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 your skills and experience. It's also a good time to share how your expertise aligns with the client’s project and to 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


  1. Choose the Apply now button on the job post page
  2. Indicate whether you’re submitting the proposal as a freelancer or an agency member, if applicable (not all freelancers may see this step), and whether you’re using your general profile or a specialized profile
  3. Set your terms — your hourly rate for this job, 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 also suggest scheduled rate increases
  4. Choose how long you think the project will take
  5. Write an introductory cover letter. Once you get started, you can choose the Get tips button to get tips from AI to improve your letter
  6. Answer any screening questions the client asks
  7. 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
  8. If boosting is available, decide if you want to boost your proposal and choose the number of Connects you’ll use
  9. Look over your proposal carefully, proofreading for typos and completion. When you’re ready to submit, choose the Send button

Tips for submitting your proposal

Tips for deciding your rate or bid

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

Get more insights on setting your rates as a freelancer.

Tips for writing your cover letter

Start by focusing on what you can offer the client. Include skills and experience that are relevant to the job post and show why you would be a good fit. Give the client an idea of how you work, what tools you’ll use on their project, and how long you think the project will take.

This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about the project. Well-thought out questions show the client that you’ve taken time to think about their project and are genuinely interested.

Finish with a call to action, such as suggesting a chat or video call via Upwork Messages to discuss next steps. Let the client know you look forward to hearing from them.

While your cover letter needs to be genuine and reflect who you are and how you work, it’s okay to seek help when needed. Even the best writers need editors, and sharing what’s great about your work can be difficult.

Getting help from Uma

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.

Using Get tips

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

Can I edit a proposal?

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.

Can I edit the proposals generated by Uma?

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.

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