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How to Write a Winning Upwork Cover Letter (+Sample)

Crafting an Upwork cover letter that wins you the job is one of the two things that drive new Upworkers crazy (the other being how to get approved on Upwork ).

This drove me crazy too when I started out. In fact, I must have spent countless hours and sent so many proposals before I started getting replies.

I almost purchased a $300 course just to get access to their community’s Upwork proposal vault.

If you’re in a similar position, you have come to the right place.

In this article, let’s discuss how to write an effective Upwork proposal cover letter that will win you the job.

Let’s get this started!

From Zero to Hero

When I started using Upwork, it was a while until I was able to land a contract.

When I did manage to land my first contract, I thought I had cracked the code and all I had to do was submit the same cover letter again and again.

Here’s what that (cringy and embarrassing) cover letter looks like:

(Good thing it happened before Upwork started banning accounts who submit way too many proposals without getting an offer.)

Using that stinky cover letter above, I still receive a few replies. But that’s it — no new offers or whatsoever.

Two realizations hit me:

• I knew then that I didn’t crack the code.
• Canned, word for word cover letters don’t work.

After three years, here’s my marketing effectiveness:

Stick until the end and I will show you an example of an Upwork cover letter I used to land a premium deal with a client.

Now, here’s how to make your cover letters better:

Sign up for exclusive updates, tips, and strategies

Answer the Additional Questions First

Many job postings will require you to answer additional questions besides submitting a cover letter.

Here’s a good example:

As you can see, the cover letter comes first followed by the additional questions you have to answer.

Naturally, you may spend most of your energy trying to make that cover letter flawless and then, answer the additional questions with a one-line sentence only, like an afterthought.

What you may not know is that when the client reviews your proposal, he will see the additional questions first.

I discovered this when I posted a job on Upwork.

Here’s one of the answers I got:

As you can see, clients will see the answers to the questions first. The cover letter will be the last element. That’s why when you see questions in the job posts, focus your energy first on the questions.

In a way, additional questions are more important than the cover letter itself.

Address the Client by Name

Whether it’s an Upwork cover letter, a cold email, or a private message on Facebook, addressing the client by name has a great impact.

After all, names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language according to Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People book.

But does it really increase the effectiveness of your Upwork proposal?

Well, calling the client by name is just the first part of making your cover letter more personal.

It shows that you have done your research and most likely, the content of your cover letter isn’t canned.

As an example, let’s say that you’re the client and you need someone to write new articles on your website.

One of the proposals you received is this:

Would you hire him? Exactly!

The question is, where will you get the name of the client?

How to Find the Client’s Name

It’s easy enough when the job post has the client’s name.

Unfortunately, only around 1 of 10 posts has the client’s name.

If this is the case, scroll down to the client’s recent history and find reviews from past contractors that mentioned the client’s name.

For example, this job post doesn’t contain any clue about who the client is.

But on the client’s recent history, you will find two mentions of his name there.

Sometimes, you may find different names on the client’s history. Some may have addressed the client as Darren, Karen, or John.

To make matters easier, use the name mentioned in a review from a freelancer with similar services as you.

Let’s say that you’re a content writer. A past content writer left a review and addressed the client as John. In this case, use John in your cover letter.

There may also be instances when the client, together with his name, wrote the name of his company. There’s a lot of gold in here simply because you can make even more research.

One of my clients, when he posted the job, only displayed the company name. There was no clue about the recent history of his name. But since the company name was there, I was able to dig deeper.

Here’s a portion of the cover letter I sent that I’m quite sure caught his attention:

This has led to an active partnership. (I can also confirm that working with his particular client’s team is fun and exciting!)

Show Interest

By that, I don’t mean writing a line that says “I’m interested in your job post.”

There are usually two ways to do this:

• Make a suggestion
• Or ask a question

Let’s use this job post I found about a client looking for a content writer for his travel website:

Just because the job description was short, it doesn’t mean you have to put in the same effort and make your cover letter short.

This is often a mistake I see new freelancers do.

But how will you add value to a post as short as this?

If I were to submit a cover letter to do this job post, here’s what I would do:

• Explain to the client what an awesome about us page is and what it contains. (If you’re not aware, the about us page, in addition to telling your story, is an excellent waypoint to different pages or content on your website.)
• Include links to show him what I mean.
• Suggest how I can do the same.
• Ask him for a link to his website.

You can also show interest by mentioning something that only someone who dug deeper will be able to know. An example of this is the cover letter I showed in the earlier section where I mentioned something about the client’s team.

The Rate Matters

This part isn’t much about the cover letter itself but on what job post you submit your cover letter.

One of the things I have learned over the years is that there could be a mismatch between your rate and how much your client can afford or is willing to spend.

For example, no matter how good your cover letter is, it’s impossible for you to ask a high rate for this project.

How did I know this? Looking at the client’s recent history, he paid someone a measly $25 for an educational blog.

From the client’s recent history, you can be certain that he’s only looking for freelancers with (super) low rates.

One more thing: Avoid low-ballers .

These clients will not pay you for what you’re worth. You will only be wasting six connects which you could have used to submit a proposal to a premium project.

Further reading : There are a few job posts that have a high budget but will actually pay you peanuts — they lure freelancers by posting big budgets. This is one of the things I shared in my tips for Upworkers article . It’s perfect for those who are still starting out in Upwork.

Mention Your Experience

I have read numerous posts from “freelance gurus” that you don’t need experience to land premium contracts.

Although there’s truth to it, it’s not the whole truth.

As a client myself, I would like to make sure that the freelancer has the capability to do the tasks and that he’s willing to learn if he doesn’t have the skills yet.

However, freelancers who have previous similar experience and can prove it will most likely win the contract.

Why? Because it’s more certain that they will be able to do the job better and faster, which is a win for clients who go into hourly contracts with freelancers.

In addition to experience, include samples of related work or outcomes that you know the client will love.

For example, after including relevant samples of my work, this client has responded well to my cover letter and we ended up working together.

If you don’t have any relevant samples, just create one, and show it to the client.

Include a Call to Action

At the end of your cover letter, invite the client to do something. It’s proven that they will likely do something if you tell them exactly what to do.

It’s tempting to say “Hope to hear from you soon” or “Hoping for your kind consideration”. But it doesn’t really invite the client to do something.

Here are good examples of effective CTA (call to action):

• Hit that reply button over there to continue our conversation. (Favorite)
• How about we hop on a five-minute call to discuss your business needs?
• If you want to collaborate, let’s discuss it more over the chat.

I have been working with different combinations and so far, the first one has worked best for me. However, I don’t think there’s much difference as long as you keep your call to action, clear, specific, and easy to commit to.

Keep a Swipe File of Upwork Cover Letters

If you’re not familiar with what a swipe file is, it’s basically a folder where you keep all awesome ideas, copies, content, and ideas you have encountered.

In this case, keep a swipe file of Upwork cover letters that worked. Then, reverse engineer them and see why they work.

This is actually how I started improving my cover letter. I found and saved the winning cover letters I found online and try to understand why they worked.

I usually have three places where I store them:

• OneNote (favorite)
• Google drive
• Local drive

A piece of advice: save your cover letters that worked.

Here’s mine:

Since I have a record of what works and what doesn’t, I regularly update and optimize my cover letter to reflect what I recently learned.

