cover letter example for upwork

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Updated: November 19, 2023

4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs

This article is about writing effective Upwork cover letters / proposals , so you can spend less time looking for clients and more time doing paid work.

Readers have gotten results like this:

“Not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!”

• 4 Proven Upwork Cover Letter Templates
• How To Avoid Upwork Scams And Find The Best Jobs
• What Ivan Did To Beat 50+ Freelancers On Upwork
• 8 Keys To A Killer Upwork Profile
• How To Compete With Cheap Freelancers On Upwork
• How Justin Went From $9 to $50/Hour On Upwork In 12 Months
• How Susan Earned $1,375 Her First Month On Upwork
• 81 Best Paying Freelance Jobs On Upwork

Upwork is the largest freelance marketplace online, with thousands of jobs posted every day.

Getting started as a freelancer on Upwork can be tough, because you’re often competing with dozens of other freelancers for a single job, and many of them are well established on the platform, with lots of great ratings and reviews.

So, how can you compete?

Well, it helps to submit A LOT of proposals.

In the words of Wayne Gretzky…

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

And it follows that the more shots you do take, the more likely you are to score.

But you should also ensure that you’re submitting QUALITY proposals, proposals that will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a solid chance of winning the job.

So, QUALITY and QUANTITY.

That’s what you should be aiming for.

And that’s where the following list of Upwork sample cover letters can help. They will enable you to apply for more jobs without resorting to obvious copy-and-paste tactics.

Each sample below is derived from a real cover letter that won a real job on Upwork.

I’ve included screenshots of the original job postings and cover letters so you can see exactly what the job was and how it was won.

Below each sample you’ll find a corresponding template you can use to quickly craft your own proposal for ANY job on Upwork.

There are 4 templates in total:

The Short And Sweet

The screencast standout, the honest newbie, the quick lister.

Note that each sample you’re about to see was submitted by a member of our private Freedom Business Builder community. Two of them were responses to job invites, and two were cold pitches.

Before we dive in...

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Alright, here are the cover letter templates…

This first proposal sample comes from Justin, a freelance web designer and digital marketer.

The Job Description

The cover letter.

Justin was hired for the job at $50/hour.

The Template

Justin explains:

I typically use the same model for Upwork proposals: I ask about 3-4 relevant questions about the job in the first paragraph, and I qualify myself in the second paragraph.

So the template is as follows:

Hello [Client Name] , [If applicable: Thanks for the job invite.] It’s a pleasure to meet you. [Ask 3-4 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] [Qualify yourself briefly here. 1-2 lines that communicate why you’d be a good fit for this job.] Best regards, [Your Name]

• Justin addressed the client by name at the beginning of his cover letter, even though the client never mentioned their name in the job description. Often you can find the client’s name mentioned in the reviews section of their profile. Going to the effort of finding their name and including it in your proposal will help you stand out from the crowd.
• Keep in mind that Justin was invited to this job, which gave him a much better chance of being hired. I asked Justin about this and he believes the key to getting hired is his strong profile and track record on Upwork.
• Justin taught himself web design in a two-month period, then started on Upwork at $9/hour. A little more than a year later he’d also taught himself digital marketing and was earning $45-55/hour consistently. Read more about his journey to Upwork success here .

This next proposal sample comes from Natalia, a freelance copywriter.

See Natalia’s screencast here:

Natalia explained to me via email:

This was my very first proposal screencast. It saves time to make a screencast to review a client’s website rather than writing endlessly to explain what you mean. This proposal was an answer to an invite to apply, but he invited a few people so I wanted to stand out.

The client was impressed:

Natalia ended up getting paid $350 for this job, but that wasn’t the end of it:

I’m still working for this client, and he is constantly thinking up new jobs I can do for the campaign because he is always happy with my work.

First, a warning:

• You should be selective including screencasts as part of you cover letter. They are are not always appropriate. Use them if you find yourself trying to explain something to a client in writing that would be more easily explained on screen.

The template is as follows:

Hello [Client’s Name] , [If applicable: Thank you for your invitation.] [Share a link to your screencast and briefly explain what it contains. You want to give the client a compelling reason to click the link and watch. Tell them what benefit they will get from it and note that it will only take up a few minutes of their time.] [1 paragraph explaining why the job appeals to you. Bonus points if you can share why the goals of the client resonate with you personally.] [1 paragraph sharing an example of your work, ideally closely related to the job you’re applying for.] If you want to collaborate with me let’s discuss it in more detail over the chat. Kind regards, [Your Name]

• Pro Tip Use the free version of Loom to create and share screencasts effortlessly.

This next proposal sample comes from Gray, a freelance graphic designer.

Gray was hired to do the job at a 10% discount, but that was only the beginning. As he explained to me via email:

This also led to ongoing work and was for the guys who I am pricing up that $8,000 job for. Its looking like it is going to be a bit more than that btw. Its for a complete game, and Im currently going through the spec with them bit by bit.

Gray explains:

I came at it with an honest approach and said basically ‘look, I have a lot of experience, but none on upwork, help me out and Ill do it for a 10% discount. Win win.’

Hello [Client’s Name], I’d really like to work with you on this one if possible! I do have a couple of questions, but first I’d like to make you an offer and some background so you can check my work out. [Short paragraph explaining your work experience relevant to the job.] However, I am new to Upwork and looking to get a few clients that I can build upon. If you take a look at my work and feel that I could help you, I’ll do it for a 10% discount. You’ll get all the expected stuff like a great professional service and a fast turn around, at a bit less, and I get a bit more exposure. [If applicable, include a link to your portfolio website here, or invite the client to check out the work samples you’ve attached to your proposal.] [Ask 1-2 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] If the above offer sounds like something you would be interested in, I’d love to hear from you. Regards, [Your Name]

Note that the template above doesn’t contain the word TOKYO, which was included at the top of Gray’s cover letter. Gray added that as a response to the client’s request at the bottom of the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve actually read the job description.

So… make sure you actually read the job description!

This next proposal sample comes from Susan, a freelance editor and proofreader.

Susan explained to me via email:

I bid $125, and it was accepted immediately. This job took me 90 minutes to complete and 30 minutes to double check. As this was a legal document, I was careful to edit in a way that did not change the meaning of any of the sentences. This Swiss lawyer had English that was near perfect. I delivered the files within 2 hours and the client added a $40 bonus to my payment and left me 5-star feedback. $165 for 2 hours is a pretty good rate.

Hi [Client’s Name], I would be happy to work on your [document/job/whatever] immediately. [Numbered list covering the most important requirements mentioned in the job description, and how you plan to meet them. This shows that you fully understand what’s needed and have a plan for making it happen.] [1-2 paragraphs detailing your background/expertise, as relevant to the job at hand.] What you’ll receive: [Short list that paints a clear picture of what you will deliver (and by when) should the client hire you to do the job.] Send me a quick message and we can figure out if we are a good fit to work together! [Your Name]

• Not included in the template: the “Code 833” at the top of Susan’s proposal. This was a response to the client’s request hidden within the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve read it thoroughly.
• Want to know how Susan earned €1,226 in just her second full month working online? Check out an interview with her here .

What To Do Now

Five things:

• Pick your favorite template above, jump on over to Upwork, find some jobs you like, and use that template to quickly craft and submit effective proposals. (Make sure each proposal counts by learning how to avoid scams and find the best jobs on Upwork .)
• Report back and share in the comments below what kind of response you receive.
• If you’re not getting any response at all, screenshot one of the jobs you’ve applied for, and your cover letter, upload both screenshots to imgur , and post the links in the comments below. We’ll take a look and suggest some changes to help you get more responses and win more jobs.
• Join 23,116 subscribers and sign up for our weekly newsletter below. You’ll receive an email every Friday packed with tips and insights to build your online business.
• If you’re looking to improve your skills so you can win more jobs on Upwork, check out this list of FREE top-rated courses on Udemy (updated daily).

