re established, offering work 100% free isn’t necessary, but it can still help to offer a “freemium” version of your work. An example of how I do it:

Finally, I would like to offer you a trial article risk-free. If you like it, you can pay for it and use it. However, if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you are welcome to improve upon it and use it for free. What topic would you like me to write about for this first post?

Other times I simply offer to write the first article for free in exchange for recognition and a link back to my own website. Usually people would rather keep the content ghost written and focused on their website – so the end up paying anyway.

The book “ Predictably Irrational ” states that  free  is a powerful word. We all LOVE getting something for free. In fact, people are more likely to take a $0.10 Hershey’s kiss for free than they are to pay $0.01 for a $1 candy bar – even though the latter is actually a better deal!

Using this same psychology in your freelance work, and offering to do a free “mini-project”, is a great way to land your next client. On Upwork, or anywhere else for that matter.

The completed Upwork job proposal – Emulate this to land your next client

And here we have it! The completed Upwork cover letter – and one that has landed me tens of thousands of dollars worth of clients:

http://bankvibe.com/how-saving-for-retirement-is-like-surfing/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e4746fe4b00267764fbcbe

Since writing this article, I’ve done a lot of hiring myself on UpWork and I’ve come to realize that a cover letter is even more crucial now. With so much competition on UpWork, you as a writer needs to stand out from the pack. When hiring a freelance UpWork writer, I always read a cover letter looking for errors and misspellings. My thought is, if they can’t write a good cover letter how will they write a good piece of content. Let me know if you think this assumption is correct in the comments.

As you can see, it says a lot while still being relatively short. Additionally, it attempts to connect with the client and keep them engaged – from beginning to end.

Try this format the next time you write an Upwork proposal and let me know how it works! Finally, if you have additional suggestions for dominating Upwork, I would love to hear about them in the comments.

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22 comments.

Why do you use “Filipinos” to compare? Idk, but it feels like you’re somewhat degrading us and you would like to discourage clients to stop hiring a filipino. Although your blog is good, I would really like to ask why.

Thank you so much for commenting. And I apologize if this article came across as degrading – that is not my purpose at all! The point I was trying to make is the diversity of competition that ALL freelancers have (regardless of where they are from). We are all competing with educated and skilled individuals willing to work for $3/hr – and freelancer celebrities who charge a premium, but have name recognition.

My desire is for Money Nomad to be a website where online entrepreneurs and freelancers from ANYWHERE can come to learn and grow. Thank you for pointing this out. I included the word “skilled” in the sentence – and I hope that helps emphasize the true point I was trying to make.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing more of your comments in the future!

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Website mock-ups are called “spec work” and frownded up in web development community. Also, you won’t get away with using your website URL in the proposal for too long since it’s against Upwork’s TOS.

Thanks for your response Ivan.

Since I deal with writing, I am not fully familiar with an appropriate comparison in web design. Perhaps an alternative would be offering a 10 minute analysis of their current website – or providing a 30 minute brainstorming session regarding the design of their website. Ultimately, it’s about finding a way to provide value and begin developing that relationship. I’m actually going to write an article in the near future “praising” spec work from a designer – so be ready to come harp on that post in a couple of weeks. 🙂

Regarding links in proposals – you are correct that, if you linked back to your design website, that would be against the TOS. However , linking to previous clients or samples is completely acceptable. Trying to prove that you were an exceptional designer, without providing links to your past projects, would be a very hard sell to make.

Thanks for stopping by and best of luck with your future freelancing.

Hey Rob, thanks for the tips. In my case, I’ve gotten some job offers and unto interviews but seems like the client goes MIA suddenly for a long period. Does it have something to do with my letter as well?

Great question Denny! There are two possible things going on here.

First, if you check the job posting you can tell how many interviews/hires there have been for the job. There is a chance that they interviewed multiple people and hired someone else.

Second, check out my article How to Know Which Jobs to Apply to on Upwork – it may be that you are applying to jobs for clients who aren’t established. A lot of people post “maybe” projects on Upwork and never follow through.

Thanks for your comment and let me know how I can help in the future.

