Freelancers can create and submit strong proposals on Upwork, setting rates, writing effective cover letters, and using AI tools like Uma and the “Get tips” feature to refine drafts right from the job post. You can customize your proposal to align with the job and client’s needs, and get support from AI while maintaining your own authentic voice.
Uma, Upwork’s Mindful AI, allows freelancers to quickly generate a tailored proposal based on their Upwork experience and the project’s details. This feature is not yet available to all, stay tuned for updates!
When you find a project you're interested in, you can use Connects to submit a proposal. It’s a great chance to introduce yourself to the client and highlight how your skills and experience align with their project. You can also suggest a next step, such as a chat or video call via Upwork Messages, to discuss the project in more detail.
To submit a proposal
- On the job post page, select Apply now
- Choose whether to submit the proposal as a freelancer or an agency, and with your general or specialized profile, if applicable (not all freelancers may see this step)
- Set your terms — your hourly rate, or your bid on a fixed-priced project. For fixed-price projects, decide if you want to be paid by project or by milestone. For hourly contracts, you can suggest scheduled rate increases
- Choose how long you think the project will take
- Write an introductory cover letter. Once you begin, you can choose the Get tips button to get tips from AI to improve your letter*
- Answer any screening questions the client asks
- Show the client what you can do. Add attachments, such as work samples, to your proposal. You can also link items from your profile, including past Upwork jobs, portfolios, and certificates directly to your proposal in the “Profile highlights” section. Note that the Profile highlights feature is not available to agencies
- If boosting is available, decide if you want to boost your proposal and set the number of Connects you’ll use
- Look over your proposal carefully, proofreading for typos and completion. When you’re ready, select Send
*When you’re submitting proposals, you may see job posts where the client requires an instant interview with Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI. This will replace the need for a cover letter, but you can still include written notes for the client in your proposal. Learn more about instant interviews.
Tips for submitting your proposal
When determining what to charge, you may want to consider the following factors:
- Stay competitive. You can check profiles of freelancers with similar skills and experience to gauge market rates in your industry and adjust accordingly. If you have a Freelancer Plus membership, you can view competitor bids on specific jobs
- Consider the job. Estimate how much time, effort, and skill it will take. Mental energy is a valuable resource. More complex jobs may call for higher rates, while easier projects or work you’re extra passionate about may mean you’re willing to lower your bid. Remember, your time has value too. So be cautious if clients try to convince you to charge less than your personal minimum by saying it’s an easy job that you should do cheaply
- Consider special circumstances. You may consider lower rates for long-term projects, as they reduce the time spent searching for new jobs. Conversely, you might want to charge more for rush jobs or jobs that regularly require quick turnarounds
- Consider your expenses. Freelancers cover their own costs, from office supplies to health insurance, so your rate should reflect that. Factor in business expenses, cost of living, and your financial needs when setting your rates
Start by focusing on what you can offer the client. Share your skills and experience that match the job post, and explain why you’re a strong fit. Give the client an idea of how you work, what tools you’ll use, and how long you expect the project to take.
If you have any questions about the project, now’s a great time to ask. Thoughtful questions show the client you’ve taken time to understand their needs and are sincerely interested in helping.
Finish with a call to action — like suggesting a quick chat or video call on Upwork Messages to talk through next steps. Let the client know you're looking forward to hearing from them.
Your cover letter needs to be genuine and reflect who you are and how you work, but it’s okay to ask for help, such as asking a friend to proofread it. Even good writers need editors, and writing about yourself and your work isn’t always easy.
Uma, Upwork’s Mindful AI, lets you quickly generate a tailored proposal using your Upwork experience and the project’s details. This feature is not yet available to all freelancers.
If you get help from Uma, you should still review your cover letter and edit it as needed to ensure accuracy and to maintain your voice in the final proposal.
If you see the Get tips button on your proposal, you can use this feature for AI assistance. Start your draft, and the tool will offer up to six suggestions to help you frame your skills for the job and fine-tune your letter. You can get more tips each time you edit your draft. This helps balance AI’s improvements with keeping your voice authentic.
For best results, put in your own effort. Reference the job post, but avoid simply repeating it — share your unique approach to the work. This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about the project.
Learn more about creating winning proposals and succeeding on Upwork
Note:
Spamming or scamming others is against Upwork Terms of Service (TOS). Don’t repeatedly contact a client unnecessarily if they aren’t getting back to you before a contract begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can edit most parts of a proposal up to six hours after submitting it, or until the client has viewed it. After that, you can still edit the terms until a client accepts or rejects your proposal. Learn more about editing a proposal here.
Yes. Uma-generated proposals are fully customizable. We recommend reviewing and editing your proposal before submitting to ensure accuracy and alignment with your personal style. Additionally, Uma can help improve spelling and grammar in your proposal, and provide tips on how to enhance it for better clarity and effectiveness.