Get more Upwork success tips

This article is part of an 8-part series:

About The Author

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38 thoughts on “4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs”

Hi, I have been an Upworker for the past several years. But of late, only very few clients are contacting me for jobs, and I could not figure out the reason. After going through community discussions, I figured out that rewriting proposals can help a bit. So I am trying to do that. This blog post is really interesting, and I could get some ideas from this. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Confirm that this approach to proposal writing works well. I get about 50% of the answers. Thanks Niall!

Hey, Thank you so much! I read your blog post the previous night and sent a proposal according to your first 1. The short and sweet. I applied it and tomorrow morning I saw a reply from that client. Thank you so much. It is crazy. I am going to subscribe you to get more and more beneficial posts.

Hi Nail, I read this writeup and some other posts (the profile remodeling and scam flags) and I have to say, I was really pumped and I put them to work. A few days later, I got my first gig. I finished in record time and got an excellent review. It’s just that after that, I’ve got nothing else. After a lot of proposals using the techniques above, I get a few responses but nothing serious. Any advice? Thanks for the tips and the first job, tho’ and thanks in advance for any tips. David

It could be a number of things, hard to know just from what you’ve written. But ultimately pitching for jobs on Upwork is a numbers game. You have to keep pitching as much as you can and perhaps even lower your rate to get the first few jobs and reviews. Once you have more reviews it becomes easier to get jobs.

Thanks a lot Niall Doherty,

Your Cover letters really helped me to win more jobs on Upwork.

Thank you again!

Thanks for the helpful tips. I’ve already had some successful contracts on upWork, and do use some of the ideas (such as addressing by name.) I’d like to increase my percentage of contracts won, and hope to do so by following some of your other tips. I’ll report back next week, after I’ve tried a few. Cheers!

Thanks for an excellent resource. For once, Google’s #1 search result truly deserved to be #1

Hi Sir Niall, Good day! I just sent my proposal today and hopefully, I’ll get a response soon. Here’s the link to my cover letter and the job posted. https://imgur.com/a/YOwNZdJ Thank you, Joshie

i won my first client in just 5 minutes thanks a lot

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this information! I used a mix of a The Honest Newbie & The Quick Lister for my very first proposal on UpWork. I got a contract back later that day!

Glad to hear that, Sam. Well done!

Hi Niall, I have been trying to freelance on Upwork for the last few months, but am getting little interest from potential clients. I am an architectural designer with 13 years experience, but have no college degree. I write cover letters offering to help with the problem the clients listed about design or construction, list the services I can give them, attach samples of my previous work, and tell that I am ready to start if they are interested. So far nobody is. It is discouraging to keep submitting offers for work that are ignored, when I try to be friendly, professional, and interested. What am I doing wrong do you think?

It’s hard to know what the issue is based only on what you’ve shared here. But first thing I’d say is that if you’ve submitted less than 20 proposals, you should keep trying. You can keep tweaking and experimenting with your proposals, but ultimately Upwork is a numbers game. Even the best freelancers on there probably win no more than 30% of the jobs they pitch for. And starting out it’s probably more like 5-10%.

Secondly, it might be worth lowering your rate for a while, if you haven’t already. Do that in combination with the Honest Newbie template above and see how you get on.

Thank you Nial.

I combined your two templates No.4 + No. 3 in order to write my proposal yesterday. And I got the first job out of 5 proposals.

I really appreciated it!!!.

Great job, Olivia!

Woow! Niall, this is an amazing content and excellent guides to upwork. Thank you and keep it up.

Thanks, Nicholas 🙂

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. Great work! I will definitely try in this process.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I was able to get my first job within my first round of sending out only 6 proposals because of these templates! As a student this was such a great feeling.

That’s great, Christine! Well done 🙂

Update, not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!

You’re crushing it 🙂 Thanks for reporting back!

Hi Niall.. As i am new to upwork.com. I am so.much disturb due to not getting a perfect contract here on upwork. i quit my job as a teacher. But when i started sending proposals here it didn’t worked out. Will these templates of yours help me out in getting the desired job

You’ll do better with these templates than without them, Hussain. Give them a try!

wonderful, i have been much disturbed with this cover letter but now am ok.

Hi Niall Doherty. My name is Jay and Thank you for sharing your great experience Knowledge here. I has just start on upwork. and this will be big help for me. If i says honestly then i was completely tired because there is no activity acting on my profile. i have tried many things to get clients but i just got only one client in a month which is not good. and was looking for guidance and it’s my pleasure that i meet you here on your home(website). I have just read your most of articles and i would like to follow your steps. I am very exciting to leave a screenshot of my next success here on your site by following your words. do you like to give me any suggestions!! great regards, Jay R.

Thanks a lot! This information is so valuable. Hoping to get project soon.

This article really gave a boost to my aspirations. I believe you have just jump started my career on Upwork. Thank you.

Thanks for all the super helpful info!

This article is very helpful, thank you so much for this

Thank you very much!! Valuable info

So, Susan, in her linked interview, mentions a specific course she took with you, Niall (or perhaps it’s one you made?). She mentions that this course was what she believed helped her in her 30-day experiment with Upwork. I’ve clicked around and can find nothing but the Facebook group. What is the course she’s referring to, and are you still offering it?

Yes, I had a course (originally called “3 Months -> $1k” … later rebranded as “Freedom Business Builder”) that was available for almost 3 years but I closed it at the end of November 2018. The Facebook group for the course is still active and our Patreon supporters get access to it.

Are you looking to do similar work to Susan?

Thanks for replying, Niall! Yes I am looking to do the same line of work. I’ve landed a few jobs and would love some tips about how to really take off on Upwork.

Really Good. I strongly recommend this article

Thanks really find this article useful,will try follow the tempelates with my own works,appreciate.

Thank you so much for this, i find very helpful. I will definitely make use of these templates especially the 1st and 4th ones. Thanks once again

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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.

10 Tips For Writing Professional Cover Letters

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

1. Personalize Your Greeting

Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Take the time to find out the client’s name and address them directly. A personalized greeting shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the job.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

Grab the client’s attention right from the start. Mention the job you’re applying for and briefly state why you’re excited about the opportunity. Highlight a key skill or experience that makes you a perfect fit.

3. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

Focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use bullet points to make this information easy to scan. Be specific about your accomplishments and how they align with the project’s requirements.

4. Show Enthusiasm and Interest

Clients appreciate freelancers who are genuinely interested in their projects. Express your enthusiasm and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. A passionate approach can make you stand out from other candidates.

5. Address the Client’s Needs

Show that you understand the client’s needs by referencing details from the job posting. Explain how you plan to meet those needs and solve their problems. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job demonstrates your attention to detail.

6. Include Samples or Links to Work

Provide links to your portfolio or attach samples that are relevant to the job. Seeing your work helps clients assess your skills and makes your application more compelling. Ensure the samples showcase your best work and are easy to access.

7. Keep It Concise and Focused

Clients are often busy and may not have time to read lengthy cover letters. Keep your letter concise and to the point, ideally no longer than one page. Focus on the most important information and avoid unnecessary details.

8. Proofread Carefully

Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a poor first impression. Proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure it’s error-free. Consider asking a friend or using a tool like Grammarly to help catch any mistakes.

9. End with a Call to Action

Conclude your cover letter by expressing your eagerness to discuss the project further. Invite the client to contact you for an interview or to ask any questions. A clear call to action can help move the process forward.

10. Follow Up if Necessary

If you haven’t heard back within a week or so, consider sending a polite follow-up message. Reiterate your interest in the project and ask if the client needs any additional information. Following up shows your persistence and commitment.

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How To Write a Cover Letter: Basics and Examples for Upwork Success

Creating a compelling cover letter is crucial for securing jobs on Upwork, the popular freelancing platform. A well-crafted Upwork cover letter can set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing your desired projects. This guide will walk you through the basics of writing a cover letter for Upwork, provide examples, and offer tips to make your proposals shine.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Importance of an Upwork Cover Letter

Basics of writing a cover letter for upwork, key elements of an effective upwork cover letter, common mistakes to avoid in upwork cover letters, step-by-step guide to writing an upwork cover letter, upwork cover letter sample for web developers, upwork cover letter sample for graphic designers, upwork cover letter sample for content writers, personalizing your upwork cover letter, using keywords effectively in your upwork cover letter, showcasing your unique selling proposition in upwork cover letters, tips for writing a winning upwork proposal cover letter, how to format your upwork cover letter for maximum impact, follow-up strategies after submitting an upwork cover letter, faq about upwork cover letters.