I have been in business since 2009 and this is the first time that I admire a blog that got me subscribing to it’s mail-list, I admit you rock !!

I am very honored Hersham! Thank you for joining. I will definitely make an effort to continue to impress. 🙂 And feel free to reach out if you ever have questions or thoughts for topics that you would enjoy. Now that you’ve signed up, my goal is to make it worth your time!

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I appreciate these tips for Upwork. I just landed my first contract there, I just enrolled last week. It has been a small learning curve trying to figure which clients are legit or phony, and I had to enter an interview with two of them to find some red flags like doing work outside the platform.

I’m glad they’ve helped out a bit! But you’re right, there are certainly clients on Upwork that you have to filter through due to free work, outside of Upwork work, or simply low-paying requests. But there are definitely some good projects out there as well.

Best of luck!

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Hi Robs Can you please write a cover letter sample for lead generation email finding job

Hi Waheed! It will certainly depend on your personal skills and the focus of the job. If you just copy and paste what I write, you probably won’t receive much luck. However, following that format can certainly be beneficial! Good luck and feel free to run a specific scenario by me if needed.

Thanks for the helpful article. What’s your advise for a newbie? Someone who has lots of experience in a traditional work but no freelancing experience. Do you have a published article on this topic?

Hi, Alexandra here. You are not supposed to offer things for free on Upwork. It’s in the rules. That aside, I plan to use the rest of your tips to land my first job on Upwork. I plan to send in 5 proposals in the next two days!

Thanks Alexandra! You’re absolutely right — you should do free work through Upwork. However, offering a risk-free trial project (that you could use/resell if the client didn’t like it) can help you land a lot more clients. Remember, this is a high risk for the client — what happens if your work is terrible and they’ve already agreed to pay you $2,000 for it? They’ve just lost $2,000. Therefore, if you are able to say that your first article/design/etc will only be paid for if they like it (with you keeping the rights to use it elsewhere otherwise), you’ll be able to reduce their hesitancy to buy. Thanks for the comment!

Thanks a lot, Rob! I’m new at Upwork and your article is great help!

I’m so glad it helps! Best of luck as you get started. I look forward to seeing your success.

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How to create a cover letter for Upwork - Guide

The cover letter is an important part of the Upwork application process. It should be crafted to demonstrate your expertise and relevant knowledge, as well as detail why you are a good fit for the job.

When it comes to drafting a strong cover letter, it's frequently the little details that make the most impact & impression! We've included some of the greatest cover letter recommendations below to help you build a successful application.

Table of contents:

How to create a cover letter for upwork: quick answer, what is the procedure i need to follow to find the cover letter section, why is it important to write a cover letter on upwork, practical tips on writing a cover letter for upwork, examples of cover letter you can use.

• In conclusion

To create a cover letter for Upwork, here are some tips:

1. Start strong

Make sure to begin with a professional greeting and an attention-grabbing introduction. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills and why you are uniquely qualified for the job.

2. Highlight relevant experience

You should include a few of your most impressive qualifications that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Make sure to include any awards or honors, as well as any relevant training or certifications (like Coursera certifications ).

3. End with a call to action

Sign off the cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration, and then include an invitation for them to contact you should they have any further questions. This is a great way to show that you are eager to start working and make sure your cover letter stands out .

» FREE TRIAL: Get Started with LoopCV & Send Out 100s of Highly-Targeted Job Applications in <10 Minutes

You can also read our article:

Firstly, we need to explain to you how to find the section in which you can write the cover letter for a job position on Upwork.

Log in to your Upwork account and go to the "Find Work" section at the top of the website. Then, under the left sidebar, click the "Cover Letters" section.

You'll see a list of all the cover letters you've produced on Upwork on the Cover Letters page. Click the "Create New Cover Letter" button to start a new cover letter.

On the next screen, you may insert all the information for your new cover letter. Begin by giving your cover letter a title, followed by the job title for which you're applying.

Then, enter the name of the firm to which you're applying and the URL of their website. Finally, type your cover letter in the supplied area. Make sure you proofread it well before clicking the "Save" button!

