When I started my freelancing career with
oDesk
, a lot of people have been asking me how they should go about the registration process as a freelance provider. I figured it may not be as easy as registering for an
email account that I decided to post
oDesk's registration instructions here.
So, to you folks out there, this is for you:
2. Click on the 'Create an Account' link in the upper right hand corner of the oDesk homepage.
3. Select Freelance Provider - I want to earn money as an independent contractor.
4. Fill out the form that appears. Double check all your entries before you click the continue button.
NOTE: Pay special attention to the Username box. It will be automatically filled out by oDesk (usually, it will be a combination your first initial and last name). You will not be able change your username after your account has been created.
5. You will see the 'Post your Profile: Checklist'. You have to complete all four sections before you can start applying to jobs.
6. Check the email address you provided in step 2 above. Look for an email with the subject: Please verify your email address.
Click the link in the email, or paste the URL into your browser. When the page loads, press 'Click here to continue.'
7. Fill out your contact information. You must provide a Yahoo Messenger ID (for interviewing with buyers), phone number (in case oDesk needs to contact you about your account), City, Country, and Timezone. Although not required, we would appreciate your letting us know how you heard about oDesk - please be as specific as possible. Double check all your entries before you press the Save and Continue button.
NOTE: Be especially careful when selecting a country. It will not be user-editable in your profile (you'll have to contact oDesk support if you need to change it).
8. Now you are ready to complete the initial setup of your oDesk profile. Select the job categories you are interested in. Check the box next to Job Alerts if you want to receive job listing updates via email (you'll be able to set up an RSS/Atom Feed later, if you prefer). Select a Primary Role (the job title that sounds most like what you're looking for). Set the Hourly Rate to display inyour profile (buyers will see the calculated total). Select your availability (between 5-40 hours per week). Fill in a title for yourself, and try to make it sound interesting. Double check all your entries before you press the Save and Continue button.
9. Review the oDesk Marketplace User Agreement. You may click the Printable version link for a file you can save for your records. After you've reviewed the User Agreement, you will need to check the box to indicate that you agree to our terms, conditions, and policies. Then press the Save and Continue button.
10. Now you should have a green check mark next to all four steps on the profile checklist. Press the Post my Profile button to officially list yourself as an oDesk provider.
11. You'll be taken directly to the Profile & Settings portion of the My oDesk tab. You should begin to fill out the rest of your profile right away.
All oDesk providers must pass the oDesk Readiness Test. You cannot apply to job openings unless you are oDesk Ready. This open book test is designed as a tutorial to help familiarize users with oDesk policies and practices. (effective June 4, 2008)
Good luck and Happy oDesk Earning!