That’s how I knew which call to action I thought worked best.

In addition, you may want to include links to your best work too. This makes it easier for you to swap out the samples you want to mention in the cover letter to make sure you only mention the most relevant work samples.

Example of a Winning Upwork Cover Letter

As promised, here is a cover letter I used to land a premium deal with a client.

Note that you can use the pattern I set but make sure you don’t use exact words. This cover letter was designed solely for the certain job post to this cover letter was submitted to.

In a gist, here’s how I did it:

Hey [name] , I’m sure you’ve got a lot of pitches to deal with so I’ll keep this short. I help [your target industry] [the outcome your client would like to get from your service] . In the past, I helped [a previous client you worked with] [the outcome you helped your previous client achieve – should be similar to the outcome the client would like to get] . Here are links to some of my work: – [link 1] – [link 2] – [link 3] [Ask a question or suggest something] Simply hit that “Reply” button over there so we could continue our conversation. Regards, [Your name]

Feel free to use this template.

Win Premium Clients With a Personalized Cover Letter

Writing a winning cover letter is easier than you think. But it will need a lot of practice and trial and error to finally get it right.

As I said, it took me so much time and proposals before I got a reply. From there, I continued optimizing it and seeing what works for my target clients and industry.

I’m definitely positive that as you practice and write more proposal cover letters, you will get better and win jobs.

And if you get lost, try the template I provided above.

Now it’s your turn. Here’s what to do now:

• Go back to Upwork and apply what you have learned from this article.
• Use the template and check my sample for inspiration.
• Get back here and let us know how it went.

And as always, let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment down below.

Alan is the founder of Work Pajama and other sites by Content Growers. When he's not writing here, he's busy helping clients generate more qualified leads and increase sales by educating readers with strategic content and writing blogs.

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25 comments.

I am new and wanted to have virtual work ASAP. Thank you for this blog, will surely help me with my application. Wish me luck!

Stay safe always.

Hey Genera! Glad you find this article helpful to you. I know you can do it! I was able to do it even without experience (or skills) at that time so there’s no way you can’t do it.

Keep it up!

Hi sir I just want to ask in upwork sometimes it offer milestone in specific job how can i break the budget into milestone and what will a put in the description of each milestone ? Thanks God bless

Thanks Alan. Let me go back and re-strategize

Thank you so much for sharing this very informative article. I’m about to start my GVA career… your blog post truly help me a lot. I hope I could make it in this industry.

Good luck on your journey!

I am inspired by your post and I made some notes out of it. I believe it will go a long way to help. Am a newbie in upwork; am good in data entry, typing and I can handle Microsoft Office. But I do not have any past experience in any company or works done before except personal. How do I start, my first cover letter was rejected. Please help out, I will appreciate it. Thanks

My most regards, Hilary

That is tricky since the skills you have are the same skills that 99% of Upworkers have. If I were you, better learn a better skill and try again. For every job post that needs basic stuff, the client probably gets 100+ proposals, so your chance of even being seen is super low. Hope this helps!

thanks so much for this awesome reply of you Alan. We’ve same issue with Hilary. I think your reply here will surely help. Better learn a better skill!

Good to know. Thanks for dropping by!

Thank you for this Allan. This is very useful specially for people like me, just starting careen on being a Virtual Assitant.

Happy to help!

Wow, great tips on writing an effective Upwork cover letter! I completely agree with you on the importance of mentioning your experience.

Including samples of related work or outcomes is also a fantastic idea. It provides concrete evidence of your skills and expertise, and it gives the client a glimpse of what they can expect from you. If you don’t have relevant samples, creating one specifically for the client is a brilliant approach to showcase your abilities.

I also appreciate the emphasis on including a clear call to action (CTA) in the cover letter. It’s true that clients are more likely to respond when you tell them exactly what to do. Your examples of effective CTAs are spot on, and it’s important to make them clear, specific, and easy to commit to.

Overall, these tips are insightful and practical. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience in writing Upwork cover letters. I will definitely implement them in my future proposals and strive for better results. Keep up the great work!

Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.

Thanks Eileen!

That’s quite an interesting read. Of late I figured out that it is very difficult to get new jobs in Upwork, though clients are viewing my proposal. So I feel the best way is to rewrite the proposals. Thanks a lot for your input.

Hi Alan, this was very very helpful and am looking forward to learn more from you. I would hope that a Q&A platform will be provided in place for people like us who would wanna feed from your brilliant experience. Thanks!

Thanks, Alin!

Just discovered your content through Google search. Awesome and unique content. Just about to start freelancing on Upwork and I can tell it is of a great help to me. I believe I’ve just find a good teacher here.☺️

Thank you Allan and God bless you.

Hey Patrick!

Appreciate the compliment. I wish you a good fortune on your journey.

Thank you Alan! hope it works. Good luck for everyone.

Hey Alan! Best inspiration tip, Thanks alot.

Excellent information. This article offers practical tips and a clear structure for crafting effective Upwork cover letters. It’s a valuable resource for freelancers looking to stand out and secure projects on the platform.

Thank you for this fantastic guide on writing a winning Upwork cover letter! The tips and sample you’ve shared are incredibly helpful for both beginners and experienced freelancers like myself.

The sample cover letter is a valuable resource. It not only demonstrates the principles you’ve outlined but also serves as an excellent template for crafting our own personalized letters.

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Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Alan Anthony Catantan

Tips & Tricks For Making More Money Online

How To Write An Upwork Cover Letter: 5 Tips + Free Template

One of the reasons most freelancers struggle to land clients on Upwork is failing to write a convincing cover letter.

The cover letter is the main component of your job proposal and if you don’t write it well, you won’t be able to get the client’s attention.

Each client who posts a job on Upwork gets dozens and sometimes hundreds of proposals from freelancers. And the only way to grab their attention is to write a cover letter that addresses their needs and requirements.

So if you’re new to Upwork and trying to land a client, keep reading. This guide will help you write better, more focused, and well-optimized Upwork cover letters to get more responses from your clients.

What Is An Upwork Cover Letter?

The cover letter is an essential part of a resume or CV. Normally, when you’re applying for a job, you include a cover letter with your CV to let your potential employer know why you’re applying for the job, what kind of goals you have, and why they should hire you for the position.

Upwork cover letters use the same concept. Whenever you’re applying for a job on Upwork, you now have to fill out a section called Cover Letter.

Here, you can write a detailed yet concise message to clients explaining how you can help the client and why you’re the best person for the job.

As you can imagine, this is a crucial part of a job proposal that will determine whether you will get the job or not.

Before You Apply For Jobs..

Before you apply for jobs and start writing cover letters, make sure you complete the following steps. Because without these steps, clients will never hire you, even if you write the perfect cover letter.

1. Improve Your Communication Skills

Improving your communication skills is the first thing you should do before applying for jobs.

Learn to write better messages to clients and learn the proper etiquette for writing emails. You can follow this guide to learn more about it.

Also, I highly recommend that you take an online course on copywriting and business communication. Think of it as an investment in yourself.

And it will go a long way to help you write great proposals, cover letters, and communicate with clients like a professional.