Your updated cover letter will display on your Cover Letters page after you've saved it. You can change or remove it at any moment from here. Creating a cover letter on Upwork is simple and fast!

Simply following these easy steps will result in a professional cover letter style!

It's not only important, but necessary as it's mandatory to write your cover letter in order to submit a proposal and have chances to take the project on Upwork.

Other than that, your cover letter is your first chance to create a positive impression when applying for jobs on Upwork. You want to showcase your abilities and emphasize your greatest attributes while being professional and respectful.

A cover letter is merely a brief message to a potential customer in which you identify yourself and your credentials for the position. It's your chance to explain simply why you're the best freelancer for the task and urge the customer to read your proposal.

Check out all the 13 things you need to include!

1. Make research on the job provider and the job description 2. Adjust your tone of voice and the style of your cover letter 3. Create a different cover letter for every job submission 4. Be concise, concrete and do not extend the one-page rule 5. Add relevant keywords 6. Add your unique personal traits / personality 7. Showcase your skills and achievements 8. Showcase your previous work experience (especially the remote one) 9. Include links to previous work 10. Follow all the instructions in the job post (strictly) 11. Answer the "Why are you a good fit" question 12. Use a professional email 13. Proofread your cover letter!

Here are two examples of a cover letter - Best cover letter samples:

Phone number:

Your email address:

The name of the recruiting manager:

Name of the company:

Address of the company:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am delighted to apply for the [title of the position] now available at [Company Name]. I have over ten years of experience in [job], and my expertise in [hard skill] and [another hard skill], in particular, aligns with the tasks outlined in the offered post.

As [current job title] at previous or present employer/client name, I led the team in charge of redesigning the [name of project/task]. Keeping actual users in mind, I was able to design a [example] speedier, more contemporary, and responsive online experience. As a consequence, the bounce rate was reduced by 35% and conversion rates increased by 25%. I am certain that my hands-on expertise and talents will be useful for your future rebranding and following website upgrades.

I would want to learn more about your [title of position]. I am available for an interview as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention and time.

[Your name]

Check out this specific cover letter example for a job posted [content writer] on Upwork:

Hello, [Name]!

This project is a fantastic match for me.

I'd be delighted to [create SEO-friendly material and articles] for [your blog]. And I can begin [now].

I even have prior experience in your field. I like writing about [the tourism sector] and [often visit touristic destinations].

Furthermore, unlike most other content writers, I am [quite knowledgeable about search engine optimization (SEO)] and [know how to get articles to rank on Google].

I'm also acquainted with [ SEMRush , AHrefs and Surferseo - three of the industry's main SEO systems] and [AP style].

I have over [5 years] of professional experience [as a content writer and blogger] and am [Expert Vetted] on Upwork - a title designated for the [top 10%] of professionals on this site.

Please see the files below for some samples of my relevant work. More information about me and my skills may be found on my Upwork page at [link to your profile].

Send me a brief note on Upwork now to learn more about yourself and the job.

I'm looking forward to working with you!

[Your Name]

In conclusion!

By following these tips, you should be able to create a cover letter that will help you stand out in the Upwork hiring process.

• Cover Letters
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• Best Practices

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What is a Cover Letter in Upwork?

• July 19, 2023
• AI , Guide , upwork

Table of Contents

A cover letter in Upwork , also known as a proposal, is a personalized message sent to potential clients to express interest in their posted job. It is a freelancer’s opportunity to provide a brief introduction, highlight their qualifications, and explain why they are the ideal candidate for the job. Simply put, it’s a golden opportunity to make a killer first impression.

Why is a Cover Letter Important in Upwork?

Upwork, being the largest freelancer marketplace online, receives thousands of job posts daily. For a freelancer, standing out from the crowd is crucial. A well-crafted cover letter is the perfect tool to grab a potential client’s attention and make a lasting impression.

Your cover letter is your first, and possibly only chance to make a good impression.

It’s not just about showcasing your skills and experience. A cover letter is also a demonstration of your professionalism, communication skills, and overall suitability for a specific job.