An Upwork cover letter is your first opportunity to make a great impression on potential clients. It sets the tone for your professional relationship and demonstrates your enthusiasm and suitability for the project. A strong cover letter can significantly increase your chances of being hired.

Writing a cover letter for Upwork requires a clear structure, an appropriate tone, and a personalized approach. Here’s a breakdown:

• Structure: Your cover letter should include an introduction, body paragraphs highlighting your skills and experience, and a conclusion with a call to action.
• Tone: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone. Show enthusiasm for the project and confidence in your abilities.
• Personalization: Customize each cover letter to the specific job post and client. Mention the client's name and address their project requirements directly.

An effective Upwork cover letter should include the following key elements:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the job you're applying for.
• Skills Highlight: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. Use bullet points for clarity.
• Relevant Experience: Share examples of past work that demonstrate your expertise. Be specific and concise.
• Call to Action: End with a strong call to action, inviting the client to discuss the project further.

Avoid these common mistakes to increase your chances of success:

• Generic Openings: Personalize each cover letter. Avoid using generic openings like "To whom it may concern."
• Overly Long Letters: Keep your cover letter concise. Aim for 200-300 words.
• Lack of Proofreading: Typos and grammatical errors can make a poor impression. Proofread your cover letter carefully.

Follow these steps to write a compelling Upwork cover letter:

• Analyzing the Job Post: Carefully read the job description. Identify the key skills and requirements.
• Crafting the Introduction: Start with a friendly greeting and mention the job title. Introduce yourself briefly.
• Showcasing Your Skills: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Use bullet points for easy reading.
• Ending with a Strong CTA: Conclude with a call to action. Invite the client to schedule an interview or discuss the project further.

Example Breakdown:

Introduction:

"Hi [Client's Name],

I’m excited to apply for your web development project. With over five years of experience in web development, I have the skills and expertise to deliver high-quality results."

Skills Highlight:

• Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
• Experience with responsive design and cross-browser compatibility
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Relevant Experience:

"I recently completed a project for a client where I developed a custom e-commerce site that increased their sales by 30%."

Call to Action:

"I would love to discuss your project in more detail. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a call."

I’m thrilled to submit my application for your graphic design project. With a background in graphic design and a passion for creativity, I’m confident I can bring your vision to life."

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with branding and logo design
• Strong visual communication skills

"I designed a new logo for a startup that significantly improved their brand recognition and customer engagement."

"I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your project. Let’s schedule a time to chat."

I’m eager to apply for your content writing project. With a strong background in content creation and SEO, I can help you create engaging and optimized content."

• Proficient in SEO best practices
• Experience with blog writing and article creation
• Strong research and editing skills

"I’ve written numerous articles for a tech blog that have consistently ranked on the first page of Google."

"I’d love to discuss your content needs further. Please get in touch to arrange a meeting."

Addressing the Client: Always use the client's name if it's available. It shows attention to detail and genuine interest.

Tailoring Your Proposal: Customize your cover letter to reflect the specific job requirements. Mention details from the job post to demonstrate your understanding.

Keyword Integration: Use relevant keywords from the job post naturally within your cover letter to increase visibility.

SEO for Proposals: Just like SEO for web content, using the right keywords can make your proposal more discoverable and relevant.

Highlight what sets you apart from other freelancers. Whether it’s a unique skill, a specific experience, or a distinctive approach, make sure to emphasize your unique selling proposition.

Clarity: Be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences.

Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone while being friendly and approachable.

Enthusiasm: Show genuine enthusiasm for the project and the opportunity to work with the client.

Layout: Use a clean and simple layout. Break your text into paragraphs and use bullet points where appropriate.

Readability: Choose a readable font and size. Avoid large blocks of text.

Professional Appearance: Ensure your cover letter looks professional and polished. Pay attention to spacing and alignment.

Timing: Follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week.

Politeness: Be polite and professional in your follow-up message.

Persistence: Show continued interest without being overly pushy. A gentle reminder can keep you top of mind.

What is the best length for an Upwork cover letter?

Aim for 200-300 words. Keep it concise and to the point.

How can I make my Upwork cover letter stand out?

Personalize your cover letter, highlight relevant skills and experience, and maintain a professional yet friendly tone.

Should I include a portfolio in my Upwork cover letter?

Mentioning your portfolio is a good idea. Provide links to relevant work samples.

How often should I follow up after submitting a cover letter?

Wait about a week before following up. Be polite and express continued interest in the project.

What are common mistakes to avoid in an Upwork cover letter?

Avoid generic openings, overly long letters, and typos. Make sure to customize each cover letter to the specific job post.

Can I use a template for my Upwork cover letter?

While templates can provide structure, always personalize each cover letter to the job and client.

Writing an effective Upwork cover letter is an essential skill for freelancers. By understanding the basics, avoiding common mistakes, and personalizing each proposal, you can increase your chances of success on the platform. Use the provided examples and tips to craft compelling cover letters that will help you stand out to potential clients and win more projects.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition. 

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a cover letter in the freelance landscape.

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Here's why a cover letter matters:

• Provides Context on Your Fit:  A cover letter allows you to expand on your experience and skills beyond a simple resume bullet point. You can explain how your unique background and approach make you the perfect person for the role.
• Cuts Through the Noise: Upwork is a crowded marketplace. A strong cover letter makes you stand out.
• Demonstrates Initiative and Communication Skills: A well-written cover letter showcases your professionalism and ability to communicate effectively, essential qualities for any freelancer.
• Opportunity to Address Specific Requirements: A cover letter for Upwork helps highlight your skills directly relevant to the project's needs, demonstrating your understanding of the client's goals.

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.” 

Integrate Keywords Seamlessly

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like " I have experience in marketing ,” go for keyword integration: " I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies. "

Proactively Address Client Concerns

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Crafting a Memorable Closing Statement

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying " increased website traffic, " quantify it. " I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client. "

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

General Template: A Versatile Approach

Hi [Client Name],

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Web Designing Template

Dear [Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

Content Writing Template

Hey[Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

Graphic Design Template

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Video Editing Template

Hello [Client Name],

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Q1. What Components Are Mandatory for a Good Cover Letter?

Ans. While there's no strict format, strong cover letters typically include:

• A personalised greeting
• A brief introduction highlighting your relevant skills and experience
• A specific example from your portfolio that showcases your expertise
• A closing that expresses your enthusiasm and next steps (e.g., call to schedule a call)

Q2. The Resume and Cover Letter Dilemma: To Copy or Not to Copy?

Ans. Your cover letter shouldn't simply replicate your resume. It expands upon your resume by demonstrating your understanding of the specific project and how your skills directly benefit the client.

Q3. What is the difference between a Proposal vs. a Cover Letter?

Ans. On Upwork, the terms "proposal" and "cover letter" are often used interchangeably. They both refer to the written document submitted to convince a client to hire you. However, some freelancers differentiate between the two. A cover letter might be the initial introduction, while a proposal includes the cover letter alongside more detailed information about your approach, timeline, and pricing.

Q4. Should you use ChatGPT to write your cover letter?

Ans. While AI writing tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas, it's crucial to maintain a personal touch in your cover letter. Clients value genuine communication and a clear understanding of your skills. It's best to use these tools as a starting point and then personalise the content for each project.

• Pricing Job Posting Plans Talent Search Plans Resume Builder Plans
• Build your Network My Network Access your personal network connections and manage your contacts. CakeResume Meet Expand your professional network by meeting and connecting with other users. Community Engage with other users through discussions, forums, and networking events.

Secrets of Writing Successful Upwork Cover Letters

In this article, you’ll learn about:

How to Write an Upwork Cover Letter

Cover letter samples for upwork, tips on how to write a cover letter for upwork proposals, upwork cover letter template.

