How Proposals Look to Clients on Upwork

When a client posts a job on Upwork, they will receive multiple proposals from freelancers interested in accomplishing their project. As a freelancer, understanding how your proposal appears to the client can significantly impact your approach to writing and submitting proposals.

The Structure of a Proposal on Upwork

A freelance proposal on Upwork consist of three parts:

• Cover Letter: This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest in the project, explain why you are the ideal candidate for the job, and ask relevant questions.
• Job Success Score & Profile Overview: These sections hold your public feedback, work history, portfolio, skills, and tests.
• Proposed Terms: Here, you’ll set your bid (either an hourly rate or fixed price, depending on the terms of the job), estimated timeline, and any other proposed terms or milestones specific to the job.

What Clients See

When clients view your proposals, they see the following:

• Cover Letter: This is the first thing they see. It needs to be highly personalized and tailored to the specific job posting.
• Job Success Score & Work History: Clients can see your past work history, your Job Success Score, and the feedback given by your past clients.
• Profile Overview: This comes next, which includes your photo, title, overview, skills, and portfolio uploads.
• Proposed Terms: Lastly, they see your bid, estimated timeline, and payment terms.

Consider the Client’s Perspective

When proposing, always keep the client’s viewpoint in mind. They are looking for the best freelancer to accomplish their project, so your proposal should demonstrate that you are that person.Consider their project needs, expectations, and what they are looking for in a freelancer, and then tailor your proposal to these elements. Be concise, professional, and personable.Remember, your proposal is not just about selling your skills and experiences; it’s also about building a connection with the client and proving that you understand their needs.