Key Components of an Upwork Cover Letter

An effective Upwork cover letter should be concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Here are the key components:

• Personalized Greeting Addressing the client by name is a simple yet effective way to establish a personal connection. If the client’s name is not mentioned in the job posting, a bit of research might reveal it. This could involve looking at the client’s profile or reviews from past freelancers.
• Introduction and Expressing Interest Start by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the job. Be sure to mention why the job appeals to you – this shows that you have read and understood the job description.
• Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience This is where you showcase your qualifications and experience relevant to the job. Be specific and provide examples of your past work.
• Answering Any Additional Questions Many job postings on Upwork include additional questions. These are not optional – they are an integral part of the application process and should be answered thoughtfully and thoroughly.
• End with a Call to Action Conclude your letter with a strong call to action, encouraging the client to read your proposal or get in touch with you. PRO TIP: Be aware of potential scams on Upwork. Never submit work as part of a cover letter unless you are certain the client is legitimate.

Upwork Cover Letter Best Practices

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when writing an Upwork cover letter:

• Keep it Short and Sweet: A long, rambling cover letter is likely to lose a client’s interest. Aim for a concise, engaging letter that gets straight to the point.
• Use a Professional Tone: Remember, you’re not just a freelancer – you’re a business. Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter, avoiding slang or overly casual language.
• Proofread: Typos, grammar mistakes, or poor formatting can make a bad impression. Always proofread your cover letter before sending it.
• Personalize Each Letter: Avoid the temptation to use a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter. Tailoring each letter to the specific job and client shows that you’ve put in the effort and are truly interested in the job.
• Highlight Your Value: Don’t just list your skills – explain how they can benefit the client. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used your skills to achieve results in the past.

Upwork Cover Letter Sample

What do you write on a cover letter? Here’s a sample of how an Upwork cover letter could look:

Hello [Client Name], I came across your job posting for [Job Title] and was immediately drawn to it. With my extensive experience in [Relevant Skills/Experience], I believe I can deliver the results you’re looking for. In my previous role as a [Previous Role], I [Provide a specific example of how you used your skills to achieve a positive outcome]. I look forward to the opportunity to bring these skills and experiences to your project. Please feel free to review my portfolio for samples of my work. I’m happy to discuss my qualifications further and look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name] PRO TIP

Upwork and Upwex: A Winning Combination

Now that you understand the importance of a well-crafted cover letter on Upwork, you might be wondering how you can improve your chances of success. This is where Upwex comes in. Upwex is an AI-powered assistant that helps both new and seasoned freelancers generate cover letters. It’s an invaluable tool for working on Upwork, removing the guesswork from the process, and helping you make a great first impression.

Remember, your cover letter is your ticket to success on Upwork. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, demonstrate your professionalism, and convince potential clients that you’re the right freelancer for the job. So, make it count!

Advantages of Upwex

• Increased Efficiency: With AI, Upwex.io helps freelancers find high-paying projects, enhancing their productivity.
• Job Rating: Upwex.io analyses and ranks different jobs on Upwork, helping freelancers identify the most promising and high-paying projects.
• Proposal Generator: This feature simplifies the process of drafting and submitting proposals, saving time and effort.
• Answers to Technical Questions: Freelancers receive assistance in resolving technical issues, enhancing their skills and the quality of their work.
• Integration with Pipedrive CRM: This eases the process of customer relationship management and enhances interactions with them.
• Analytics and Reports: These features help freelancers track their work and analyze their efficiency, ultimately helping them increase their income.

Upwex User Cases:

• For the freelancer: Upwex.io aids freelancers in finding high-paying projects on Upwork faster and simplifies the process of making proposals. The answers to technical questions help freelancers improve the quality of their work.
• For the Lead Gen: Upwex.io can be beneficial for lead generation specialists, helping them identify promising jobs and potential clients. The integration with Pipedrive CRM simplifies the process of managing client relationships.
• For the Head of Sales: Upwex.io can be useful for heads of sales, assisting them in analyzing team performance, tracking projects, and managing client relationships with the help of integration with Pipedrive CRM. Analytical tools and reports assist in data-driven management and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a cover letter with no experience.

