How to get your Upwork profile approved (even if you’ve been rejected 10 times)

According to CEO Stephane Kasriel, Upwork gets 10,000 new signups EVERY DAY.

As the site grows more popular, they’re also becoming more selective with who can apply for jobs. Lately, I’ve been getting an increasing number of emails from readers who are having a hard time getting their profile approved.

I know this can be frustrating. So today, I’m going to share the proven strategies my team and I have tested behind the scenes to increase your profile’s chances of being approved by Upwork.

Before we dive in, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

1. Upwork’s rejection policy is a GOOD thing. Because it’s the best freelancing site in the world, a LOT of people want to make an account. Having a screening process means that when your profile does get approved, you’ll face far less competition and your account will be even more valuable.

2. When Upwork rejects a profile, it’s not happening randomly or arbitrarily. When a client searches for freelancers, Upwork uses an algorithm based on a specific set of criteria to determine who shows up, and in what order. While the account approval process may have a human component as well, it’s likely that the first “line of defense” is an algorithm similar to what they use to deliver up search results. If you take time to think about WHAT Upwork is looking for and WHY, you can take steps to significantly increase your chance of being approved. (These steps will also give you a better shot at being hired and quickly boosting your freelance career.)

3. If Upwork rejects your profile, it’s not the end. Even if you don’t get approved, you can always make some changes and resubmit your profile. There’s no reason to stop trying if you’re rejected the first (or second, or third) time.

How to get your Upwork profile approved:
Show Upwork you’re a serious professional – right from the start
Tell Upwork EVERYTHING you can do
Never choose just one work subcategory
Try your best to list the maximum number of skills
Don’t undersell your experience level
Let Upwork calculate a personalized “rate tip”
Make sure your title isn’t too vague (or too specific)
Go beyond the bare minimum with your profile overview
Yes, you DO have employment history
Include ALL your education (not just college degrees)
Treat your profile like a resume
Bolster your profile with a few portfolio pieces (or make some quickly if you don’t have any)
Have your other professional accounts “vouch” for you
Prove yourself with Upwork’s skill tests
Keep improving your profile and try again

Thanks