How To Write a Proposal on Upwork That Gets You Hired

Introduction.

Getting hired on Upwork can be a game-changer if you’re looking to grow a freelance career or side hustle.

But with the flood of proposals employers get, standing out is no easy task. Many people submit proposals only to hear silence in return, and that can be pretty discouraging.

But don’t worry—writing a proposal that grabs attention and wins projects is definitely possible, even if you’re just starting out.

In this guide, I’ll go through everything you need to know about writing a proposal that actually works on Upwork.

You’ll find out what clients are really looking for, how to highlight your skills, and how to structure your proposal so that it increases your chances of getting hired.

By following these steps, you’ll be putting yourself ahead of a lot of other freelancers on the platform.

Here, I’ll cover:

1. Understanding what clients expect and look for in a proposal
2. The essential sections of a winning proposal
3. Tips for setting the right tone and avoiding common mistakes
4. Examples of strong proposals
5. Extra tips to boost your Upwork profile

I’ll also wrap up with some common questions about writing proposals on Upwork, covering topics like proposal length, follow-ups, and handling rejections.

At the end, I’ll ask you to think about how you might be able to improve your proposals and connect better with clients. Let’s get started.

Why Your Upwork Proposal Matters

Your proposal is usually the very first impression a client has of you. With dozens, sometimes even hundreds of proposals pouring in, clients spend only seconds deciding which ones are worth a closer look.

Your proposal isn’t just a pitch—it’s a short sample of how well you can communicate, how well you understand the project, and how serious you are about providing quality work. That’s a lot of weight on a few short paragraphs!

The good news is that writing a strong proposal is a skill you can build. There are patterns and structures you can follow to ensure you’re hitting the right notes.

The ultimate goal is to help the client see you as the solution to their problem, which makes them more likely to hire you.

Understanding What Clients Are Looking For

Before you even start writing, it’s helpful to think about what clients actually want to see. Here are the main things they’re looking for:

1. Understanding of the Project: Clients want to know that you “get it.” If they feel like you really understand the job, it instantly puts you ahead of most other applicants.
2. Relevant Experience: Clients need to trust that you can handle the job. Showing you’ve done similar work before or that you have the skills they need is key.
3. Clear Communication: Freelancers who can communicate clearly and professionally are more likely to stand out. Make sure your proposal is easy to read and free from errors.
4. A Sense of Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm counts! Even though it’s a professional space, clients are usually happy to work with freelancers who seem genuinely interested in their projects.

How Do I Structure My Proposal?

Here’s a basic structure to keep your proposal focused and easy for clients to read:

1. Open with a Strong Introduction.

Start by greeting the client by name if possible, and thank them for the opportunity to bid. In your first line, get straight to the point. Let the client know why you’re excited about their project and why you’re a great fit. This sets a positive tone and catches their interest.

2. Show That You Understand the Project.

Next, spend a few lines summarizing the project as you understand it. Rephrase the client’s requirements in your own words to show you’ve read and understood the job post. Mention any specific challenges or requirements the client described and explain how you’d approach them.

3. Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience.

This is your chance to make a quick case for yourself. Mention any relevant experience or skills that match the project. If possible, share a quick example of similar work you’ve done before. Focus on results and outcomes here—clients want to see that you can deliver.

4. Describe Your Approach to the Project.

After showing you understand the project and have the right skills, describe briefly how you’d tackle the job. You don’t need to go into extreme detail, but give the client a sense of your working style and what they can expect from you.

5. Close with a Polite Call-to-Action.

End your proposal by inviting the client to message you if they have any questions. Keep the tone friendly and let them know you’re excited to discuss the project further.

Pro Tips for Writing Upwork Proposals

1. Keep it Concise.

Try to keep your proposal to about 150-250 words. Clients are busy, and a long, detailed proposal can actually work against you. Get straight to the point and avoid extra fluff.

2. Personalize Every Proposal.

One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is copying and pasting the same proposal for every job. Take a few minutes to make each proposal unique and tailored to the specific client and project.

3. Use Specific Examples.

If you’ve done similar work before, bring it up! Specifics make your proposal more memorable and help clients picture you working on their project.

4. Avoid Overused Phrases.

Avoid generic statements like “I am a hard worker” or “I am the perfect fit.” Instead, use concrete examples and descriptions to prove your points.

5. Be Professional but Friendly.

Upwork is still a professional setting, but a warm, friendly tone can make you seem approachable. Balance professionalism with a friendly tone that makes the client feel comfortable reaching out to you.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Up.

If you haven’t heard back after a few days, it’s okay to send a gentle follow-up message. This shows you’re proactive and interested in the job. Keep it polite and short.

Sample Proposal Template

Here’s a sample template to help you visualize what a well-structured Upwork proposal might look like:

Hello [Client’s Name],

I’m excited about the opportunity to work on this project and help bring [specific goal or need mentioned in the job description] to life! Based on my experience in [relevant field or skill], I believe I can provide exactly what you’re looking for.

Understanding Your Needs: From what you’ve described, it sounds like you need someone to [restate the project requirements in brief]. I’d approach this by [mention any initial steps or strategies you’d take]. Having worked on similar projects like [mention a relevant past project or task], I’m confident I can handle this smoothly.

Relevant Experience: In my previous role as [mention a past role or project], I worked on projects that involved [mention relevant experience]. This taught me how to [mention skills or outcomes relevant to the job], which will be an asset for your project.

My Approach: To ensure we meet your goals, I’d start by [mention any specific strategies, tools, or steps relevant to the job]. I’m flexible and open to feedback to make sure the final outcome meets your expectations.

I’d love to discuss this further and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for considering my application!

Best,
[Your Name]

FAQs

Q: How long should my proposal be?

A: Aim for 150-250 words. Clients want to see that you understand the project, but they’re likely skimming proposals, so shorter is often better.

Q: Should I include my hourly rate in the proposal?

A: If it’s a fixed-rate project, it’s helpful to state your rate. For hourly projects, you might not need to if it’s already listed in your profile, but you can clarify your rate if you want to.

Q: What if I don’t have relevant experience?

A: Focus on any transferable skills you have, and talk about similar projects where possible. Showing enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can also help.

Q: Should I follow up if I don’t hear back?

A: Yes, a polite follow-up after a few days can show you’re proactive. Keep it short and respectful.

Conclusion

Writing a strong proposal on Upwork can be the key to landing that next great project and building your freelancing career.

While it takes some time and practice to get it just right, following these steps will definitely help you stand out from the crowd.

So, what’s one thing you’d change in your next proposal to improve your chances of getting hired?