Writing a cover letter with no experience involves highlighting transferable skills, showcasing your enthusiasm, and demonstrating your understanding of the job. Emphasize skills gained from other experiences like education or volunteering that can apply to the job. Lastly, tools like Upwex can guide you, offering AI-driven suggestions for effective proposals, even when starting from scratch.

What should I include in my cover letter?

In your cover letter, it’s crucial to include information about your skills, experience, and how they align with the job requirements. Provide context about your previous work, but don’t just list what you’ve done – explain how it brought value. Tailor your cover letter to each job post, addressing the client’s needs and showing you understand their project. Add a personal touch to show your enthusiasm and why you’re a good fit.

How long should my cover letter be?

The length of your cover letter should ideally be around 200-300 words, making it long enough to provide details about your skills and experiences, but concise enough to keep the reader’s attention. The key is to be succinct and informative without being excessively wordy.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

To make your cover letter stand out, understand the client’s needs and show how your skills align with their project. Use clear and concise language. Engage the reader with a compelling introduction, provide solid evidence of your skills, and conclude with a strong closing statement. Show enthusiasm for the project and the value you can add.

Should I customize my cover letter for each job?

Yes, customizing your cover letter for each job is crucial. Clients want to know that you’ve read their job post thoroughly and understand their needs. Customizing your cover letter shows you’re invested in their project. It also enables you to specifically address how your skills and experiences align with their project requirements.

How do I address the client in my cover letter?

If you know the client’s name, use it to make your letter more personal. If not, a simple “Hello” or “Dear client” is fine. Avoid overly formal language, but keep a professional tone.

Should I include samples of my work in my cover letter?

Yes, including samples of your work in your cover letter can be beneficial. It provides tangible evidence of your skills. But rather than including every sample you have, select a few that are most relevant to the job post.

How do I showcase my skills and experience in my cover letter?

Don’t just list your skills and experience – show how they align with the job post. Use specific examples from your previous work to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlight measurable results and successes, and explain how they could benefit the client’s project.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter?

Common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter include being too generic, failing to address the specific needs of the job post, being overly lengthy, using unprofessional language, and including irrelevant information. Also, always proofread your cover letter to avoid spelling and grammatical errors.

Should I follow up after sending my cover letter?

Following up after sending your cover letter can show your enthusiasm for the project. However, it’s important to give the client some time to respond. Wait about a week before following up. Be polite and professional, expressing your continued interest in the project.

How do I handle pricing and budget discussion in my cover letter?

It’s best to avoid detailed pricing discussion in your cover letter. Instead, state that you’re open to negotiation or that you’re willing to discuss it further. Some clients may have a set budget, while others may be flexible. By being open to negotiation, you show that you’re focused more on the value of the project than just the payment.

Letter Templates & Example

The Perfect Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Proposal: Ace your Freelance Applications

Are you tired of submitting job proposals on Upwork and receiving no response from potential clients? Your cover letter could be the problem. Writing a winning cover letter is crucial in order to grab the attention of the client and showcase your skills and experience. Lucky for you, we have compiled some sample cover letters for Upwork proposals that you can use as a starting point. These examples are fully editable so you can tailor them to fit your own personal style and expertise. With a little extra effort in crafting your cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job and stand out among the competition.

What Should Be the Structure of Your Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Proposal?

When it comes to creating a proposal on Upwork or any freelance platform, one of the most important elements is the cover letter. Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, and convince the client that you are the best person for the job. So, what is the best structure for a sample cover letter for an Upwork proposal?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that every proposal is unique, and you should tailor your cover letter to the specific job posting. However, there are some general guidelines to follow.

Start with a friendly greeting and introduction. Address the client by name if possible, and introduce yourself briefly. For example, “Hello [Client Name], my name is [Your Name], and I am a freelance [Your Profession] with [X years/months] of experience.”