Today's job market is undeniably tough, especially with remote work developing into the “new norm" all over the world. Both freelancers and recruiters/clients now have a lot of platforms to achieve their own purpose. However, Upwork seems to be among the largest and most reliable websites with a reasonable fee and plenty of job opportunities. 

Basically, if you're a freelancer, you will either actively reach out to a client or be invited to take a look at a job offer. Whatever the case, submitting a cover letter for an Upwork proposal is a must. By doing so, you can express your interest in the project/job and present your candidacy. 

To help you craft a top-notch Upwork cover letter, we've put together essential steps and tips, together with the best Upwork cover letter samples from successful hires. Let’s dive in.

To start off, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on writing a cover/proposal letter for Upwork.

Step 1: Read the job description thoroughly.

In general, freelance jobs don't provide you with standard employee benefits like full-time remote or regular office jobs. The requirements also vary depending on the project and business. Hence, it's important to go over the job post carefully 

For example, you might be asked to deliver the article within 2 days. In this case, your proposal letter for Upwork should confirm the client's request and further demonstrate your quick turnaround. 

Step 2: Adjust each Upwork cover letter to each proposal.

Similar to a resume or CV, a generic cover letter won't be able to create a favorable impression on the hiring manager. They might see that you don't read the job post carefully and put a lot of effort into your application.

Step 3: Address the client’s name.

Instead of using “Dear Hiring Manager" like in regular letters of job application, you should address the client directly to add a personal touch to your Upwork cover letter. To see their name, simply scroll to the bottom of the project page and look for reviews from the freelancers hired previously. 

Step 4: Demonstrate qualifications & experiences related to the job post.

When crafting the content for your cover letter on Upwork, be sure that you keep it concise and highlight relevant information only. Clients don't have plenty of time to go over a memoir that includes all of your details. 

Step 5: Insert a link to your portfolio (even if not required).

Though you can showcase all projects in the portfolio section on Upwork, you can still include a link to your online portfolio, personal website, or shared Google Drive in your cover letter. This can act as a CTA that reminds the client to check out your work samples.

Refer to the best Upwork cover letter samples below that will help your proposal stand out from other applicants and successfully land a job. 

Quick Navigation:

Upwork cover letter sample for beginners

Cover letter for upwork data entry jobs, upwork cover letter sample for web developers, upwork cover letter sample for graphic designers, sample upwork cover letter for virtual assistants, sample cover letter for upwork customer service jobs.

I'm Maya Nguyen - a Vietnamese born and raised in the States. I've just graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor's Degree in International Business.  

While looking for freelance jobs, I was elated to see the Personal Assistant job advertised on Upwork. In spite of being a fresher with limited experience in the field, I have a strong passion for content creation, personal branding, and social media marketing. 

During my studies at Texas A&M, I organized 5 welcome parties and 3 career orientation workshops for first-year students. I was also in charge of managing the Facebook page of my department (International Business F12 - Texas A&M). 

These valuable experiences have honed my task management skills, self motivation and discipline as well as the thorough attention to detail. In addition to English, I can also speak Vietnamese fluently, which I believe could add much value to your project since you aim to attract Vietnamese young audiences.  

Please let me know if you need any additional information or questions. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully, Maya Nguyen

Dear Hiring Manager,

I hope this proposal finds you well.

First off, I would like to express my interest in your job post. Having read all requirements for the Data Entry job at your company, I am confident that I would be the perfect fit and am ready to take an oath to deliver my work. 

For the last 5 years, I have been working remotely in the field of Data entry, Data importing, Data exporting, and Data mining. Please let me further specify my experience as below:

• Transferring data written on paper into computer files and database systems
• Importing and exporting data as requested by clients 
• Creating spreadsheets with large numbers of figures error-free
• Performing strategic data analysis and conducting relevant research
• Identifying potential opportunities to improve productivity via the latest statistical modeling. 

I have been proving myself by providing a satisfactory service to my clients, which you can see from the “Testimonial" section on my Upwork profile. In addition to a resume, I’ve also attached my sample work copies so you can take a closer look at my qualifications. 

I can ensure that the work will be delivered on time without any mistakes. Hence, I'm more than happy for the chance to speak further with you about how my skills can assist your company in achieving its goals.

Sincerely, Catherine Conners

Dear Mr. Jonas,

Thank you for reaching out to me. I have read the job posting for the Web Developer job at LedCamp and I’m very interested. I find it is very similar to my previous experience and aligns closely with the career I have been pursuing. 

Please allow me to give a brief summary of my qualifications. I have more than 6 years of experience in web development and UX/UI design with proficiency in JavaScript and HTML/CSS. Besides that, I have engaged in several mobile side projects that require the use of Objective-C and Swift. I also have a good taste in design and demonstrate excellent creativity through various innovative ideas and works.  

In my last role as a Front-end Developer, I developed new user-facing features, determined the structure and design of 8 web pages, built reusable codes, and optimized page loading times. My biggest accomplishment is a 28% reduction in the bounce rate and 33% growth in conversion rates, which are achieved by my effort in creating a more modern and responsive web experience for users. 

I believe my hands-on experience and technical skills will prove relevant for your upcoming rebrand and subsequent website changes. I will be available anytime next Monday to Wednesday for an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Samuel Huang

With a strong passion for creating visually-stunning designs, I’m eager to join your team as a Graphic Designer. I believe that my 5-year experience will help your brand grow and spread into the SEA market. 

I first started my career as an in-house graphic designer for a fashion brand, and two years later, I decided to be a professional freelancer. I want to travel to as many countries as possible all over the world to explore different cultures, which cultivates the diversity in my design style and allows me to work well with various clients coming from anywhere and in any industry. 

I have worked on a range of print, interactive and digital design projects with the capability of taking sophisticated information and transforming it into a story with eye-catching visuals. I also

provided creative design solutions that attract attention and convey the intended message. Most outstandingly, the “Your Own Boss” campaign in which I designed all communication materials has generated an increase of 25% in the client's annual sales in 2021.  

With superb communication skills, I am an excellent team player and open to feedback. If hired, the works that you will be able to see me deliver for this project will speak volumes of that statement.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you at your convenience. 

Sincerely, Casy Luong

Dear Team, 

My name is Shenzhou and I’m writing to express my interest in the Virtual Assistant job advertised on Upwork. As a top-rated freelancer on Upwork, I have virtually assisted 9 clients including both individual clients and corporations within the fields of technology, education, and tourism. 

During 4 years of working remotely as a virtual assistant and office admin, I have handled the following tasks: 

• Providing personal assistance to several top-level executives
• Creating reports and presentations
• Scheduling webinars and company meetings via video conference 
• Translating documents from Chinese to English and vice versa

My home office is fully equipped with the standard office equipment required for administrative assignments. Besides that, I guarantee a 2-hour response time to any form of communication between 8 am to 10 pm EST. With strong task management and organization skills, I’m confident I would be a great addition to your team. My diligence, flexibility, and reliability also make me a great candidate for this position. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further about my qualifications.

Kind regards, Shenzhou

Dear Mx. Sam,

I’m writing to you regarding your company’s Customer Service Representative job posted on Upwork. A true appreciation for your products and my hands-on customer service experience make me an ideal candidate for this opening job.

I have 3 years of experience in TeleSales and Customer Service within the insurance and education sectors. My key skills include making cold calls to promote relevant goods and services, dealing with agitated or distressed customers, and developing new sales strategies to help the company grow and surpass all goals and objectives. This precious experience has honed my organizational and communication skills, as well as provided me, a go-getter, with extensive knowledge of how to upsell services and goods to potential clients.

Considering the skills and achievements demonstrated above, I believe that I’m a perfect match for your open Customer Service Representative position. I’m excited to connect with you and share more about my qualifications. 

Many thanks, Kristen Huang

✅ Be direct and straight to the point.

One key difference between cover letters for job applications and Upwork proposal cover letters is the tone of voice and writing style. You don't need to be too formal and fancy language is also a don't. 

✅ Answer the questions provided by the client.

When submitting a proposal, you might be asked several screening questions in a separate section, for example:

• What challenging part of this project do you have the most experience in?
• What part of this project is most appealing to you?
• Have you had any jobs or projects that are similar to this one?

