So, you're new to oDesk. And you're so excited because you've got your profile to look just perfect. And then it happens. Finally, you can start looking for that perfect milestone - your first job.
Except that it doesn't seem to be going very well, does it? There are thousands of potential projects posted up, and you only get 20 chances to apply. What do you do? How can you make sure you don't waste one of your applications on a scam? Are there scams?
Of course there are scams! The people who post projects at oDesk, just as in every other freelancing site, are humans. And whenever a demographic group of humans do anything, especially in business, there are always humans within the group who will try to run a scam. As a contractor, it's up to you to protect yourself. And the best way to do that is to learn how to spot the bad employers right up front.
First - The employers looking for a Rockstar. Feel free to replace the word "Rockstar" with Guru, Maestro, or Extraordinaire. Okay, not every client who uses these words is bad - but it's still a red flag to watch out for. Why? Because 95% of the time, clients who are looking for guru-extraordinaire are also looking for a guru-extraordinaire who can do it all. Most of the time, they actually describe 3-4 different jobs in these descriptions and they expect to pay just one person. Well, I'm pretty sure you already know, if you've dedicated time to specializing in anything, chances are you aren't a guru at everything. Most of the time, these jobs have unrealistic goals that end in unhappy experiences.
Second - The employer who will ONLY PAY $XX! Ugh, these are annoying. And as tempting as it might be for you to go "hm... maybe I should apply just to get the feedback...?" Stop. All you'll be doing is encouraging these employers who will realize that it's okay because contractors will bid. As soon as you see this phrase, move on. Don't waste your time.
Third - Employers looking to give you your big chance. Approach these posts with caution. There are a lot of clients who purposely seek out the new contractors because they know just how hard they're trying to find a job. Statistically, newcomers to oDesk fall to employer scams more than anyone else. And about 75% of the time, it's because of a job post that is "perfect for newcomers or contractors looking for feedback!"
Fourth - The employers requiring samples. Your cover letter, profile and portfolio should be enough to prove your skills and abilities to any client. Employers asking you to provide more than that are more than likely running a scam and asking the same thing from every applicant. Never work for free!
Fifth - The employer who claims that his job is simple. Most of the time, if the job description claims that it is so easy, so simple, will only take a few minutes... they just don't have a clue what the job entails. Yes, some jobs really are just so easy and so simple you can get them done in less time than it would take to log into the oDesk Team App to log your time. But most of the time, I've seen these jobs turn into something very different. Either more tasks and endless responsibilities piled on without any increase in money, or the employer really didn't know what he was asking for and the job ends up being much larger than he knew, or it's a bait and switch.
Any of these five items within a job description should act as a red flag for you - apply at your own risk. Not every employer who refuses to pay more than $XX for the next guru-extraordinaire who desperately needs feedback and is willing to send in a new, free sample is a scam artist. But approach these jobs with extreme caution. Do not jump in headfirst. Remember - freelancing is your business. And no one can run your business but you.
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