Next, address the client’s needs and requirements. Review the job posting carefully and highlight the key skills and responsibilities that the client is looking for. Explain how you can meet and exceed these expectations. For example, “I noticed in your job posting that you are looking for someone who has experience with [Skill]. I have been working in [Your Profession] for [X years/months] and have experience in [Related Skill]. I am confident that my skills and expertise align perfectly with your needs.”

Follow up with some examples of your past work or achievements. Provide links or attachments to your portfolio or website if applicable. This will help the client to visualize your skills in action. For example, “I recently completed a project for [Previous Client], where I [Achievement]. You can see the project and the client’s feedback on my portfolio here: [Link].”

Finally, end your cover letter with a call-to-action and a thank you. Invite the client to contact you with any further questions or to discuss the project in more detail. Express your gratitude for their consideration and time. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to read my proposal. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to potentially working with you.”

In conclusion, the best structure for a sample cover letter for an Upwork proposal is one that is personalized, focused, and friendly. By following the guidelines outlined above, you will be able to create a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills and convinces the client to choose you for the job.

7 Upwork Proposal Cover Letter Samples for Different Reasons

Sample cover letter for a content writer job proposal.

Dear [Client Name],

I am excited to submit my proposal for the Content Writer position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced content writer with over three years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to help you achieve your goals.

My expertise in creating high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and SEO-optimized is something that I believe would be a valuable asset to your team. Whether it’s writing blog posts, articles, product descriptions, or social media content, I have the skills and expertise to create content that your audience will love.

Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to working with you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample cover letter for a Graphic Designer job proposal

I am thrilled to submit my proposal for the Graphic Designer position you recently posted on Upwork. As a skilled graphic designer with five years of experience, I believe that I can provide you with high-quality designs that meet your needs.

Whether it’s creating logos, brochures, business cards, or website designs, I have the skills and expertise to bring your ideas to life. I am proficient in using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually appealing designs.

Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sample cover letter for a Web Developer job proposal

I am excited to submit my proposal for the Web Developer position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced web developer with over six years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to help you achieve your goals.

Whether it’s building a website from scratch or improving an existing one, I have experience in using HTML/CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and WordPress to create websites that are responsive, user-friendly, and visually appealing. I am passionate about coding and staying up-to-date with the latest web technologies, so you can be sure that I will provide you with the best possible service.

Sample cover letter for a Virtual Assistant job proposal

I am excited to submit my proposal for the Virtual Assistant position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced virtual assistant with over four years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to help you stay organized, save time, and achieve your goals.

Whether it’s managing your emails, scheduling appointments, conducting research, or handling customer inquiries, I have the skills and expertise to provide you with the best possible service. I am highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, and I am dedicated to ensuring that you are always satisfied with my work.

Sample cover letter for a Social Media Manager job proposal

I am excited to submit my proposal for the Social Media Manager position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced social media manager with over five years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to help you grow your online presence and engage your audience.

Whether it’s managing your social media accounts, creating and curating content, analyzing analytics, or developing and implementing social media marketing campaigns, I have the skills and expertise to provide you with the best possible service. I am highly creative, strategic, and passionate about social media, and I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

Sample cover letter for an SEO Specialist job proposal

I am excited to submit my proposal for the SEO Specialist position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced SEO specialist with over six years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to help you improve your search engine rankings, drive traffic to your website, and grow your online business.

Whether it’s conducting keyword research, optimizing your website for search engines, developing and implementing link building strategies, or analyzing analytics, I have the skills and expertise to provide you with the best possible service. I am highly analytical, strategic, and dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices.

Sample cover letter for a Customer Service Representative job proposal

I am excited to submit my proposal for the Customer Service Representative position you posted on Upwork. As an experienced customer service representative with over five years of experience, I have the skills and knowledge to provide your customers with excellent service and support.

Whether it’s answering phone calls, responding to emails, handling complaints, or processing orders, I have the skills and expertise to provide your customers with the best possible service. I am highly empathetic, patient, and dedicated to ensuring that your customers are always satisfied with your service.