If you’re interested, start with these Skillshare classes:

• Business Communication Skills: Write & Speak More Professionally
• Copywriting: Essential Skills For Writing Engaging Marketing Copy
• Professional English Emails: Write Clearly and Effectively

2. Optimize Your Upwork Profile

The next thing you need to do is optimize your Upwork profile.

When you apply for a job and send a proposal to a client, one of the first things they do is check your profile.

Now imagine doing all the work to find the perfect job and write a great cover letter while you have a terrible profile. It will only send those potential clients away. Don’t make that same mistake.

I wrote a complete guide on creating an effective Upwork profile. Give it a read and optimize your profile accordingly.

3. Gather Some Samples

Now, you can say all you want about your skills and abilities in your proposal but the client will never believe you if you don’t have hard evidence to back your claims.

So make sure you have some samples of your work to show the clients.

If you’re a writer, you can include links to your previously published articles.

If you’re a graphic designer, you can include a link to your portfolio.

If you don’t have any links to show, attach sample documents and files in the proposal.

4. Ask For The Right Price

When using Upwork to find jobs, asking for the ideal price is very important. Because it’s always going to be a bidding war between freelancers.

But the key to finding the right price is not to ask too low that clients think you’re desperate. Or ask too much that turns clients away.

To figure out the sweet spot between the two, you can check the Upwork services section.

Browse the category related to your work to see what other freelancers are charging for similar jobs.

Then come up with a price that fits your client’s budget and the regular rates at the same time.

5. Only Apply For The Right Jobs

There are some freelancers out there who apply to every job that comes up in their feed while copy-pasting the same cover letters and proposals.

This is a huge mistake that will get you nowhere.

Learn to pick the right jobs that fit your set of skills. Find jobs that have detailed descriptions that give you more information about the job. So that you can research the client and their industry to write better cover letters.

What To Include In Your Cover Letter

Once you complete all the initial steps to optimize your profile and writing skills, here are the most important points you need to cover in your cover letter.

• Address the client by their first name (eg: Hi John,)
• Mention that you’ve read the entire project description
• Do some research to understand what the client is asking for
• Provide solutions to the client’s pain points
• Mention why you’re the perfect person for the job with facts (eg: I have 5 years of experience in social media marketing and I worked for client X)
• Show examples of your previous work, portfolio, or client case studies
• In the end, mention that you have a strategy in mind for the client’s project and ask them to DM you for details
• Remember to keep it short, detailed, and concise

You’ll see how all these points come together in the example and the cover letter template below.

How To Write Cover Letter for UpWork

It’s best to write the cover letter on different software like Google Docs or MS Word and then copy it over to Upwork. You wouldn’t want to accidentally hit send while you’re writing the cover letter.

As I mentioned before, learning to write well is very important. Taking a copywriting class will not go to waste.

Take all the key points I mentioned in the previous section. Write in friendly and simple words to describe your proposal for the client.

Here’s a quick Upwork cover letter example to show you how it’s done:

Hi John, I read your entire job description and I think I’m the perfect person for the job. Here’s why: -I noticed that you’re looking to build an online store website. I think WordPress is the best platform to build your website and I have over 5 years of experience building WordPress sites -I’ve built WordPress websites for many clients including CocaCola and Pepsi -Here are just a few of the links to websites that I’ve recently built for other clients (include links here. Or attach your sample documents) -I have a really great concept idea for building your website that will make your brand look even better than your competitor (Do research to find the competitors and mention the name here). Send me a DM or respond to this proposal so we can discuss more details I’m really excited about this project and to work with you to build something amazing. Looking forward to your DM. -Your name

See how simple and concise that looks. And we covered all the key points in that 150-word cover letter. You can easily edit this message to include skills and experience related to your industry.

There are also great tools you can use for writing your cover letter online . They offer more professional-looking layouts that you can easily customize, which are ideal for applying for not just freelancing jobs but for any type of job application.

Free Upwork Cover Letter Template

I made a more beautifully formatted Upwork cover letter template that you can use when applying for jobs. You can download it below.

Make sure to edit and customize this template according to your needs.

5 Tips For Writing Professional Cover Letters

Follow these quick tips to make your cover letter look more professional.

1. Keep it Concise and Clear

Write a concise and well-structured letter. Keep it to a single page and use a professional tone. Use short paragraphs or bullet points to convey information effectively. Avoid excessive jargon and focus on presenting your qualifications in a clear and compelling manner.

2. Highlight Your Relevant Skills

Clearly communicate how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications and achievements. Showcase how your unique abilities can contribute to the success of the company.

3. Research the Company

Take the time to research the company’s values, culture, and recent projects or initiatives. Incorporate this knowledge into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with the company’s mission.

4. Address Potential Concerns

If you have any potential concerns or gaps in your experience, address them proactively in your cover letter. Explain how you plan to overcome those challenges or how your transferable skills make you a strong candidate despite any gaps.

5. Proofread and Edit

Ensure your cover letter is error-free by thoroughly proofreading and editing it. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and ensure proper formatting. Read it aloud or ask someone else to review it for clarity and coherence. A polished and error-free cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Images via Freepik.com

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An Upwork Cover Letter Example For Freelancers

So, you’ve decided to join Upwork or a similar freelance marketplace. That’s a great idea! The gig economy is booming and the compensation reflects that. Freelancers providing skilled services tend to earn 70% more per hour than their cubicle-dwelling counterparts.

But, you have to be mindful of competition too. As many as 57 million workers in the US alone freelance part-time and full-time. And Upwork has some 12 million registered users. Thus, to get your piece of the pie, you really need to make Upwork ‘work’ for you.

That starts with having a well-optimized personal profile and learning to write great bidding letters for projects. This post offers some tips for that. Plus, we’ve included a quick Upwork cover letter sample you can use as a reference. Keep in mind that this post will mostly reference Upwork, but could really apply to any freelancing platform.

Start With Optimizing Your Profile

You can bet that anyone interested in your proposal is going to check out the information in your profile before they even consider you for the job. So be sure that your profile includes the following:

• A rockstar profile title that summarizes what you do.
• Crisp and professional profile picture
• Detailed profile overview that explains your professional background and highlights your skills.

You can also spice it up with testimonials/quotes from your past clients and portfolio pieces. Lastly, add extra credibility by completing several competency tests.

Be Specific in Your Proposals

In most cases, you will be applying to do a very short-term, very specific task. In your cover letter (project proposal) don’t go around the bush too much and succinctly state what makes you a good fit for that job. Include your resume only if the job posting specifically instructs you to do so.

Here’s a quick example to illustrate the point further: imagine you’re a freelance graphic designer . If you apply for a gig to design a set of landing pages, don’t waste time discussing any other skills or experience (e.g. your amazing illustration talents). Instead, write only about your experience with landing page design and perhaps conversion optimization.

Speak in Terms of The Clients Needs

Keep in mind that many of the jobs posted on Upwork are time-critical. The person who needs the work done likely has little time to train someone, or even provide a bunch of clarification. That’s why a person who can say something like: “Look, I understand what you want. Here is how I will do it. It will be done quickly. I’m ready to start immediately.’ is going to earn a second look.

To help build even more confidence in your abilities, consider including a testimonial or reference from another client. If you can show that you’ve completed similar work in the past, that will work in your favor too!

