How to Get Your First Job and Review on Upwork as a Beginner in 2025
(For Upwork noobs only)
Upwork is tougher than ever in 2025, youâre facing seasoned 5-stars freelancers with 100% job success rate.
The chances that a client finds you on Upwork are quite low.
But thereâs a way you can start landing jobs, stacking reviews and making money.
I used to be in your shoes, trust me thereâs a way to get out of that ânoobâ cycle on Upwork.
Whether youâre a web developer of a technical writer like me, these tips can help you land your first freelancing gig.
Apply for Recent Upwork Jobs
This is one of the most obvious ways you start getting clients to read your proposals.
If you see that the client has just published a job, make sure to read the job description and send them a proposal straight away.
Timing is important on Upwork, especially if youâre a beginner.
An easy way you can start seeing new Jobs is by ticking the âLess than 5â box under the âNumber of proposalsâ tab.
Work with Upwork Clients with No Hires
Youâre not the only person whoâs new on Upwork, many clients are as well.
Working with clients that have no experience on Upwork is one of the easiest way to land your first client and 5-stars review. Since they have no experience on the platform they will be more open to working with new freelancers like them.
When searching for Jobs, on the left side under âClient Historyâ you can tick the âNo Hiresâ.
That way youâll see all clients that are new on Upwork with 0 hires.
Offer Clients to Work for Free
Everyone likes free stuff.
Offer clients free work in exchange for a positive review.
This can easily be done by mentioning in your job proposal that you will work for free or for a couple dollars in exchange for a 5-stars positive review.
They get to save money, you get your first Upwork review.
Everybody wins.
Conclusion
Save all those Search options so that you can have quick access to them.
And remember, your main focus as a complete beginner on Upwork should be in getting your first 5-stars review.
That single review will be making you thousands of dollars in the months and years to come.
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