Tips for Crafting a Winning Upwork Proposal Cover Letter

Creating a strong cover letter for your Upwork proposal can make all the difference when it comes to winning a job and building a successful freelance career. Here are some tips to help you craft a powerful cover letter that shows off your skills and wins over potential clients:

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter with a clear and professional introduction that outlines who you are, what you do, and why you’re a good fit for the job. This will help the client understand your experience and qualifications upfront.

2. Highlight your skills: Use your cover letter to showcase your most in-demand skills, including any certifications or experience you have in specific tools or software. Be sure to tie your skills back to the client’s needs and explain why you’re the best candidate to fulfill them.

3. Demonstrate your experience: Use your cover letter to highlight your past work experience, including any projects that are relevant to the job at hand. This will help the client see how your skills and expertise have prepared you for this opportunity.

4. Be specific: Avoid generic language and demonstrate your attention to detail by using specific examples and data points to illustrate your skills and experience. This will help the client understand exactly how you can help them and what sets you apart from other applicants.

5. Be concise: Keep your cover letter brief and to the point, focusing on the most important information and avoiding lengthy explanations or unnecessary details. This will show the client that you value their time and can communicate clearly and efficiently.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and potential to help clients achieve their goals. Good luck!

FAQs Related to Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Proposal

Why should I include a cover letter in my Upwork proposal?

Including a cover letter in your Upwork proposal can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your skills and experience to potential clients. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and make a good first impression.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job posting and include information about your relevant skills and experience. You should also highlight any past successes or achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality work. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the job and explain why you’re the best fit for the position.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically no more than one or two paragraphs. You don’t want to overwhelm the client with too much information, but you also want to provide enough detail to pique their interest and make a strong case for why you should be hired.

Should I use a template for my cover letter?

Using a template can be a good starting point for your cover letter, but it’s important to personalize it for each job application. Make sure you customize the language and content to match the specific job posting and highlight how your skills and experience align with the client’s needs.

Can I attach samples of my work to my cover letter?

Yes, if you have relevant samples of your work that demonstrate your skills and experience, you can include them as attachments to your cover letter. This can help the client get a better sense of your capabilities and make a more informed decision about whether to hire you for the job.

Should I mention my rate in my cover letter?

It’s generally not necessary to mention your rate in your cover letter, as this can be discussed later on in the hiring process. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and experience and making a strong case for why you’re the best fit for the job.

What can I do to make my cover letter stand out?

To make your cover letter stand out, be sure to personalize it for each job application and focus on your relevant skills and experience. Use strong action verbs and concrete examples to demonstrate your past successes and show how you can add value to the client’s project. Finally, be sure to proofread your cover letter for errors and typos before submitting it.

Happy Writing!

I hope you found this sample cover letter for Upwork proposal helpful. Remember to always customize your cover letter to the specific job and client you are applying to. Confidence, enthusiasm, and attention to detail are important elements that employers look for in a cover letter. Thanks for reading and please come back again to read more tips and tricks for successful freelancing. Happy writing!

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How to start working on Upwork: Everything you must know as a beginner

Upwork is the leading online work board that is unequivocally specially crafted to connect advisors with associations that search for capable organizations. As we all know, getting a job on an Upwork is quite a task and frustrating. Even sales teams use Upwork to attract clients. 

So I am writing this blog to help all such people out and share my experience of how I got my first job as a freelancer. Due to the pandemic, many people got unemployed, which is a great way to start working as a freelancer.

So first things first…

How to create a profile on Upwork?

Making an attractive profile that appeals to clients is the first thing to do on Upwork. Your profile is one of the most crucial factors on Upwork. Your profile on Upwork is like your resume, which makes the very first impression on the recruiter.

Did you know that nearly one-third of jobs on Upwork are invite-only, which means that many clients search for freelancers with the skill they need and invite them to bid on their career?

When you begin working away at Upwork, you will see a ‘My details’ tab in the find work menu choice where you can see every one of the insights connected with your Upwork profile, for example, how frequently your profile has been found somewhat recently. It likewise has a chart that addresses what your profile sees.

You most certainly need to check this tab as you are working on a profile since it shows your profile culmination. 100% profile fulfillment is likewise a necessity for the top-of-the-line status on Upwork so you can comprehend the reason why finishing your profile is basic.