Focus on Skills, Not Personality

Normally, your cover letter is the perfect vehicle to show your enthusiasm for the company mission, and that you will fit in with the company culture. Here, none of that matters. So keep the focus on your skills and experience, not personality traits.

Answer Their Questions

Sometimes, a potential client will post a pretty detailed list of questions they want to be answered, and information that they want you to provide. On one hand, that makes it much easier for you to write the cover letter. You simply answer the questions they provide. On the other hand, if you miss anything, it could get your entire proposal eliminated from consideration. So pay attention!

Cover Letter Sample For Upwork in .docx Format

Here is a sample cover letter that you can submit in response to a short-term project on Upwork.

Download example (Word version)

Upwork Cover Letter Example – Text Format

Hi Michael,

Just checked your project details “Design a new onboarding process for a banking app” and I believe that I may be a great fit.

As a UX designer with 3 years of experience, I have previously designed account creation and account opening system flows for a lending app (received a 5-star review from the client). You can check the project details in my portfolio, along with several other designs for e-commerce, healthcare and media companies.

You mentioned that you also need someone experienced with interactive prototyping and InVision. I’m a long-term user of this app. Also familiar with Balsamiq and Adobe XD software. 

I have included information about my rates, and I am confident that I can deliver the first design mockups within 2 weeks as per your deadline. Please contact me so that we can get started.

Kevin Ninja

P.S. I took a moment to explore your website. It’s very well-designed. If you’re interested in making further changes, I believe I can make some small tweaks to your landing pages to boost conversion rates.

Final Tip: Sell a Bit Further

Treat your cover letter as a marketing document. Work mostly to sell your clients on the skills they need right now, but don’t forget to sell yourself a bit as well. Slip in a postscript or ‘aside’ to let them know other ways in which you can help!

Discover Even More Releveant Cover Letter Examples!

• Web developer cover letter example
• QA cover letter example
• Virtual assistant cover letter example
• Email cover letter example

Other Cover Letter Samples

A cool health coach cover letter example, example cover letter for phlebotomist, interesting interior design cover letter example, a convincing call center cover letter example.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

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12 Upwork Cover Letter Samples and Examples for Beginners

Ready to kick off your freelance adventure with Upwork? The key to pulling off that first gig is crafting a killer, eye-catching cover letter. Navigating Upwork cover letters as a rookie might seem a bit mind-boggling, but no worries; there is no need to break a sweat.

Crafting the Perfect Upwork Cover Letter

A  good cover letter  perfectly combines professionalism with personality. It starts with a personal greeting. It should briefly introduce your expertise and connect to the client’s needs. It should also highlight relevant experience and accomplishments and demonstrate enthusiasm for the project. Conclude with a call to action, inviting further discussion. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to each unique opportunity. Here are 12 effective sample cover letters for Upwork.

#1. The Engaging Introduction

Hello [Client’s Name],

My name is [Your Name]. I’m excited to join hands with you on [Project Name]. It would be an honor for me to offer my skills and unwavering commitment to ensuring exceptional results. The joy of working on this project with you gives me the commitment to provide quality work.

I can’t wait to contribute my best effort to make your project a great success. Your business aligns with my desire to learn, grow, and show my abilities well. I’m eager for the chance to chat about how I can bring some serious value to your business and be a positive force in its success.

Image source: Pinterest

#2. The Skills Showcase

Dear [Client’s Name],

I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to support your amazing work. Because I have a strong background in [your job], I am very confident that I am good at [specific job skills]. In addition to technical skills, my commitment to excellence is fueled by genuine passion. Your work matches my skills and aspirations perfectly. I love to instill creativity, dedication, and commitment to exceed expectations.

I am ready to dive in and collaborate and I am determined to ensure your project is a huge success. Bringing a unique blend of skills and passion, I am poised to make a significant impact. Let’s start this journey together and create not only success but outstanding experiences and projects.

#3. The Project Understanding

Hi [Client’s Name],

Having meticulously examined the details of [Project Name] in your project description, I am assured of my capability not only to meet but to surpass your expectations. I understand the importance of taking a personalized approach to delivering results that align with your vision. My dedication, paired with my openness to change and learning, paints me as a committed player in your business success. I’m geared up to dive into this journey, ensuring I not only meet your needs but blow past your expectations every step of the way.

#4. The Experience Highlight

With [number] years of dedicated experience as [your profession], I have fine-tuned my skills in [include some specific skills]. Over the years, I have honed my craft, navigated various challenges, and changed alongside the dynamic landscape of [your work]. This adaptability in my career journey positions me as a versatile contributor who can seamlessly integrate into your project. I bring not only a wealth of experience but also a promise to be fast and meet the unique requirements of each endeavor. Let’s work together, and we can bring unparalleled knowledge and change to your business.

#5. The Enthusiastic Pitch

The prospect of contributing to your work excites me. I’m stoked about teaming up and turning your vision into reality. My enthusiasm for the project goes beyond just finishing it – it’s about bringing it to life in a big way. Let’s start this journey together, pooling our efforts and creativity to make your project a great success. I am ready to invest my energy, skills, and commitment to ensure that our industry is not just a project but a celebrated achievement. We’ll work hand in hand to turn your vision into reality.

#6. Attention to Detail

Your work caught my attention, mainly because of [the specifics from the project description]. I understand the importance of tailoring specific aspects that make your event unique. This attention to detail, which is evident in my work, ensures that every aspect of the project is handled with precision and accuracy. I do not consider the intricacies of your work as challenges. If anything, they are opportunities to demonstrate my accuracy and commitment.

I’m pumped to dive deep into your project, making sure the outcome doesn’t just meet but blows past your expectations. Let’s team up and ride this road together—who knows where it’ll take us!

#7. The Results-Driven Approach

I thrive on challenges and am naturally results-oriented. I view challenges as chances to showcase my problem-solving skills and tenacity. It’s not just about ticking off tasks for me; it’s about embracing the opportunity to overcome hurdles. We should raise the bar and go beyond the initial goals. Your project suits my results-driven philosophy, and I’m excited about the prospect of working together to turn challenges into successes. We can combine our efforts to create a success story that reflects more than just our individual commitment to excellence. I’m an asset that will surely turn your business into a huge success.

#8. The Personal Touch

I believe that effective communication is the pillar of a successful collaboration. Clear and transparent communication is a commitment I bring to every partnership. I’m all about keeping the vibe positive in our cooperation. With consistent updates and an open-door policy for chats, I want our work relationship to be not just efficient but also enjoyable. Skill-wise, I’ve got the task covered, and my commitment is all about building trust and transparency in our partnership. Let’s start this journey together, where communication is not just a tool but the foundation of our success.

#9. The Data Entry Specialist

I am excited to contribute my data entry skills to your project. I am well-equipped for data entry positions and proficient in [related software], which in turn underscores my unwavering commitment to accuracy and efficiency. I understand that data entry plays a vital role in the success of any business. My dedication to ensuring that information is handled effectively and efficiently is reflected in my work ethic. I am ready to participate in your business, bringing a blend of technical expertise to a knowledgeable and careful approach to data management. Let’s streamline the process, increase accuracy, and ensure your project benefits from the accuracy I’m committed to providing.

