oDesk - how to write a cover letter

Question

Freelance

When applying for a job, you need to set a rate (for hourly orders) or an amount (for Fixed Price). But you still need to write a cover letter, and even preferably in such a way as to stand out among the Indians.

In the cover letter, as I understand it, you need to indicate information about yourself (a little) and information about the customer’s project (to convince the customer that I understand how to complete the task and that I was interested in his project).

Also, for some tasks, you need to enter a word there (customers write it in the text of the task and ask to enter it in a cover letter to protect against spammers) - to some extent gives information to the customer at least that the contractor has read the description of the project.

But here's an example. Convert PSD to HTML (or WordPress theme, doesn't matter). The task is quite simple and will allow you to get the first feedback (since it is almost guaranteed to be completed, provided that it is given).

If I'm new to oDesk, how can I convince the customer that I'm the right fit for them? How can I convince the customer that I am interested in his project and can complete it (if there is not even any information about the project, just convert PDS to HTML)? Or maybe just write in a cover letter how good I am (I know such and such technologies) - but then such a cover letter can be copied to all similar projects, and something tells me that it will not differ much from the Hindu one.

What options have you tried:

1) I have 5 years of experience in web development. It's easy project and I can perform it quickly.

2) I am a beginner on oDesk, but I have 3 years of web development experience. It's good project for me to start. I can do it for you fast and with quality.

3) Please, show me your PSD.

4) I can perform this project on holidays. Please show me your PSD.

5) I have 5 years of experience in web development (in Russia). It's simple task. I'm ready to start immediately!

Something tells me that something is wrong here (cover letters are somehow unconvincing). That's just what...

Answer 1

0. Say Hi. If the customer has a name, use the name: Hi John.
1. Introduce yourself (I'm Ivan XXX and...) and describe yourself a little, but not just “I am like that”, but through the project - this is a good match for my skills or this is exactly the kind of job I do over the past few years..
2. If you have questions about the project, ask. By doing this, you will, in particular, show that you have read the description. If the customer wants the strange, but there is a better option, also write right here.
3. Offer the following action - send the PSD, etc.
Do not write that the project is easy or simple. You haven't seen the PSD yet :) (And beware of clients who write easy or simple.) Don't write quickly - again, you don't know the project and quickly is different for different people. Write that you can start immediately and there is a field for the expected date, put less than a week.
Well, do not be afraid to mess up a lot - sometimes speed is more important. There must have been some Indians there.

Answer 2

Guessed the author without looking. Write to the point. Howto complete.

Answer 3

Almost all the answers are here, why are you too lazy to just read it once?
pumainthailand.com/otvechayu-na-voprosy-o-workote-na-amerikanskoj-frilanserskoj-birzhe-odesk-com/

Answer 4

#2 looks more convincing.

Answer 5

I wrote about the second option, and quite often I received answers and even work.

Answer 6

In my opinion, a cover letter must meet the following requirements:
- it is necessary to show your technical level, especially if the client himself is professionally versed in the subject of the project;
- it is necessary to ask several questions and offer several solutions to some of the tasks already in the cover letter;
- if there is a link to a larger TOR, you must definitely read it and show in the cover letter that you do not want to waste his time and have already read all the available information.
- it is desirable to say why you are interested in working on this particular project (perhaps you have a hobby associated with it)?
- it is very important to indicate that you have previously completed a similar project, perhaps you have used the necessary technologies.
- willingness to do a test task - a guarantee to the client that you are an adequate person and will be able to do the job. As a rule, no one gives a test task.
You can read more about writing a cover letter here - jff.name/odesk-write-cover-letter