We try to make this blog useful to all freelancers, whether you use oDesk or not.  Freelancing is freelancing, regardless of which site you use, so some tips are going to be applicable to everyone.  So most of our posts are about things that relate to all freelancers.

This one’s just about oDesk.

For those of you who’re oDesk providers I strongly recommend that you take the time to regularly check out “What’s New on oDesk.”  That’s where any new features and policy changes are announced.

May’s big announcement is the “oDesk Readiness Test.”

It’s important, especially for those of you who are just starting out on oDesk, or are using this blog as a way to help make up your mind about whether to join.

Here’s the deal:

If you haven’t billed hours recently you are going to need to take this test if you want to apply for jobs after June 4th, 2008.  It’s that simple.  Anyone without recent hours will have their application quota set to zero until they take this test.

The idea behind the test is simple:  There are always some people (hopefully not readers of this blog) who simply apply for any and all jobs at random without worrying if they have the skills to fill the position.  In order for oDesk to succeed as a company they need to build and keep a reputation for connecting quality providers with quality buyers.  One way to do that is to screen people who want to join.

They started with buyers; last month they implemented stricter standards for payment verification to make sure we providers get paid for the work we do.  It was a great start, but it’s only one side of the equation.  The other side is making sure that oDesk providers understand their responsibilities within the system.

That’s where the oDesk Readiness Test comes in.

It’s a twenty-five question multiple choice open book exam (try saying that five times fast) that’s designed to make sure all new providers familiarize themselves with oDesk’s policies and procedures.  It’s designed to save everyone time by making sure people understand what’s expected of them when they apply for a job.

There are five main topics:

1) oDesk Policies: This covers everything from your obligations as a provider to the unique benefits that working on oDesk provides as compared to other freelance sites.  There are also questions on the help process and oDesk’s fee structure.

2) Getting Hired:  For many providers this will be the big one.  You can’t earn money unless you’ve been hired.  Questions under this topic cover both the application and interview process.

3) Working on Assignments:  Once you’ve been hired, it’s time to do the work.  oDesk’s hourly model requires that providers use the oDesk client and also manage their Work Diary and Time Log.   This way new providers will understand the importance of using the client correctly, and the importance of feedback.

4) Getting Paid:  This is my favorite part, and most likely yours too.  Questions will cover bot the methods of payment and the payment schedule.  Yes oDesk has a payment guarantee, but it doesn’t mean you’ll receive cash in the mail the day after you finish an assignment.

5) Provider Companies:  The final topic is provider companies.  While some freelancers are happy with working solo, others prefer to gather a full team to work together.  For those who are interested in provider companies it’s important they understand what they are getting into before they start.

It may look like a lot, but there’s actually less to it than most of the certification tests that oDesk provides.  You have fewer questions and more time.  Rather than forty questions in forty minutes, you have an hour for twenty-five questions.  The test page even provides links to all the information you need to pass the test.

Remember, oDesk wants you to pass this test.

Too many people look at tests as chances to fail.  That’s not what this test is, nor is it set up to be easy to fail.  In fact it’s deliberately designed to make it as easy as possible to pass this test.  That’s because the purpose of this test is simply to make sure everyone has reviewed oDesk policies before they apply for jobs.

It may be more stick than carrot for people who have been on oDesk a long time but haven’t billed hours, but that’s not the intent.  It’s simply a way to make sure everyone understands how the system works so they can spend more time working and less time trying to figure out what they’re supposed to do.

So, what are you waiting for?  Go take the test already.

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