Hence, make sure you'll fill all required sections and avoid repeating the same information in your Upwork cover letter.

✅ Focus on your skills and abilities.

Here comes a winning trick when crafting an Upwork cover letter for beginners. Since you have limited experience either in the field or in freelance projects, it's important to focus on the skills and abilities that make you competent and outstanding. This is also a great way to assure the client that you’ll be able to bring more value to their project/team.  

Feel free to use the copy-pasteable Upwork cover letter template below to craft a winning letter for your job hunting on Upwork!

Dear Hiring Manager or Ms./Mr./Mx. [ Hiring Manager’s Name ],

I’m [Your Name] , a [Your Specialization] with [number] years of experience. I'm very much interested in your project and believe that I fulfill all of your requirements for the job as specified on Upwork. 

For the past few years, I have [job task 1] , [job task 2] , and [job task 3] . Please have a look at my work samples that have been posted in my portfolio area and my work history area.

In addition to that, I am adept at using [tool 1] and [tool 2] which help generate a/an [achievement] for my client (or company).

You will also find that I'm a freelancer with [soft skill 1] , [soft skill 2] , and the ability to [soft skill 3] . These allow me to deliver high-quality work to my clients in time. 

I would appreciate an opportunity to further discuss with you about my qualifications and the project in more detail. Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if you have any concerns.

[Your Name]

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Upwork Proposal Tutorial for Beginners: The COMPLETE Upwork Cover Letter Guide (+ examples)

Now that I am not only a freelancer but also a client on UpWork, I can see how those “Cover letter template tips” hurt you.

That’s why, we are talking about it. I want you to stop sending templated cover letters on UpWork. Save your energy, money and time.

Here’s what you should do instead.

Ok, we are avoiding templates.

What should we do instead?

Firstly, before we talk about what to do, let’s talk about some common mistakes we need to avoid when writing a cover letter on Upwork.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that not all jobs are right for you. Too many freelancers apply to jobs in a shotgun approach, hoping that the more they apply, the higher their chances of landing a job. But this is a flawed strategy.

Why, you ask?

Because every job is different, every client has unique needs, and every project requires a different skill set.

So, take the time to read the job description thoroughly.

Understand what the client needs and reflect on whether you have the necessary skills and the time to complete the job.

The second mistake I see often is using the same cover letter for every job.

If you were a client, would you hire someone who sends you a copy-pasted, generic letter?

Or would you be more inclined to consider someone who has taken the time to personalize their cover letter, addressing your specific needs and expectations? I bet it’s the latter.

So, make it a point to personalize each cover letter.

Take cues from the job description and incorporate those phrases in your cover letter.

This will not only demonstrate that you’ve read the description carefully but also show your enthusiasm for the project.

A mistake that is often overlooked by freelancers is not checking the client’s details.

Understanding the client’s location can provide insights into their time zone and whether your working hours align.

It’s also important to consider the hiring rate and the average amount they’ve paid to other freelancers.

This will give you an idea of their budget and whether it aligns with your rate.

An extremely valuable but often neglected area is the feedback section.

This little goldmine can reveal critical information about your potential client.

You might even find the client’s name here — a key detail that can help you personalize your cover letter.

Additionally, reviewing the feedback can help you understand the client’s work history, how they interact with freelancers, and what you can expect when working with them.

Finally, the skills section. If the job doesn’t match your skills, it might not be the right job for you.

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people ignore this. Your skills should align with the job requirements.

This increases your chances of getting the job and also helps Upwork’s algorithm match you with similar jobs in the future.

Now that you know what to avoid, you are ready to know how to write a winning cover letter.

HOW TO WRITE A WINNING COVER LETTER

Start by addressing the client by their name if you’ve managed to find it. It adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve taken the time to understand them. If not, a simple ‘Hi’ works. But make sure to keep it professional.

Your first sentence should grab the client’s attention. Address the most important aspect of the job post first.

For example , if the client has stated, ‘I want it done today’, you can start your cover letter by saying ‘I can deliver the work to you by today’.

This shows the client that you’ve read their requirement and you’re ready to meet their expectations.

Don’t waste your time writing long and boring introductions. It will do you no good.

You can also share relevant experiences and how your skills can bring value to the client and the project.

Make sure it’s short, to the point, and impactful.

Remember, less is more. Nobody wants to read a long cover letter.

Another good idea is to personalize wherever possible.

For example, unstead of saying “this project” say something from the job pots “company logo” or something else the client is looking for.

Finally, there is no need to end with a strong closing sentence .

And a pro tip — double-check your cover letter for spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

They can leave a bad impression.

As a takeaway, here are 2 different examples of cover letters that won the job in no time.

The examples are based on my videos as I asked my friend to test my advice of NOT using cover letter templates. Those are some of the results.

Here, you can see that the freelancer read the job description carefully and addressed the clients’ questions

Part 2 and 3 coming soon #UpWork #upworkproposal Part 1

I promised to share upwork cover letter examples that won jobs. as you know, i am against using cover letter templates….

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Written by Sirarpi

Digital marketing manager & freelancer with 6 years' experience. I share only proven advice on remote work and freelancing.

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So, you want to create winning cover letters on Upwork? Read this

Are you dreaming of landing freelance clients remotely and get the control to quit your job?

The first step is writing a cover letter on Upwork that wins a client over to your side. In this guide, you and I will dive deeper into what good and bad proposals look like and the specific steps to master writing them.

You’ll need to know less than you think and practice more but don’t worry, we’ll cover everything you need. This is the best skill you can master to earn money on the side. I know that’s a bold statement and think about it: even if you could do nothing else, you can offer to help businesses write proposals or sell their services for them. 

I take a different approach than most others because I don’t feel good about coming across as salesy. To my luck, it turns out to work really well as you might have seen in the case studies here .

The trade-off is that it requires more work than the average freelancer puts in, so truth be told, this is not for everyone. If you feel lazy and freelancing isn’t that important to you, no judgment from me but this probably isn’t what you are looking for.

With that note out of the way, let’s dig in!

Update : I prepared an article on writing strong Upwork proposals over at Millo in case you are serious about landing clients.

No matter if we are looking for a freelance gig, a traditional job, running a marketing campaign, writing copy or anything else that has an element of persuasion to it, we tend to win by first understanding what the client is looking for before crafting what we’ll show them.

To make this guide on writing a winning cover letter on Upwork very real, let’s first upload a project to the website and see what happens before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to master the Upwork proposals.

How freelance clients experience Upwork

We could have picked any type of project, so to make this easy to follow for many of us, let’s pick a project around lead generation research.

First, we need to decide on a job title and category.

Next, we click update and move on to writing what we think is a good and descriptive project description. I took the liberty of preparing one that you can see below – I apologize for the zoom out, I wanted to add everything there for you to see.

Let’s make this a one-time project and move on.

There are so many different skills we can attach to the project. It feels as if there are too many to choose from, so let’s just pick quantitative research and move on.

On the same page we also have to pick some skills. It is unclear what this is for, so let’s stick with market research and data entry. 

We also need to share what level of experience the freelancer should have. It’s difficult to judge, so let’s pick the one in the middle. It’s probably a nice balance.

Next, we have to select if we only want to invite a specific freelancer or make it public, and how many freelancers we need. One freelancer will do for this project. Let’s keep it open and get some bids so the freelancers can show us what they got, shall we?

Finally, it seems, we have to enter the budget. A fixed price seems like a good bet but I don’t know how much this is worth. Especially, since we don’t yet know how many leads are out there and we want to pay what’s fair without getting ripped off.

Let’s say $1 per lead and add $200. Perhaps we are able to change it later.

A quick review of our details and we are off to the races.

Yay! Our project is live! We are taken to this page and suggested to invite freelancers but since we don’t know any, we’ll let the freelancers come to us with proposals.

Fast forward two days… Let’s see if we got any proposals.

..We did! We got 20 proposals. This is what it looks like when we browse through the proposals:

Somehow Upwork has decided for us that 14 out of the 20 options are the “best match”. Let’s take a look. I have blurred out any personal details out of respect for each freelancers’ privacy.

