Understanding ‘Connects’ on Upwork

Connects are a form of virtual currency used within the Upwork platform. They represent the opportunity to submit proposals for jobs.

How Connects Work?

You would require Connects to send a proposal to a client on any job posting that matches your skill set. Think of these Connects as ‘bids’ or ‘chances’ that you are employing to persuade potential clients to hire you for their job post.

• For most jobs, a proposal will cost you 2-6 Connects, depending on the job’s size.
• Note that if a client directly invites you to interview, you won’t need to use any Connects.
• Also, using Connects does not guarantee you the job, it is just an entry to be considered for the job.

How to Earn Connects?

As a freelancer, there are three primary ways to gain Connects:

• Monthly Allocation: Freelancers on ‘Upwork Basic’ get 10 free Connects every month. Freelancers on ‘Upwork Plus’ get 80 free Connects every month.
• Purchase: If you run out, you can buy more Connects according to a pre-designated price. The usual price is $0.15 per Connect.
• Job Success: You can earn bonus connects based on your Job Success Score.

Remember, the effective use of Connects can help you maintain a steady stream of proposals to potential clients, thus increasing your chances of getting hired.

Summary

Connects play an integral part in your Upwork job search. Make sure to use them wisely and try to offer quality proposals that genuinely reflect your skills and experiences, rather than sending out mass proposals to every job post.