A freelancer may refer you to someone else if they’re unavailable or think another pro fits better. Learn how to identify referrals, why they happen, and how to vet referred freelancers on Upwork.
In this article
- Why did a freelancer I invited refer me to someone else?
- How do I know if the referred freelancer is a good fit?
- How can I tell which freelancers were referred to me?
- What happens if I end up having an issue with the referred freelancer?
Why did a freelancer I invited refer me to someone else?
Sometimes a freelancer might refer you to someone else because they don’t have the time or specific skills your project needs. It’s usually a thoughtful gesture — chances are they appreciated your project and want to support both you and their network.
The referral might be someone they’ve worked with before or another freelancer on Upwork they think could be a good match.
Upwork doesn’t offer any incentives or rewards for referrals.
How do I know if the referred freelancer is a good fit?
It's up to you to decide if they're right for your project. Treat them like you would any other freelancer:
- Review their profile, ratings, reviews, and past projects
- Look for relevant skills or similar experience
- If they seem like a match, send a message or schedule an interview
How can I tell which freelancers were referred to me?
In the Proposal Manager, you’ll see whether a freelancer:
- Applied directly
- Was invited by you
- Was referred by someone else
That way, you know exactly how each proposal landed in your queue.
What happens if I end up having an issue with the referred freelancer?
Sometimes, no matter how well you vet talent, a project doesn’t go as planned. If you’re unhappy with a freelancer’s work, your project may qualify for Upwork Payment Protection, just like with any other freelancer.