Let’s look at the other proposals…

Wow, this is a long proposal. Interesting. The freelancer found and included my name which is great.

This next proposal is long, so I had to bite it up into two screenshots.

Besides the fact that this is very long and a good chunk of it feels like rewording of the project description, this isn’t bad either. The freelancer has a few questions and has thought about the project along with specifics that we will receive as a client. Not bad at all.

This next one has attached an example from a similar project. For privacy of the people in the doc, I’ll not add it here but the formatting looks like what you and I are looking for.

The proposal is nice, short and not bad at all. Let’s see what else we have.

I’m not entirely sure how the language skills help with the project. Are you? Anyway, let’s not sit and think about how it might, with all the cover letters we have to go through. 

We are busy and this is just one task out of many that we have to do as a client running a business. It’s one of those cases where it would be great if the freelancer had explained how it could help the project.

The rest of the proposals are quite similar… except for these two:

Nice! Look at this doc:

The freelancer showed a sample of what our project would look like. There were only one other candidate that did the same thing:

The proposal itself doesn’t feel that relevant to the project but based on the sample below it feels as if the freelancer understands what we are looking for. Right?

There are plenty more, similar, proposals. Since you are busy and don’t have all day to look at this (just like clients don’t), let’s leave it with those highlights. 

Looking over these proposals, what do you notice?

I notice a few things:

We got a few different “categories” of proposals: 

• The “hail mary” copy-paste proposal that isn’t really relevant
• The ones that tried to explain how their experience was relevant
• The ones that showed us what the project would look like when it is completed

As a client it feels easier to judge if someone is the right fit by showing us something rather than telling us about their background. 

Particularly, because it is hard to trust that we are on the same page — even if someone says they understand, I’ve worked in outsourcing and remote projects for long enough to know that just saying someone understands is no guarantee that the two parties are on the same page.

Communicating between client and freelancer, and being on the same page is the biggest challenge with outsourcing, so it is extra important that even if we feel we understand, that we also work to make the client feel that we understand because there is a high chance we are not on the same page. 

Especially, clients experienced at hiring will be concerned about this and we’ll look experienced and score some easy points by pointing out that we know this is a problem and work to mitigate it. Telling something is easy – I can tell you that I know how to build a new Facebook but why would you believe me? Saying stuff is easy.. Especially on the internet.

It is really challenging to make the solution attractive based on explaining ourselves compared to showing the sample as a few of the freelancers did. There is something to the visual aspect.

At this point in the hiring process, we haven’t even looked at pricing, the Job Success Score, testimonials, top rated-badges or anything like that. 

It didn’t even cross my mind since we first need to make sure that we are getting what we are looking for and we got that proven from two people.

Almost all of the proposals were focused on the freelancer writing it rather than the project and the client. The irony is that I wouldn’t have thought about their background much if they haven’t focused so much on highlighting it.

And guess what: just as the freelancer is thinking about themselves, we as the client is doing the same. Everyone is and it’s normal. I don’t really care about their background, just whether they can do the project well or not.

Since most of the freelancer competition thinks about themselves, if we do the opposite, we’ll stand out immediately.

Another thing that I noticed in the proposals is that I didn’t feel any personal connection. I know this isn’t obvious but I would have loved to see a more personal or friendly way of writing the proposals. Most of the proposals felt very formal and in some cases even formulaic.

Even though freelancers are able to see how many proposals have been submitted, no one seemed to comment or mitigate the fact that there were a lot of competing freelancers for the same project. 

Many of the proposals would have been decent or perhaps even gotten a shot if there weren’t any other proposals… but there were. 

Since we can only hire one freelancer for the project, it’s a winner takes all scenario so if someone would make it 10% better, they would probably win.

With a lot of proposals and little time (being a busy client), it can feel overwhelming to look through many proposals and none of the freelancers seemed to consider that — and even if they did, we don’t know what they are thinking if they don’t share it with us. It doesn’t feel fair as a freelancer, I agree, but it is the world we live in and I’ve seen clients feel this way so many times.

I’m pleasantly surprised that there are more customized proposals whereas in the past, I’ve seen that most of the proposals have been lazy and irrelevant copy-paste cover letters.

Experienced clients see right through the template proposals, especially since there are many other proposals to compare with.

If we take the time to write even a basic custom proposal, we move from the worst bracket and into the middle bracket (in the three proposal brackets we talked about earlier) that might be considered for the project depending on the competition.

The challenge is that in most cases there can be only one winning freelancer, so we need to be the best. Luckily, it often isn’t that challenging.

Now, with a basic perspective of how it feels to be on the client side, let’s look at what good proposals look like and how we can create our own. 

But first, let’s look at why we keep sending the same proposals even if they don’t land us any jobs and how clients are pitched by other freelancers outside of Upwork compared to on the website so we have a basic reference point.

Why we keep sending proposals that don’t land jobs

We’ve all tried doing something that doesn’t work like sending out proposals that doesn’t land clients. After sending out a bunch of similar ones and not hearing back, why do we keep applying in the same way even though we know it probably won’t work?

Or in other words, why do we keep doing the same thing yet expect a different result?

This quote is often signed as said by Einstein but that doesn’t seem to be true: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

Either way, the point is great.

For some of us it is because we feel like we are working even though we know that working and making progress is not the same thing.

We are used to focusing on the number of hours we work from our traditional job but here on Upwork/with freelancing, we win by focusing on impact.

To mitigate it, we can for example create a habit around having a “doctor’s appointment” where we go undisturbed to dive deeper into the project for a little bit.

This requires reframing since we are used to clock in and out of jobs for a long time, and so this will naturally take a while to change.

This is one of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned from freelancing and ironically, working in a traditional job, modern bosses tend to love this since it moves their business forward. Clocking in and out is just a metric created to hopefully help drive an impact on the bottom line but it isn’t a very good fit for that.

Examples of winning cover letters on Upwork

An Upwork proposal is different from what clients normally consider a proposal. On Upwork, this is the first impression the client gets of us whereas outside of Upwork, the proposal is usually the final recap of a potential project.

This graphic can serve as a summary:

As you’ll see, we’ll normally have had the opportunity to establish that we are good at what we do, discuss a specific project, and perhaps even flesh out the details. On Upwork, it is the other way around.

An Upwork proposal consists of a cover letter and sometimes additional questions, although the word “cover letter” is sometimes used interchangeably with “proposal”.

So what does a good Upwork proposal look like? Let’s dig in by first look at a few example proposals that won the project they were pitching for!

Upwork cover letter examples

The job description

The Upwork cover letter

The project was won at $35/h.

Another example. The project description:

Won at $250.

The cover letter:

The Upwork cover letter:

Why did these Upwork cover letters work?

Let’s see which insights we can extract from the cover letters. What do you notice? 

I notice that the proposals feel custom written to each of the projects — they show that the freelancer took the time to get to know the client and project before applying. There are some minor mistakes here and there. They are not perfect and that’s OK too.

The cover letters are SPECIFIC both in terms of addressing the project but also the freelancers’ background. They comment specifically on the project or business showing that they did their research.

I also notice that they often point out a specific unknown in the project that the client might not have thought about. Something that is needed in order to give accurate advice or price.

They take one of the following approaches (or both): friendly with genuine interest or focus on being the expert.

They are not trying to be the expert by writing a long essay about their experience, in fact, they tend to have only a small section about the freelancers’ expertise or background.

And finally, they end with a CTA to make the conversation and next steps easier for the client.

Other insights I’ve noticed are:

• The human aspect is more important than we think. I’ve earned a lot by being friendly, thoughtful of the client’s time, and focused on what they wanted – not always what I thought was best
• Showcasing our expertise and portfolio is important. Just not as always much as we like to think.

Next, let’s dive into how to apply these insights in our own Upwork cover letters.

Step by step guide to writing Upwork cover letters that win projects

A quick note before we begin. Since I’ve covered most of the frequent Upwork cover letter questions more in detail separately, I will not be diving into them here but I here are the links to each of them in case you need to dive in:

• Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?
• Do you have suggestions to make this project run successfully?
• What part of this project most appeals to you?