Upwork has wholly redesigned the profile layout, and there are a lot of new badges. Each badge has different requirements.

Have a good looking profile picture

A profile picture is the first impression of a person, so it is the first thing a client clicks on while going through tons of job applications. Clients usually click on your profile because of your profile picture, title, and two-three lines of introduction.

Your profile picture must be clear and high resolution, with a smiling face and a decent background. For instance: The client is going through various job applications, and now he has to choose between a blank look or a smiling one; which one do you think he would prefer.

Profile title

A profile title must describe your skill set. For instance: I’m a motion graphic artist, so I will add this keyword to my profile so that people pay attention to my profile whenever they look for a motion graphic artist.

Profile video

When you open your profile, you will see a video play button just beneath your profile pic, which is planned so that client can meet you. When a client comes to your page, they can tap on the play button with the goal that the client can get an opportunity to see you, hear you talk, and realize you more before meeting you.

All you want to do is record a brief video of yourself discussing your abilities and the administrations you offer. It needn’t bother with being a long video; keep it 5-minutes or less. Center around the worth that you give to clients.

A great introduction video will build your opportunity to get your incredible work massively.

Profile Overview

One must be creative in the first two lines of their profile and try to explain your services and skills and how you will provide Value to your clients.

Availability

Make your accessibility recorded according to client needs and make your accessibility precise to how much work you can take on.

To be successful, you don’t need a college degree; list your degrees here and all the certifications you have.

Client reviews

When you snatch your incredible work and convey it according to the client’s prerequisites and attempt to get your clients to give you criticism for your work, it fundamentally helps you expand your profile evaluations. 

Thus, remember that to get a 5-star rating, you need to offer some incentive to your client.

Work portfolio

You can find this section at the bottom of your profile to feature the work you have done beyond the Upwork or perhaps the job you have accomplished for your organization while you are taking care of your business or entry-level position.

Keep updating your profile

You must update your profile, just like you update your skillset.

How to find the right jobs and apply fast?

One must apply for the job as soon as the job is posted, within a few minutes, so that the client may shortlist you. As a beginner, you might need a competitive advantage to get the job. 

So to apply fast and to relevant job posts, you can add filters that will make it easier for you to find jobs.

Check activity and client history

Before applying for any job, one must check the client’s history or background. You can also get more info about the client from the client’s work history section, which is at the bottom of the area when you click on the job. 

You can get the client’s name and the organization he was working for and the review of the previous freelancer with whom the client has worked.

Write a winning job letter

The format of your job letter plays a vital role in grabbing your first job. You must be creative and must not copy it from somewhere else. These are some main points that I consider while writing a cover letter.

• Grab attention and hook the client fast.
• Be creative and think from the client’s perspective.
• Provide samples of your work that directly relate to the client’s job.
• Provide the client data and proof that you can be trusted for the job.
• Tell the client what makes you different from others.
• Give the client a reason why hiring you is best for them.
• Cause the client to take action.

Provide value to the client

One must work hard enough and try to deliver beyond the client’s expectations, even if it requires more hours to pour in. You must try to have it per the client’s requirement and provide Value to them. Try to put yourself in their shoes and think from the client’s perspective.

Consistency, work ethic and motivation

One must be consistent and must update their client about the work regularly. It would help if you stuck with your work ethic and must work according to the client’s requirements. Don’t count the labor hours, and try to measure how much Value you have provided the client.

One Quote which I want to share with you guys which motivates me a lot while working is:

 “There are no working hours for winners.”

Closing words

I hope this blog will be helpful for you guys. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start your freelancing at Upwork today!

To convert leads into sales in Upwork, you will also need to understand how to negotiate. To know more check out the blogs in www.webdew.com . 

Don’t forget to check out vacancies at webdew’s career page !

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out was originally published on Vault .

It's a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they're looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here's another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I'm rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I've organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,' but I don't like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I've attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I've opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you'll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don't have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone's attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there's a big difference between saying you're a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don't know me, so let me show you exactly why I'm completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

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