How To Become an Upwork Rising Talent

Introduction.

Starting a freelancing career on Upwork? Becoming an Upwork Rising Talent might be one of the best early goals you can set.

This status is a great badge for new freelancers, instantly telling potential clients you’re serious, skilled, and ready to deliver quality work.

Plus, Upwork gives Rising Talents special perks like extra visibility, profile boosts, and exclusive invites to certain projects—all things that can help you stand out in a competitive marketplace. But what does it take to achieve this, and how can you make sure you’re on the right track?

This guide breaks down exactly what Rising Talent status means, why it’s valuable, and how to earn it quickly.

I’ll dive into the criteria Upwork uses to award this badge, the advantages it provides, and the actionable steps you can take to make your profile shine.

There’s also a FAQ section at the end to cover any remaining questions and give extra tips for those aiming for long-term success on Upwork. Let’s get started.

What is Rising Talent on Upwork?

The Rising Talent badge is Upwork’s way of identifying and promoting newer freelancers who are performing exceptionally well early on.

It’s often awarded to freelancers with a few projects under their belt, who have been consistently getting positive feedback from clients and meeting Upwork’s professional standards.

In short, it’s like a “stamp of approval” from Upwork. If you’re new and meet Upwork’s criteria, this badge can help you gain early traction by giving you credibility in a space where many clients prefer working with freelancers with extensive reviews.

Why is Becoming a Rising Talent Important?

Here’s why you’d want to work toward becoming an Upwork Rising Talent:

Enhanced Profile Visibility: Upwork tends to prioritize Rising Talents in search results, which means potential clients are more likely to see your profile, even if you’re just starting out.
Exclusive Job Invitations: Rising Talents get invites to specific job listings that only a select few freelancers see, boosting your chances of landing quality work without a ton of competition.
Increased Client Trust: New freelancers often struggle with client trust since they don’t have established feedback. The Rising Talent badge is a quick way to signal that you’re reliable and skilled.
Free Connects: Freelancers with the Rising Talent badge receive a monthly bonus of free connects (the credits used to apply for jobs), which helps offset costs and gives you more chances to land projects.
Guidance and Support: Upwork often provides additional resources, tips, and webinars specifically for freelancers with Rising Talent status, giving you an edge in terms of know-how.

How Do I Qualify for Rising Talent?

Upwork doesn’t release an exact checklist, but here are the known requirements for Rising Talent status:

Complete Your Profile: Make sure every section of your profile is filled out, from your overview to work experience and skills. Upwork is looking for freelancers who present themselves professionally.
Pass the Upwork Readiness Test: Upwork offers a test to help new freelancers understand how the platform works, and passing it is mandatory for the Rising Talent badge.
Keep a Perfect or Near-Perfect Rating: Even though Rising Talent is for newcomers, client satisfaction is crucial. Aim for excellent feedback on your first few jobs.
Avoid Policy Violations: Upwork has strict guidelines on communication, contracts, and behavior on the platform. Avoid anything that could be seen as a breach of their terms of service, like moving communication outside the platform or dealing in work not supported by Upwork.
Demonstrate Availability and Professionalism: Respond to clients quickly, set realistic expectations, and deliver quality work on time. This consistency is key to building a solid reputation.

Pros and Cons of Rising Talent Status

Let’s get into some pros and cons that come with the Rising Talent badge.

Pros:

More Job Opportunities: Exclusive job invitations and higher search rankings help you get noticed.
Client Confidence: The badge helps clients feel more secure in hiring you as a newer freelancer.
Monthly Free Connects: Every connect saved means more chances to apply for jobs.
Positive Career Momentum: Rising Talent status is a great way to jumpstart your freelancing career on Upwork.

Cons:

Short-Term Status: Rising Talent status is temporary. As you gain more experience, you’ll eventually aim to move into Upwork’s Job Success Score system.
Potential Pressure to Perform: Clients may have high expectations due to the badge, making it important to deliver top-notch work consistently.
Limited Badge Duration: Once you have enough work history, Upwork will replace Rising Talent with your Job Success Score, meaning the badge itself is a stepping stone rather than a long-term status.

How do I Become an Upwork Rising Talent?

Want to increase your chances of being recognized as Rising Talent? Here are some actionable tips:

1. Focus on Profile Quality.

Treat your profile like a resume. Be specific about your skills, experiences, and work style. Make sure to include a professional photo and list relevant skills.

2. Pass the Upwork Readiness Test.

This test is straightforward and focuses on platform rules, client communication, and work policies. Be sure to complete it as soon as possible.

3. Build a Stellar Work Record.

Start with smaller, manageable projects where you can quickly deliver quality results and get great feedback. This helps build a positive record right from the beginning.

4. Communicate Professionally.

Keep communication clear, concise, and professional. This includes everything from responding to messages promptly to providing clients with regular updates.

5. Keep Your Availability Accurate.

Upwork appreciates freelancers who actively update their availability. This helps clients know when you’re ready to take on work, increasing your chances of receiving invites.

6. Stick to Platform Policies.

Avoid anything that could be seen as sketchy by Upwork’s standards. For example, keep all communication on the platform, and don’t accept payments outside of Upwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to become a Rising Talent?

The timeframe varies. Some freelancers earn the badge within a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months. The key is maintaining a strong record of work and positive feedback.

Q2: Do I need to have completed jobs to qualify?

Yes, Upwork typically awards Rising Talent status to freelancers who have completed at least a few projects with excellent feedback. However, even one or two great projects can sometimes be enough to qualify.

Q3: Can I lose my Rising Talent status?

Yes, Rising Talent is not a permanent badge. Once you have enough work history, it will be replaced by your Job Success Score, which is a more comprehensive reflection of your long-term performance on Upwork.

Q4: Is Rising Talent status the same as Top Rated?

No, Rising Talent is geared toward new freelancers with high potential, while Top Rated status is for experienced freelancers with a high Job Success Score and a long track record of positive feedback.

Q5: What happens if I don’t get the badge?

No worries! Many successful freelancers never had the Rising Talent badge. Consistently delivering great work will eventually lead to strong reviews, which are ultimately more important in the long run.

Conclusion

Becoming a Rising Talent on Upwork is a fantastic stepping stone for any new freelancer. It’s a mark of trust from Upwork and a signal to clients that you’re a serious and skilled professional.

If you’re willing to put in the work, stay committed to quality, and be mindful of Upwork’s best practices, earning that Rising Talent badge might be closer than you think.

So, are you ready to take the steps toward becoming an Upwork Rising Talent? Or do you have other goals in mind for your freelancing journey?