Let’s put everything we’ve learned together into the three key sections in the proposal:

Step 1: The hook

Direct response copywriting is the art of writing copy that persuades people to do  certain things — usually buy a product. 

That rule is that the headline only has one purpose: to get the reader to write the first paragraph. And the first paragraph only has one purpose: to get the reader to read the second paragraph.

You get the gist. When we apply for Upwork jobs with many proposals that are already submitted, this is particularly important, since it is easy to be lost in the sea of other proposals as we saw earlier. 

The first few paragraphs have one purpose, to get the client to open the proposal in first place. That’s it!

We can do that by addressing the client by name to instantly show that we are not wasting their time. Experienced Upwork clients are used to shitty and irrelevant proposals, so this is a good way to signal right from the get go that we are not one of those.

We can use the first few lines to write something that hooks them in since they can see that in their dashboard without opening the proposal. For example a compliment about the project or how we have similar experience.

For example “Hi NAME, I’m excited to see that you are also working in the language learning industry. I’ve helped a number of similar businesses drive customers with Facebook ads.”

Or “Hi NAME, I got excited when I saw your project about helping language students. I’ve learned two languages on my own and the most common challenge I see with students is that they are afraid of practicing because they don’t want to look stupid.”

You will often be able to find the name of the client in previous project descriptions or in the testimonials from previous projects.

Step 2: The meat

All other things being equal, this is the most important part of the proposal: We’ll show the client why we are relevant for the project. 

We can do that in a few different ways. For example by showing what we’ve done in the past but instead of showing our entire portfolio or work history, we’ll highlight just a few examples that are relevant to the project. 

That way, the busy client can quickly understand why we are relevant instead of looking at our life story and trying to guess it themselves. This is extra work and it is hard, and that’s why the client doesn’t do it. Most freelancers don’t do it either and so if we do, it’s so much easier to win the project.

For example “ As I understand you are looking for help running Facebook ads to drive more customers. I’ve helped a number of businesses similar to yours, one was teaching German and another Spanish.

By experimenting with different images, text, and audiences, I optimized the campaign from getting customers at $9/customer to $1/customer. There are many things to test but I’ve found that just focusing on the two that make a big difference will give the most bang for your buck. It would be great to speak with you to understand what you’ve already tried and how it went.”

If you don’t feel like you have perfectly related experience, highlight a project and show how one part of it is relevant. If the customers have been the same, you might highlight the pain points and show that you understand that type of customer well.

For example, if the project is for a business selling bathroom utilities like this one:

We might say: “ I helped another client in the bathroom utility industry generate leads with online marketing. We tested out three different channels: SEO, Linked ads, and Google search ads. LinkedIn was decent yet expensive. We built a great combo between different channels that I think you’ll find attractive.

Even though the items sold were slightly different, they were in a similar industry so there is likely overlap with the buying decision between their customers and yours.

With another client that sells portable gear for events, I’ve helped build a short term funnel with ads to get client leads quickly and a long-term approach with organic search traffic.

I figure your business is likely selling to event owners and in the second example my client was doing the same yet selling different gear.”

Do you remember the two best proposals we saw for the project we put on Upwork earlier? Showing samples as they did is another great approach to the “meat”-section of the proposal if we can show exactly what the project will look like. 

This is particularly great if you feel as if you don’t have any relevant experience because we move the focus to what the project will look like. 

We can expand this by walking the client through the process as well. This is also where we mitigate hidden client questions.

Common questions that are often not shared in the project description and overlooked are: 

• If there are changes/revisions during the project, will we, as the freelancer, disappear?
• Will we be easy to work with or does the busy client have to learn something new e.g. software?

We can mitigate that by for example detailing how communication might look like throughout the project e.g. if they will get weekly updates or a quick response time. 

Long-time readers of the blog will not be surprised: this is where putting in the extra effort upfront pays off.

However, I have noticed that even if something isn’t perfect, clients tend to love to see that we put in the effort because it doesn’t happen often. Modern business owners switch more and more from focusing on a specific skill set when hiring and instead, towards attitude and mindset because skills are easier to teach. 

We can show that by briefly explaining our thoughts behind what we are showing them and if relevant, the thought process behind it. 

For example if a job description is showing how a client want to run Facebook ads but doesn’t mention the project, we might explain that in order to recommend the best strategy we’d need to know more about the product and industry.

We might also show an example of how it changes depending on the price of the product e.g. that when a product cost more, a longer funnel/more time is needed in order to persuade the buyer.

Step 3: the close

This section is easy and focuses on next steps. Write a paragraph or two about the portfolio pieces or testimonials you have attached – don’t just attach things and let the busy client guess what it is.

Then conclude with one question so the client knows what to do next. I like to suggest a phone call to learn more but if you aren’t sure if you can help the client yet, you might ask a simple question about their business such as which industry they are in or about the products they sell.

For example, “I’d like to keep this short to respect your time. I have attached a few testimonials from previous projects, in case you are curious. Out of interest, what are your most popular products and what price point do they sell at?”

There is no real formula and it is more art than science as long as you add the key components and answer the questions that the client is looking to get answered. They might be described directly in the job description as well as those hidden questions we discussed before.

The client wants to know how we can help them and the more specific we are in showing them that, the easier it is to understand why they should work with us.

Portfolio, Upwork profile text, Job Success Score, etc. are all ways to show that and help the client “outsource ” the decision. 

We can either help them outsource the deciding by having them think “if this freelancer worked on x project or with y client brand that I like, they can probably help me as well”, or we can go ahead and show them directly how their project will look and what it feels like to work together with us through showing the process.

For example, if there is a big timezone difference we might realize that they could be concerned about it and instead of leaving it up to chance we can address it right away — which also shows that we thought about the client and how they might feel.

We might tell them that the time zone difference is actually a benefit because they can wake up to a project update in their inbox since we can work on their project while they are asleep because of the time zone difference. 

Notice how much we dive into how the client feels. That is not random. Clients often hire freelancers based on emotions even though most of us like to think that it is a logical decision.

Remember, your proposal doesn’t need to be the best in the world, it just needs to be better than the other applicants.

How to win projects if you have no experience?

You and I have already discussed this earlier in the guide and the overarching idea is to win by showing that we put in a lot of effort. We can also make it easier by picking an idea that can be done without crazy technical knowledge like leads research.

The most common approaches to show your attitude is to:

• Show a sample of how the project will be done
• Help the client visualize what the project looks like when it is complete and how the collaboration (incl. communication) will work throughout the project so they know what to expect
• Show that you’ve worked hard to understand the client by including small details that indicate you’ve done your homework instead of writing a long essay

How to write cover letters fast with templates

I don’t recommend using this section until you’ve landed plenty of clients and feel confident that when you send out a certain number of cover letters, you know you’ll land a client.

Only then does it make sense to optimize the process. Otherwise we are optimizing the wrong thing and not gaining anything.

That being said, the simplest way to go about it is to categorize the clients you’ve worked with into certain buckets depending on what type of job descriptions they use and then collect all the winning proposals for each of those job description types.

Next, mix and match each of the proposal sections for new proposals like a swipe file. For example, you might use half of the meat section from one proposal, another half from another proposal and the closing section from a third proposal.

The key here is to only use winning proposals since you know that they work. It makes sense to experiment with a few things here and there to develop new ideas as well. That works particularly well if you can reuse some proven sections of your old proposals.

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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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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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Letter Templates & Example

10 Impressive Cover Letter Examples for Upwork: Stand Out from the Crowd

Are you struggling with crafting the perfect cover letter for your Upwork proposals? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of cover letter examples for Upwork that you can use to kickstart your writing process. These examples cover a range of industries and job types, so you’re sure to find something that resonates with you. And the best part? You can easily customize and edit these examples to fit your unique skills and experiences. No more staring at a blank screen, wondering where to even begin. With our cover letter examples, you’ll be well on your way to submitting winning proposals on Upwork. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

The Best Structure for Cover Letter Examples for Upwork

When applying for freelance jobs on Upwork, your cover letter is often the first impression that potential clients will have of you. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. One way to do this is by structuring your cover letter in a clear and concise way. Here’s a breakdown of the best structure for cover letter examples for Upwork:

1. Start with a personalized greeting: Begin your cover letter by addressing the client by name. This shows that you’ve taken the time to customize your application and are genuinely interested in the job.

