9.2 - Creating your Upwork Profile

UPDATE: Upwork has recently enacted policies that a lot of people deem as non-freelancer friendly. In line with that, we suggest the following:

Also create profiles in other platforms such as onlinejobs.ph ,freelancer.com, and talent.hubstaff.com (we will be adding lessons for this before January end) - the lessons you learn in Upwork can be applied to the other platforms as well
If you don't have any existing marketable skills, learn skills in the other modules first before submitting your Upwork profile. Otherwise, your profile may be rejected
Try to specialize in a single area - if you know accounting, focus on it. If you know HTML, focus on it. Specialize in a skill rather than just focusing on one skill

Additional Notes:

In your overview, try to identify specific experience you have that's relevant to the jobs you're applying to. EG: "Working in a BPO, I had to quickly learn new systems, tools, and processes on a regular basis. This trained me to become a fast learner," OR "My past 6 years working in the call center have taught me patience and have given me a deep understanding of what clients want and need" OR "In my free time, I transcribe (at 180wpm) my favorite podcasts for my own notes."
You can always say that you're a "hard-worker", but try to be more specific. I'd rather hire someone who says "I make sure that whenever I take on a task, I complete it before the deadline and always try to surpass my clients' expectations"
More Specificity. Optimally, what will get you hired is if you FOCUS on one area and have 'other skills'. Your job title, overview, skills, and skill tests should show that you are focused on that one area.
Add items to your portfolio as much as possible. Sample research papers you've done, or even small projects that weren't directly related to work, but you displayed positive/hard-working behavior

Additional Resources (from the Upwork blog):