#10. The Project-Specific Example

Your project seamlessly aligns with my expertise in [your field]. I go beyond stating my qualifications. I have provided a concrete example of a similar project I successfully managed. This specific illustration serves to showcase not just my theoretical understanding but also my practical ability to handle tasks identical to those required for your project. I’m a firm believer in actions doing the talking. By throwing out these real-world examples, my goal is to not just tell but show you that I’m not just competent but entirely capable of the task at hand.

I look forward to bringing my craft to your work and showing how my proven work can contribute so much to its success. Let’s collaborate to turn your project into another success story.

#11. The Learning Attitude

I’m reaching out with genuine excitement about the chance to learn and grow through your project. Every project, to me, is a unique opportunity. Not only is it an opportunity to contribute, but also gain valuable insight and knowledge. I’m not just giving lip service to personal and professional growth—it’s evident in my eagerness to take on projects that stretch my abilities. Your project, with its distinctive challenges, is like a playground for me to absorb, adjust, and flourish. I’m eager not just to contribute but also to use it as a stepping stone in my journey of continuous improvement and success.

#12. The Future Collaboration

I see our teamwork on [project name] as the beginning of something great. Beyond ticking off tasks, I’m committed to nurturing a lasting partnership that flourishes over time. My dedication goes beyond short-term successes. I aim to go on a joint journey where we both motivate each other to succeed. I believe your project should be more than just a job. We have the opportunity to lay the foundation for lasting unity. I’m thrilled about not just working on [project name] but also co-creating success in our long-term journey ahead.

Final Takeaway

Navigating Upwork  as a beginner is all about flaunting your skills, enthusiasm, and dedication. Let these Upwork cover letter samples be your muse. Craft a pitch that screams “you” in the freelancing arena. Stand out by being authentically you—your true passion for the craft is your magic wand on Upwork. Let your uniqueness shine, and watch the competitive freelancing world take notice! After all, at Upwork, authenticity is your secret weapon, and passion is your superpower.

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The best cover letter for Upwork (data-backed experiment)

In the search for the best cover letter for Upwork, allow me to share an example where I got a 100% response rate on my own proposals.

The last few weeks I’ve been comparing different styles of Upwork proposals, sending them out in the wild so you and I can better understand which one performs the best.

I see amazing case studies like these everywhere… but often there is something left out. Something that would kill the “shock factor”. Like when Derren Brown flipped a coin on its head ten times in a row:

The only way to guarantee that the coin lands on its head ten times in a row is to continue flipping the coin enough times until it happens by chance. However long that takes.

The same principle applies to our proposals because we can’t control how the client reacts. In order to get a 100% hit rate, we have to try until it happens by chance and then only show off that small sample of the experiment.

My example earlier is no different. What you didn’t see is the other thirty seven proposals I sent and the many times it didn’t work out.

The point is that it is okay to try again if things didn’t work out the first time. They rarely do and when we have to work a little for it first, it’s more fun when we do win.

Now, let’s dive into the whole experiment. I’ve tested different proposal styles, so you can see which type of Upwork proposal was best in the test and got the most client responses.

The four Upwork proposal styles

The theory of this experiment is that customized proposals will land more Upwork clients than generic copy-paste proposals. They have worked well in other experiments and now it’s time to put it to a test so we can get a side by side comparison backed with data.

The experiment

To find the service I wanted to offer, I looked at which type of keywords would have the most jobs for them based on my skill set. That would give me an indication of which keywords are more popular and which type of clients are more common. For example, clients with online courses compared to ecommerce businesses.

Below are some of the keywords I looked for. Keep in mind that just looking at the number of projects doesn’t say anything about the quality of the clients or projects but all other things being equal, the more projects available the more chance of landing a good one.

I searched within the digital marketing field since that’s my background and I looked across different client types, projects, skills, specific tools or anything else I could think of clients wanted help with. 

For example, some clients will say that they need help with Facebook ads, while others say ads manager (the tool needed to run the ads). Some will say they need digital ads and I have to help them figure out if e.g. Facebook ads are the right fit.

Initially, I wanted to help online course creators with marketing automation since that seemed popular but after a few days with almost only shitty projects, I had to pivot to also bidding on projects related to Facebook ads or other similar looking projects.

The problem with Upwork and doing an experiment like this is that clients aren’t always good at explaining themselves. That means a project might appear good based on the description but when we speak with the client we might discover that it’s a waste of our time.

Anyway, I wanted to optimize my profile text before applying for jobs but ultimately I decided against it since there aren’t enough niche projects on Upwork that I could truly leverage the advantage of going niche.

I decided to keep it as is even though it isn’t entirely relevant and instead see how many people would actually look at my profile text. 

It turns out no one did!

Anyway, I’ve outlined four proposal styles specifically for Upwork and in the experiment, I sent ten proposals using each of them so we can see which one works the best.

At a high level, the four Upwork proposals styles are:

1) Generic copy-paste proposals that are meant to fit most projects (meaning that they don’t fit any particularly well)

2) those that are (almost) custom written for each project but only talks about the freelancers’ experience, background, or a project recommendation 

3) the one that focuses on the client’s challenges and what success looks like for each specific project along with why this freelancer is a good choice to solve the particular problem

4) the well-researched proposal. This one fits each project description well, focuses on client challenges, shares relevant background info as it relates to the project and is based on lots of research

I was debating what to do about pricing for this experiment since it’s a factor that can have a large impact. Especially, because most clients I’ve come across on freelance websites like Upwork need help with hobby projects and thus don’t have much money to pay us freelancers. 

With freelancing there are certain invisible pricing tiers where clients tend to expect something different for each one. 

For example, when you cross a certain rate clients expect you to be good at communication beyond just the hard skills. There are no set tiers because it depends on each individual client but over time you will notice the difference if you raise your rates.

Another thought that crossed my mind is that if you are new to freelancing, charging $100/h can feel overwhelming. So I decided to charge $60/h during this experiment.

From experience, I’ve noticed that getting clients on a phone from the proposal is a more effective approach than trying to land the job directly with the proposal right then and there.

Since the phone call is different from the proposal, let’s focus on the writebacks from the proposals — how many potential clients respond to each proposal style. That way, we first get more clients to respond and then practice what to talk with them about after.

There’s something to be said about the quality but we can’t do anything to even that out and each job description is a judgment call based on the client’s description.

Of course, there are exceptions such as small, quick, projects. Those can often be hired without much extra discussion as long as everything about the project is clear in advance.

The best cover letter for Upwork: the winner

I waited about two weeks after sending the proposals to give clients a chance to either close their job or hire someone. I learned through other experiments that clients on Upwork tend to hire quickly, so this is a decent, balanced, timeframe.

Even so, for more than half of the projects there still hasn’t been any move forward as I’m writing this. As I checked again, I’ve noticed that in several cases it’s been a week or more since anyone looked at the project and they haven’t begun a conversation (“interviewing”) with any freelancer.

I’ve defaulted to categorize those projects as “no hire”-projects since clients more often than not don’t close their projects and just let them get auto-closed by Upwork after a month or so.

This will most likely be incorrect in the end since a couple of the clients probably will hire someone. But it doesn’t make sense for us to wait around since those few won’t make a meaningful difference in the data, the results and thus our reaction.

Before we jump into the results of each of the proposal styles, let’s first look at the total number of proposals and how we stack up against other freelancers altogether.