2. Introduce yourself: Share a bit about yourself and your experience in the industry. Highlight any relevant skills or achievements that make you stand out from other candidates. Keep in mind that this should be brief and to the point.

3. Show your understanding of the client’s needs: Read the job description carefully and demonstrate that you understand the client’s needs. Explain how you can help them achieve their goals and solve any problems they may have.

4. Give specific examples: Provide examples of previous work or projects that are relevant to the job at hand. This helps to give the client a sense of your style and level of expertise.

5. Explain why you’re the best fit: Summarize why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Highlight your strengths and explain how they align with the needs of the client.

6. End with a call to action: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the client for their time and consideration. Encourage them to take the next step by interviewing you or reviewing your portfolio.

In summary, a well-structured cover letter should be personalized, brief, and to the point. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of landing your dream freelance job on Upwork. Best of luck!

Cover Letter Sample for Data Entry Job

I am excited to apply for the Data Entry position you have posted on Upwork. I have been working in this field for years, and I know that my experience and skills are what you are looking for. I am confident that I can exceed your expectations and deliver outstanding results.

As a Data Entry professional, accuracy, efficiency, and speed are the core values that I possess. I understand that the data you handle is sensitive and critical to your business. Thus, I am willing to undergo additional training, if required, to ensure that I can meet your specific needs and requirements.

Thank you for your consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Cover Letter Sample for Virtual Assistant Job

Hello there!

I am thrilled to submit my application for the Virtual Assistant position you have advertised on Upwork. With years of experience in administrative and customer service, I am confident that I can provide excellent support to your business.

I have a strong command of various administrative tools, including Google Suite, Trello, Basecamp, and Asana. I am also proficient in managing emails, appointments, and social media accounts. As a Virtual Assistant, I understand the importance of being proactive, organized, and detail-oriented, which are all essential skills that I have honed over the years.

I look forward to discussing how I can help you and your business. Thank you for considering my application.

Cover Letter Sample for Content Writing Job

Dear [Client Name],

I am excited to apply for your Content Writing job posting. As a skilled writer and editor, I believe that I can produce high-quality content that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

I have experience in various forms of content writing, such as blog posts, website copy, social media content, and product descriptions. I am proficient in research and can write on a broad range of topics. I can also adhere to your editorial guidelines and produce content that is both engaging and informative.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would love to discuss how I can contribute to your content needs further.

Yours truly,

Cover Letter Sample for Graphic Design Job

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for your Graphic Design position and showcase my expertise in creating visually appealing designs that capture your audience’s attention.

I have extensive experience in various design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. Additionally, I am well-versed in identifying the target audience and tailoring designs to meet the client’s needs. I can produce designs for a variety of mediums, including print, digital, and web.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing my skills to your team.

Cover Letter Sample for Translation Job

I am interested in your Translation job posting and am confident that I can deliver accurate and professional translations in a timely fashion. I am knowledgeable in both the source and target languages and proficient in using various translation tools.

I have an extensive background in translating various forms of content, including academic papers, legal documents, marketing materials, and web content. I can produce high-quality translations that are tailored to the client’s needs while maintaining their intended meaning and tone.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I am available at your convenience to discuss how I can help you with your translation needs further.

Cover Letter Sample for Social Media Marketing Job

I came across your Social Media Marketing job posting and believe that I can help you develop and implement a winning social media strategy. I have years of experience in social media marketing and can produce results-driven campaigns that engage your target audience and increase brand awareness.

I am proficient in using various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I have experience in creating social media content, developing social media calendars, and tracking social media analytics. Moreover, I can tailor my approach to meet your specific business objectives and goals.

I appreciate your consideration and would love to discuss how I can help you achieve your social media marketing goals.

Cover Letter Sample for Web Development Job

I am excited to apply for your Web Development job posting on Upwork. With years of experience in web development, I am confident that I can deliver the optimal website for your business.

I have a strong command of various programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Additionally, I am proficient in development frameworks such as React, Angular, and Laravel. I am well-versed in designing responsive websites that are optimized for search engines, fast, and user-friendly.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing your project further.

Kind regards,

Tips for Writing Cover Letters for Upwork Jobs

Upwork is one of the largest online marketplaces where businesses and freelancers connect for work. Whether you’re entirely new to Upwork or looking to improve your chances of landing more jobs, one of the most crucial parts of the application process is to write a killer cover letter. Here are some tips to help you create a cover letter that will get you hired:

Keep it concise and personalized

Avoid writing a long, rambling cover letter. Instead, make it short and to the point. Focus on the main points, and draw attention to your strengths and accomplishments. Also, make sure to personalize each cover letter for the job you are applying for. Research the company and the job description, and incorporate this knowledge into your letter. Doing so will demonstrate your interest and increase your chances of getting hired.

Showcase your experience

When applying for a job through Upwork, it is essential to highlight your experience and success. Mention any relevant projects or clients you have worked with before, and how your skills and knowledge have helped these businesses. Be specific about how you have contributed to projects in the past and emphasize how you can help the potential client solve their problem.

Highlight your skills and achievements

Understand the job requirements and include in your cover letter how you meet these requirements with your skills and accomplishments. You should highlight what you bring to the table by explaining how your skills make you the best candidate for this particular job. Provide examples of how you have utilized your skills to solve problems in past projects or roles. Show that you have what it takes to get the project done.

Add a call to action

Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, letting the client know what you can offer them and that you are excited to work with them. Let them know that you are looking forward to hearing back from them, and they can contact you for further questions or to discuss the project in more detail.

By following these tips, writing a compelling cover letter for Upwork will become easier and will help you land not only more jobs but also the right jobs for you. Remember that your cover letter is an extension of yourself on paper. It should be thoughtful, concise, and show your potential client just how qualified and passionate you are.

FAQs about Cover Letter Examples for Upwork

What is a cover letter and why do I need one for Upwork?

A cover letter is a written document that accompanies your Upwork job proposal. It is a way for you to introduce yourself, sell your skills, and show the client why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

To make your cover letter stand out, you should customize it for each job you apply for. Use specific examples to show how you can help the client achieve their goals, and demonstrate that you have read and understand the requirements of the job posting.

Can I use a cover letter template for my Upwork proposals?

Yes, you can use a cover letter template as a starting point for your Upwork proposals. However, you should customize the content to fit the job posting and to reflect your unique skills and experience.

How long should my Upwork cover letter be?

Your Upwork cover letter should be concise and to the point. Ideally, it should be no more than one page long, and should highlight your most important qualifications and skills.

What should I avoid including in my Upwork cover letter?

You should avoid including irrelevant information in your Upwork cover letter, such as personal details or unrelated work experience. Additionally, do not copy and paste your resume into your cover letter – the two documents should complement each other.

Do I need to include my hourly rate in my cover letter?

It is not necessary to include your hourly rate in your Upwork cover letter – you can discuss this with the client once they have expressed interest in working with you. However, if the job posting includes a budget range, you can mention that your proposed rate falls within that range.

Should I include a call to action in my cover letter?

Yes, you should include a call to action in your Upwork cover letter. This could be a request for an interview or for the client to review your portfolio. It shows that you are proactive and interested in the job.

Thanks for reading, and happy job hunting!

We hope these cover letter examples have been helpful in guiding you towards a successful proposal on Upwork. Remember that crafting a personalized and effective cover letter is crucial to standing out from the competition and ultimately landing your dream project. Keep practicing and refining your approach, and don’t forget to visit our site for more guidance and inspiration. Here’s to your next great opportunity!

5 Effective Cover Letter Samples for Upwork Proposal to Win Your Dream Project Top 10 Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Customer Service to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired 10 Effective Cover Letter for Upwork Proposal Sample Templates You Can Use Today Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Upwork Template How to Write an Effective Proposal Letter for Upwork: A Step-by-Step Guide The Perfect Sample Cover Letter for Upwork Proposal: Ace your Freelance Applications

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