If you’ve been applying for jobs on Upwork and hearing nothing but crickets, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for new — and even seasoned — freelancers.
But here’s the good news: in most cases, not getting hired isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. It usually means something in your profile, proposal, or strategy needs a little fine-tuning. And that’s something we can fix.
At RPT Virtual Services, Robert & I coach clients through this stage all the time. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve hit a dry spell, here are the most common reasons freelancers aren’t landing jobs on Upwork — and ideas to try to fix that.
- Your Profile Isn’t Speaking to Clients
Let’s start with your profile. Think of it as your storefront — it’s the first thing a potential client sees.
Ask yourself:
- Is my headline client-focused? (Ex: “Helping Clients Create Engaging Blog Content” instead of “Experienced Writer”)
- Does my overview talk about what I do or can do for clients, not just what I’ve done in the past?
- Am I using keywords that match the jobs I’m applying for?
Even small tweaks to your wording can boost your visibility in searches — and help you stand out when clients land on your profile.
- Your Proposals Are Too Generic
Upwork proposals are brief and impactful — you need to grab the client’s attention quickly. If your proposal begins with “Dear Sir or Madam” or jumps straight into your resume, you’re missing the point.
Try:
- Opening with a direct reference to their project
- Mentioning the results you’ve delivered on similar work
- Asking a question or suggesting an idea to show you’re already thinking ahead
Tailoring your proposal doesn’t take long, and it can make a huge difference.
- Your Portfolio Is Missing or Weak
No samples? No problem — as long as you’re willing to create a few.
Even if you haven’t had a paid client yet, you can build a portfolio. Write a sample article. Design a mock brochure. Record a quick intro video. Show what you can do.
Aim for 2–3 polished pieces that align with the types of jobs you want to get. Quality matters more than quantity.
- You’re Applying to the Wrong Jobs
It’s tempting to apply to everything — especially when you’re eager to land your first job. But applying to the wrong types of projects can lead to frustration and burnout.
Before you click “Submit a Proposal,” ask:
- Does this job match my skills and background?
- Is the client clear about what they need?
- Is the pay in line with the work?
Focus on jobs where you’re a strong match and the client is actively hiring. Quality over quantity really is the key here.
- You’re Not Using Specialized Profiles
If you offer more than one service — say, blog writing and resume writing — you should be using specialized profiles. These help Upwork match you with better jobs in each category and allow you to tailor your content accordingly.
Think of specialized profiles as mini homepages for each skillset. Make sure the language, skills, and samples match the type of work you’re targeting.
- You Need Outside Feedback
Sometimes we’re just too close to our own work. You might not realize that your overview sounds too general, or that your proposals are coming off a little too formal or stiff.
This is where our coaching can help. We’ve reviewed hundreds of profiles and proposals — and we can often spot what’s missing in minutes. It’s why we do what we do!
- You’ve Got to Keep Going
It can be discouraging when you’re doing everything right and still not landing work. But freelancing is a long game, and every proposal you write helps you get better.
Upwork also favors freelancers who are active and consistent. The more you refine your approach, the more Upwork’s algorithm learns to display your profile to the most suitable clients.
So, hang in there. Keep applying. Keep learning. And know that you don’t have to do it alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t forget to watch our YouTube video: https://youtu.be/QC6OXD3SZu8
Need Help with Your Profile or Proposals?
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, we’re happy to help. At RPT Virtual Services, Robert and I specialize in coaching freelancers who are starting over — or starting fresh — with flexible online work.
Reach out for one-on-one coaching or check out our other free resources on YouTube. Contact us at info@rptvirtualservices.com.
Your next job could be just one great proposal away.