How to Get Work on Upwork with No Experience: Land Your First Client Today

Getting your first job on Upwork when you have no platform experience is tough. I won’t sugarcoat it. You’re competing against freelancers who’ve been there for years, building impressive portfolios and collecting stellar reviews.

Yet, every successful Upworker started exactly where you are right now. A blank Upwork profile with zero earnings and no reviews. Just like how I started in 2015 as a newbie writer. 

So, how do you break through as a complete beginner? Learning how to get work on Upwork with no experience takes a strategic approach.

You’ll need to create a compelling profile, write proposals that actually get read, and position yourself in ways that make clients want to take a chance on you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps.

Key Takeaways

Getting work on Upwork with no experience becomes achievable with the right strategy and consistent effort.  Here are the essential steps to land your first client:

• Specialize in a niche that combines your existing skills and interests rather than positioning yourself as a generalist 
• Create a 100% complete profile with professional photos, keyword-rich descriptions, and portfolio samples (even mock projects work) 
• Target entry-level jobs with clear requirements and write personalized proposals that address specific client needs 
• Set competitive but fair rates and focus on delivering exceptional work to build your first 5-star reviews 

Your success depends on persistence, quality delivery, and building genuine relationships with clients who can become repeat customers and provide referrals.

12 Proven Steps to Get Work on Upwork Without Experience

Most freelancers who start applying for jobs on Upwork without a clear strategy are like trying to hit a target blindfolded. If you do the same, you’ll quickly burn through your Connects with no results to show for it.

Here’s how to prepare yourself when signing up for Upwork. 

1. Choose a niche that matches your strengths

Deep subject matter expertise is now more important to companies hiring freelancers than having a broad skill set. So instead of casting a wide net, go narrow. Don’t repeat the mistakes that other freelancers make. They try to be everything to everyone.

“I can do writing, design, virtual assistance, and social media management.”

When you do this, you’re giving the impression that you’re a jack of all trades but master of none. 

So, think about your background differently. Maybe you worked in retail for five years before deciding to freelance as a writer. That retail experience? It’s gold when you’re pitching to e-commerce businesses that need product descriptions.

The sweet spot is where three things intersect: 

• what you enjoy.
• what you’re naturally good at.
• what clients actually need. 

Personally, I leveraged my engineering background heavily when I pivoted to writing. As a result, I landed several tech clients that see value in my technical experience. 

2. Create a complete and keyword-rich Upwork profile

Your Upwork profile isn’t a resume. It’s a sales page. It also doubles up as SEO for freelancers. Clients search for specific terms, and you want to show up in those results. Strategically place relevant keywords throughout your profile, especially in your title and overview.

But here’s what most beginners get wrong — they focus on credentials instead of results. Clients don’t care if you have a degree in marketing. They care if you can help them solve their problems.  Worse, some freelancers fail to complete their Upwork profile, which costs them visibility on the platform. 

So, spend time completing your Upwork profile. If you’re stuck, ask yourself these questions:

• What problems have you solved in previous jobs?
• What makes your approach different from others?
• What results can you point to from any work you’ve done?
• What unique perspective do you bring?

Maybe you don’t have freelancing experience, but you’ve managed social media for a local restaurant and helped them double their followers. That’s a result. That’s value.

Additionally, select skills that align with your target projects, as these help Upwork match you with suitable job opportunities.

3. Use a professional photo and write a client-focused bio

Your headshot should be clear, professional, and meet Upwork’s specifications: minimum 250 x 250 pixels with good lighting and a plain background.

4. Add mock projects or past work as samples

A portfolio tells prospective clients what you can do, and it can significantly increase your chance of being hired. It’s a classic case of ‘show, don’t tell’. According to Upwork, talent who’ve published portfolios are hired nine times more often than those who haven’t. 

Each portfolio item should tell a story. Show your process, explain your decisions, and demonstrate how you solve problems. Here’s how I showcased projects from my latest clients on Upwork. 

But what if you don’t have any paid projects to show?

Create them.

That’s what I often tell those who want to hustle on Upwork or start their freelancing journey elsewhere. When I started as a writer, I used my personal blogs as portfolios. Somehow, they managed to convince my first few clients to hire me. If you need more ideas on what to include and how to present your work effectively, I’ve covered this topic in depth in my guide on building a strong freelance portfolio.

5. Take relevant Upwork skill tests

When you have no work history on the platform, skill tests become your credibility boosters. High scores on Upwork skill tests compensate for limited work history.

These tests show up on your profile and help clients quickly assess your capabilities. They also boost your visibility in search results.

Pick tests that align with your niche and study for them. A high score beats no score every time. But remember, only take tests that you’re confident in because you’ll need to wait for a specific period, and you can retake them again. 

6. Set a competitive but fair starting rate

Pricing is tricky when you have no track record. Too low, and clients assume you’re not worth much. Too high, and they’ll pick someone with proven results.

Research what other entry-level freelancers charge in your niche. Then price yourself in the middle of that range. You’re not trying to be the cheapest or the most expensive — you’re trying to be the safest choice.

If you’re in doubt, you can search how much other freelancers are charging on Upwork. 

1. Google Upwork hourly rate for [job role].
2. Click on the Upwork page in the search results. 
3. Check out the rate chart.

You can price your service between the minimum and medium rates to remain competitive. 

When I started, I was nervous about charging too high. So, I set a heavily discounted rate ($8 per hour), thinking that it would land me more jobs. Well, it didn’t. And for the few clients I landed, I ended up overworked and feeling underpaid. Eventually, I raised my rate after I’ve built a stronger Upwork profile. 