Remember, that the goal here was to get a writeback from the client. We can’t see the same data for other freelancers but we can if they were hired, that’s why I’m using that metric for other freelancers in the sheet below.

As we can see, the big deal here is that for more than 60% of the projects no freelance was hired. I noticed that on many of the projects, there would be more than 15 proposals and zero interviewees with more than a week since the client had last looked at the project. 

That indicates the client might not be serious enough with the project, since they didn’t initiate contact with a single freelancer. We know that a similar proposal to what I sent gathers interest from other clients, meaning that the proposal can’t be that bad in all the cases.

While it might be tempting to get a competitive advantage against the other freelancers, it doesn’t make a meaningful difference. If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you’ll know that I focus on those few places where we can make a big impact because focusing on the minutiae won’t get us anywhere in life.

Instead, getting more clients to hire in the first place will be a bigger win for us, since that slice of the pie is 2x-3x bigger.

The results: the best cover letter for Upwork jobs

It’s time for the result of all the proposals! Here’s the data:

This category sucked.

This category was much better.

This category was not that good.

This category was even worse.

You probably don’t remember what each of the four proposal styles represents but you might have noticed that the results for three out of the four proposals are the same: 70%-80% of the projects never hired anyone as far as we can tell.

Pretty odd, right? 

Sure, if we looked at a larger sample size, it might be different but what’s even odder is that proposal style two is upside down compared to the rest. I was interviewed 60% of the time while only one in ten jobs ended with no hire.

This is a surprise because on the surface this should be one of the worst proposal styles since it takes less time to create than the rest. But other freelancers got hired more in that category as well and that might indicate something with the clients rather than the proposals.

The caveat here is that the quality of the clients in this group might be lower than in the others depending on if we base it on the project description they wrote, earnings possible, business size, tasks they need help with, etc. 

It’s hard to tell with the limited information we have access to on Upwork but I did have a few ideas as to what might have caused the difference:

• The client’s business size
• The proposal style
• The type of job description or job itself (e.g. automation vs Facebook ads)
• How my pricing was received

At first, I thought it was because all the job descriptions in that category had important details about the client and project even if they were short, meaning that the client might be more serious. For example, they shared what the product was and which industry it was in or what they needed help with specifically (you’d think that would be the minimum in all project descriptions… but not on Upwork).

As I compared them with the rest, I noticed that this was also the case for the other projects.

Next, I looked at the previous hiring rate to see if that might offer us a correlation. The average hiring rate was 51% for the clients that I pitched with the second proposal style and 52% for proposal style four, whereas the other two styles came out to 38% and 31% respectively. It brings us closer but doesn’t really give us a clear picture.

Another option is the type of clients. I tend to see two types on Upwork: the type who is looking for the best of the best and pay well (they usually choose the high-tier freelancers in the US as the clients tend to be from there as well).

And the type of client who is looking for more affordable help and is ok that they aren’t as skilled either in the hard skill and/or communication. I did see other freelancers being hired from both of those two categories.

The problem with evaluating the client quality is that unless we get specifics or speak with the clients it can be hard to tell how good of a fit they are for us.

A writeback itself doesn’t mean much since there can be more or less quality to it which is difficult to quantify and compare. There are even certain trigger words or sentences that can be used to get more writebacks but that doesn’t mean they will be worth much.

With the limited information we have from the clients, we might never know, so let’s move on to the winning proposal style and look at an example. If you have any theories or ideas, please leave a comment at the end of the article.

The winning proposal style is defined as those that are (almost) custom written for each project but only talks about the freelancers’ experience, background, or a project recommendation.

The project description:

The proposal:

The writeback:

Another example:

I expected the best cover letter for Upwork to be style three because it is a slightly upgraded version of style two without spending too much extra time and simply being better formatted and focused on the client rather than our experience.

But since, in this experiment, we can only look for the number of clients responding to our proposal, that is GREAT news! Proposal style two takes less time to create and it seems to work because it gives recommendations and an example right there in the initial proposal – something that helps build trust with the client.

When we use this style, we can use proposal templates to be more efficient but they take some time to create the first time. But it is worth it because we can reuse them.

A writeback example

I did get several writebacks showing interest but not being able to afford my rates. I was hesitant to bring this up since there are plenty of articles out there hating on Upwork .

Here’s a writeback example:

This is not always the case when we look for the best cover letter for Upwork. The challenge is sorting the right projects from the wrong ones because Upwork attracts smaller clients with a lack of resources.

This tends to be more important with marketing-related work than other services since marketing doesn’t have much effect if the product isn’t a good fit for the customers already. In comparison, any business at any stage might need help with things like admin work or graphic design.

That’s why I tend to recommend Upwork to professionals wanting to begin to earn money on the side. It’s a great way to get started if you have an approved account but we tend to get frustrated with the platform as we want to earn more beyond the first few thousand dollars.

I could have mentioned more about my pricing and how it’s a placeholder since some clients don’t want to engage because they know that they can’t afford it. That might have helped mitigate that concern.

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Hello Chris, I have been a good follower of yours for a while. You always drop golden nuggets. I am really excited about this test. It has given me more insights on proposal, and I am very sure others will see benefits too. Thank you very much.

Thank you for saying that King!

Thanks Chris for this. I am Matt! Can I get in touch so I can learn from you. Hope you don’t mind me having your email address.

Great work done with the clear description of your experience by having logical thinking. Thank You for sharing this article. Much appreciated!

Amazing ????

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Home » Cover Letter for Upwork: 08 Samples & Template

Cover Letter for Upwork: 08 Samples & Template

Do you need a cover letter for your Upwork profile? You’re in luck! I’m going to share with you my tips for writing an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. So, are you ready to learn how to write a cover letter that will WOW potential clients? Keep reading. Are you looking for a way to spice up your resume and stand out from the competition?

Check out this guide on how to write an effective cover letter for Upwork! also We’ll provide tips on what to include in your letter and how to make sure it catches the hiring manager’s attention. So whether you’re a beginner or experienced freelancer, read on for some helpful advice! Upwork is a great platform for finding freelance work, but it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. That’s where your cover letter comes in. A well-written cover letter can make all the difference and help you land your dream job. But, what makes a good cover letter? And, most important, how do you write one? Don’t worry – I’m going to show

Are you looking for a job? Check out this cover letter template for Upwork! This guide will show you how to write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd. Are you looking for a job, but don’t know how to start? Upwork is a great way to get started. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to write a cover letter for Upwork. We’ll also give you some tips on what to include in your resume. Let’s get started. With this template, you can create a powerful and professional cover letter that will help you get the job you want. So why wait? Start creating your perfect cover letter today!

Table of Contents

Upwork Cover Letter sample for graphic designer

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am delighted to be able to apply for the Graphic Designer position with your company. Having done my research, I believe that you are looking for someone who has strong graphic design skills to create layout and design ads. If hired, I will bring this experience and more to the role.

Let me tell you why I would like to join your team as a graphic designer. I have very good communication skills and I can work well with others, but my creativity is outstanding. As a graphic designer, the projects that you will be able to see me complete for this position will speak volumes of that statement.