7. Search for entry-level jobs with clear requirements

Start with the “Entry Level” filter. I know it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many beginners skip this and chase jobs meant for experienced freelancers.

To get work on Upwork with no experience, focus on roles that match your current skill level and clearly defined requirements. Look for projects where the client has spelt out exactly what they want. Vague job posts like “Need help with marketing” are red flags. But a post that says “Need 10 product descriptions, 150 words each, for kitchen gadgets” tells you everything you need to know.

These initial jobs might pay less than you’d like. That’s okay. Because you’re working for reviews and reputation. In fact, that was my strategy as a newbie Upworker. I spent the first 2 years tackling jobs that pay low, or others aren’t keen to take. My goal was to collect enough positive reviews so I could stand a higher chance of landing better-paying clients. 

8. Narrow down your search with filters.

Often, entry-level jobs can get quite competitive. If you don’t want to spend time going through each of them, start your search with these filters turned on. 

• Number of proposals (Less than 5). 
• Payment verified. 
• Hires (At least 1-9.) 

These combinations will give you jobs that you can potentially land because of low competition and experienced clients. At the same time, you also avoid scams because they don’t usually validate their payment method. They are my strategy during my first couple of years on Upwork. 

9. Write personalized proposals that address client needs

How to get work on Upwork with no experience heavily depends on crafting proposals that catch clients’ attention. Your proposal should immediately show you understand what they need. These are my personal guidelines when crafting proposals. 

• Skip the generic “I’m excited about this opportunity” opening. Instead, dive straight into their specific challenge.
• Keep it short. Clients skim through dozens of proposals. If yours takes more than 30 seconds to read, you’ve already lost.
• Focus on results, not features. Don’t tell them you’re “detail-oriented” — show them how your attention to detail will solve their specific problem.
• Include portfolio. Show the prospect similar projects you’ve done. Include a screenshot of your design, a link to your published article, or a video of how you analyze data. 

I wrote an extensive guide about writing Upwork proposals here. 

10. Follow up professionally if you don’t hear back

Most proposals disappear into the void. That doesn’t mean your proposal was bad — clients often get overwhelmed with responses.

Wait a few days, then send a brief follow-up. Not a desperate “Please hire me” message, but a helpful “Let me know if you need any clarification” note.

But know when to move on. If they haven’t responded after one follow-up, focus your energy on new opportunities. 

Remember, landing your first job is often about persistence and timing as much as skill. I remember applying to dozens of jobs before landing my first one. But your results might be different. 

11. Stay consistent and keep applying daily

Consistency is what separates successful freelancers from those who fade away. Even when you have work, keep applying to new jobs. 

When I started on Upwork, I spent most of the time hunting and applying to suitable opportunities. Those hours eventually pay off. Eventually, I didn’t have to spend so much time hunting for jobs. As my profile got more visible, I began getting invites. And those invites tend to result in higher chances of success. 

12. Deliver great results

When you’ve finally landed one, deliver great results. Treat every project with the same level of care, whether it’s a $50 task or a $5000 contract. That’s because your reputation on Upwork becomes your most valuable asset. Because I strived to consistently deliver quality results, some of my clients refer me to others on Upwork. 

Starting Your Upwork Journey Without Experience

Launching your freelance career on Upwork without prior experience can feel overwhelming. You might even question whether you can make money from the platform. But learning how to get work on Upwork is all about strategy and persistence.

The strategies I’ve shared aren’t theory – they’re what actually works. Build your profile thoughtfully. Write proposals that address real client needs. Deliver exceptional work on every project, no matter how small.

Most importantly, don’t give up after a few rejections. The freelancers who succeed are the ones who keep applying, keep improving, and keep showing up consistently.

Good luck.

FAQs

Is it possible to get work on Upwork without prior experience? 

Yes, it’s possible to find work on Upwork as a beginner. While it may be challenging, many clients are open to hiring new freelancers who demonstrate the right skills and enthusiasm for the job. Focus on entry-level jobs, create a strong profile, and write tailored proposals to increase your chances of landing your first contract.

How can I make my Upwork profile stand out as a new freelancer? 

To make your profile stand out, ensure it’s 100% complete with a professional photo and a keyword-rich overview. Create a portfolio showcasing your skills, even if it includes mock projects or personal work. Take relevant Upwork skill tests to demonstrate your expertise, and write a client-focused bio that highlights the value you can provide.

What’s the best way to write proposals on Upwork as a beginner? 

Write short, personalized proposals that directly address the client’s needs. Focus on how you can solve their specific problem rather than listing your qualifications. Keep your message concise, highlight relevant skills or experience, and end with a clear call-to-action. Tailor each proposal to the job description to show you’ve read and understood the requirements.

How should I set my rates on Upwork when starting out? 

When setting your initial rates, research what other freelancers with similar experience charge in your niche. Start with competitive but fair rates that reflect your skills and the value you provide. Consider offering slightly lower rates for your first few projects to build your reputation, but avoid underpricing yourself significantly as it may signal low quality to clients.

What strategies can help me land my first job on Upwork? 

To land your first job, apply consistently to relevant entry-level positions, optimize your profile for Upwork’s search algorithm, and create a small portfolio of sample work. Consider boosting your proposals to increase visibility. Focus on delivering exceptional work for your first clients to earn positive reviews, which will help you attract more work in the future. Stay persistent and keep refining your approach based on feedback and results.