My experience includes:

• Creative design solutions that attract attention and convey the intended message
• Designing marketing materials such as brochures and posters
• Proficient with Adobe CS5 program suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

Ready to discuss my qualifications at any time. I look forward to speaking with you soon and hope that we will meet again soon.

Your sincerely,

Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Data Entry

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the opening position for Data Entry Specialist. I believe that my experience and background will make me a good candidate for this job. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

While completing my degree at XYZ, I picked up several new skills that are essential to successful data entry projects. I can learn new programs quickly and efficiently. I’m also good at troubleshooting software problems, which is very important for this job.

I am looking forward to interviewing with you soon. Please call me on 555-555-5555 or send me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions about my candidacy. I will contact you next week for an interview on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.

Thank you again for your time and consideration, Mr./Mrs. Employer.

Best regards,

YOUR NAME HERE

Cover letter for Upwork Graphic Designer

I’m a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in graphic design. My experience includes both print and digital mediums, ranging from banners to website design. I have also worked on several large-scale projects including creating presentations for businesses and event signage. In addition to my graphic design skills, I am an effective communicator with strong research and writing skills. My background in graphic design makes me a great candidate for the following position at your company.

As seen on my resume, I have extensive experience working in print mediums. This includes work with large-scale banners, logos, business cards, flyers, postcards, posters , brochures among others. My work has been used by several companies across the country, including New York City. As seen on my resume, I also have experience with digital mediums. This includes work with web design, social media presence and video editing.

I’m an effective communicator who works well in both groups and independently. I take direction very well, but can also work without supervision. My background in graphic design makes me an ideal candidate for the position advertised on your website at (website address) . So please contact me if you would like more information or if you have any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please feel free to contact me at ( phone number ) or via email to set up a brief interview. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely, Your Name

Upwork Cover letter Sample for Data entry

I have been doing data entry for a number of years now and I am going to apply for this job with _________. I believe that my experience in the industry would help me climb up the ladder in your company. If you want, we can set up a meeting so I can show you how productive I am when it comes to typing projects. Also I am experienced in all kinds of data entry tasks be it simple or complex.

I can start immediately and will deliver your project on time. And I guarantee great quality work every time. Therefore, you can trust me to work on a confidential basis and not disclose any private information about your company or the details of the projects that you give me.

Do get back to me if this position is still open and if you want to schedule a meeting. I am looking forward to working with you.

Best regards, Name

Sample Upwork Cover Letter for Virtual Assistant

Respected Sir,

I have been looking for a job as a virtual assistant. So I came across your advertisement on LinkedIn and felt it would be something that I could do to help you with your company’s work. Below is my resume.

In addition, please find attached my cover letter which will give you a brief idea regarding my education, experience and skills.

I would love to have an opportunity to speak with you further about how I can help your company. I am available for the next two weeks if you wish to contact me before then. Thank You,

Upwork Proposal Sample for Graphic Designer

Your company recently posted a Project Request on Upwork.com, and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our graphic design studio. After having carefully viewed the project request and its requirements, also we believe that our professional services can be of assistance to your business. We welcome the opportunity to submit an Upwork Proposal.

In the attached proposal, we have highlighted our capabilities and competitive advantage within the graphic design industry. Please note that a detailed project plan is also provided as a separate document for your reference. We hope you find our proposal competitive and suitable for this assignment.

We would be happy to send more information on how we can assist your business. So please feel free to contact us by email at info@insert graphic design studio name here.com should you require additional information or clarification on any aspect of this proposal.

We look forward to working with you soon!

Sincerely, Insert Name | Graphic Designer | Company Name

So what do you think? Do you feel more confident in your ability to write an Upwork cover letter that will get you noticed? But always Remember, personalize each letter and make sure it is tailored to the specific job listing. And don’t forget to follow our tips for writing a strong opener, body, and closer. Finally, check out some of the best ways to follow up after submitting your application. So Let us know how it goes!

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The Best Upwork Cover Letter Sample

I’ve given you guys a real Upwork cover letter sample to use when you’re writing your own proposals on Upwork.

The Upwork proposal is the first impression a potential client gets from you, so it is well worth your time to learn how to write the best Upwork cover letters!

I’ve been working on Upwork for over three years and have been able to make a steady $3000/month using the freelancing platform.

This guide is a culmination of all my secret tips and hacks that I’ve learnt over the years, so that you too can start winning jobs on Upwork and make money online!

As well as writing this free guide, I’ve also created the Best FREE Upwork Cover Letter template for you to download and use for your own Upwork proposals.

This is the same killer template that I used to write Upwork cover letters for Virtual Assistant jobs that I WON charging $25/hour! 

DOWNLOAD FREE PDF UPWORK PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

This sample template will help you WOW potential clients and become a successful virtual assistant on Upwork.  

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Training Courses

How To Write The Best Upwork Cover Letter

First impressions count.

When you are applying for Upwork jobs as a freelancer, make sure you check and see how many other proposals the client has already received for the job you want to apply for.

Often, clients receive 20-50 different proposals from freelancers all eager to win the job. 

YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR UPWORK COVER LETTER STAND OUT!

If you want to be successful on Upwork, then you NEED to learn how to write a good proposal. It is vital.  

Your Upwork proposal is the first impression clients get of you, it is worth your time to write personalised cover letters for each job you apply for.

Tip 1 – Do Your Research

Read the job posting two or three times, looking for any clues into the client’s background. 

If they sign off with their name, make sure you directly address them by their name in your greeting.

They might not have left their name at the end, but have a look and see if the company name is mentioned and see if you can Google their name that way.

If the company name has been mentioned, then do your research and see what you can find out about the company. 

Treat the research before writing a proposal just like how you would before a real life job interview, before going to a job interview you would want to find out as much as you can about your potential employee.

Upwork is no different.  

Top Ten Freelance Writing Courses Online

Tip 2 – open with a compliment.

My proposals start with a friendly ‘Hi…name’ because ‘Dear…’ seems slightly too formal for Upwork.

Take a look at the two sample cover letters I’ve included in this post and notice how after greeting the potential by their name, what’s the second thing I do.

I complimented them, either on their business if I was able to find that out from my research OR on the job posting. 

You can compliment them on how interesting the job description is, and why it caught your eye. 

Everyone likes to be flattered and a potential Upwork client is no different! 

Be careful not to go over the top though, people can tell when your Upwork proposal has a fake feel to it. Be yourself and be genuine, that will shine through in your cover letter. 

Tip 3 – Your Upwork Experience

A good Upwork proposal should highlight the benefits of working with you, but you be sure not to brag! 

After opening with a compliment and a friendly greeting, you want to state why you would be a good fit for the project.

Talk about your experience in the industry, for example, how many years have you worked in it.

If you don’t have any direct experience, then don’t worry, try and use examples that relate to the job. Be inventive!

You may have worked for a well-known company in the past, mention them, a well-known company gives you credibility. I worked as a Virtual Assistant for a VP of VICE Media and I am always sure to mention this in my Upwork proposals. 

Perhaps your education is relevant to the job description, go ahead and talk about it, but only if it is relevant. 

Tip 4 – Problem Solving

The next paragraph you will want to emphasize why you’re the freelancer they NEED to hire. 

What can you do for them that is different from the other freelancers applying for the job?

Taking a look at my example Upwork proposals, you can see that I asked further questions about the client’s company and I showed a genuine interest in her particular field of women entrepreneurs. 

My experience was my best selling point here, so I focused on that in my Upwork proposal and made sure to highlight my assets of being excellent at organization and time management.

When you are writing your cover letter have a think about what can you do for the client?

How will you make their life easier?

What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Freelancing

Tip 5 – call to action.

Once you’ve written about your relevant experience and skills, explain why you would be able to make your client’s life easier and solve their problem, the cover letter is finished.

The only step left is to close with a call to action, suggest a Skype call. Keep it casual, just a simple ‘If you have time, it would be great to jump on a quick five-minute call to chat further.’

This isn’t as scary as it sounds and chatting with a client on Skype is a great way to find out if you would be a good fit working together which is vital if you want to receive good testimonials. 

The final step in writing the best Upwork cover letters is to finish with a simple ‘Looking forward to hearing from you.’

Nothing fancy but always friendly and professional.

Tip 6 – Knowing What To Charge

Once you’ve learned how to write the best Upwork cover letter, it’s time to think about what to charge a client.

Don’t go by the proposed budget the client has set, do some research and see what you can find out.

Have a look at their previous job history, what kind of hourly rate do they charge?

Know your worth! Remember you need to make money too and Upwork takes a hefty 24% commission for the first $500 earned with a client, so be sure to factor this into your rate. 

When I apply for jobs, if I can see that a client has a strong job history and pays fair rates, then I am not afraid to double their proposed budget. 

For example, recently a client proposed $200 for a SEO project, I calculated that the work was worth $455 so that’s what I submitted in my proposal. . . and I won it!

That was more than two times the original proposed budget, but it wouldn’t be worth my time doing it for less.

If a client doesn’t want to pay a fair wage then pass, there are fair clients out there on Upwork, it is worth the wait to find them.

Know your worth and add tax!

Tip 7 – Double Check

After writing the best Upwork cover letter ever, the final thing to do is double-check it all.

Look for small spelling mistakes.

Does it read well?

Are all your facts able to be backed up if asked for proof?

Then click submit and let’s win jobs!

The Best Upwork Cover Letter Template PDF

We were all beginners once, so I want to make your life a bit easier and have created this FREE Upwork Proposal Template that I used to use when writing my Upwork cover letters.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TEMPLATE

Use the template as a basic structure but be sure to customize it appropriately for each job proposal you submit for. 

If you have any further questions about how to write the best Upwork cover letter or how to be successful on Upwork, feel free to write below in the comments or shoot me a quick email!

Further Upwork Resources

Why You’re Not Winning Jobs On Upwork

How To Be Successful On Upwork

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5 thoughts on “the best upwork cover letter sample”.

So useful, thank you!

What a great step by step guide for putting your best foot forward. Thank you for sharing this info!

This was an awesome post! Very informative!

Nice and concise post that will be helpful to many people!

Great template! I have contemplated doing work on this platform, but have never jumped in. Thanks for the suggestions.

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Get Clients in 2024: Upwork Cover Letter Samples

A quick roundup of top 5 tips to land your next client on Upwork:

• Tip #1: Get straight to the point.
• Tip #2: Demonstrate that you have read the job description.
• Tip #3: Mention relevant experience.
• Tip #4: Keep it under 300 words.
• Tip #5: Add bullet points, emojis, links - anything that draws the eye.

But before we get into that, what does “cover letter” mean on Upwork?

Each job post on Upwork requires you to submit a cover letter with your application. This is an ideal opportunity to win over potential clients and give them a reason to hire YOU over hundreds of other applicants. Here's how to win the cover letter game!

Tip 1 - Get straight to the point

The best Upwork cover letters are always the ones that get straight to the point. Avoid lengthy introductions and random paragraphs that have nothing to do with the job in question.

Instead, jump right into the core of the matter - tell them why you're interested in the position and how you can contribute to them or their business.

That's all they want to know and the faster you can convey that through the cover letter, the better. Pro tip: think of your cover letter as a bait - the very first sentence needs to hook the client to read the whole thing.

So, if you want to stand out, skip the introduction and get straight to the core in the first sentence. Provide value first and then circle back to shortly introduce yourself after.

Tip 2 - Demonstrate that you have read the job description

Upwork clients can sniff copy pasted proposals from miles away. If all you do is paste a proposal template and call it a day, chances are your cover letter will end up in the digital trash can.

The key to winning the cover letter war is proving that you have read the job description with utmost attention to detail. Make it obvious that you've done your homework and read past the job title.

All you have to do is carefully read the job post and extract the most important keywords. Then address each keyword in your cover letter. If you want to go the extra mile, throw in a couple of valuable insights for each keyword and address the main problem your client is facing.

Tip 3 - Mention relevant experience

Having experience that's relevant to your client's requirements will immediately put you at the top of their list. When searching for job opportunities, focus on jobs where your skills and experience will make you look like a good fit.

Too many freelancers on Upwork throw cover letters left and right, regardless of whether they have the right experience or not. Unless you want to waste connects (Upwork's points needed for submitting proposals), you need to be more intentional with your cover letters.

Hence, don't forget to mention relevant experience and any past projects you worked on that are similar to the one you're applying for now.

Learn what mistake all beginner & many established freelancer make, and how to overcome this mistake!

Tip 4 - Keep it under 300 words.

We get it. You have a lot to say! But when it comes to writing Upwork cover letters, less is more. The last thing clients want is to read 2 page essays from strangers who are trying to snatch their money.

Keep your Upwork proposal under 300 words and only include information that matters. This includes your previous experience, work samples, and suggestions on how you can turn this project into a success.

Even if you have a lot of good insights to share, save some value for the interview. Pro tip: offer to jump on a quick call with the client and continue the conversation there.

Tip 5 - Add bullet points, emojis, links—anything that draws the eye

An easy way to stand out among hundreds of other freelancers is to make your cover letter as easy to read as possible. Put yourself in the client's shoes.

They're not going to read every single proposal from start to finish. Instead, they will skim through each one and scan the text to see if anything specific catches their eye.

That's why you need to break up text paragraphs and make the cover letter more appealing to the eye.

Bullet points will help you make the text easier to scan and read through, while emojis can help you draw their attention to specific sentences.

Links to quality work samples will signal to the client that you might be the right person for the job. Seriously, you'd be surprised how many freelancers don't include their work samples in the cover letter.

Creating your first cover letter

Now that you're equipped with 5 powerful cover letter tips, you should be ready to jump into Upwork and give these a try. If you're still not sure whether Upwork is worth the time, I've got just the right article for you here .

As long as you're sending out high quality cover letters and building up your work history, there is no reason why Upwork wouldn't work for you. It all comes down to how well you're able to pitch your services to potential clients.

Implementing the five tips we went over in this article will significantly boost your chances of landing more gigs than ever before. Remember to get straight to the point, keep your cover letter shorter than 300 words, and always mention relevant skills and experience.

Then package it all up nicely in a couple sentences and use bullet points to make the text easier to read. There you have it - a cover letter that will stand a chance amidst hundreds of other Upwork proposals!

Before you leave, remember that applying for jobs on Upwork is a numbers game. The more cover letters you send out, the better.

Set up yourself for freelance success on UpWork by creating a profile that attracts high paying projects!

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How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

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