In part of my oDesk introduction that I made before (Getting Started with oDesk), here's a post about the basics that you need to know when looking for a work at oDesk.

If you haven't made a profile yet, check out this post.

The first thing you would want to do is to take the oDesk Readiness Test

This will let your clients know that you have a bit of knowledge when working on oDesk. There's a link at the test where it will take you to a guide/review page that could help you with the test.

There are many available tests that you can take to let the people who wants to hire you know at what level you are on the specific subject. These tests are optional but some clients requires these from their contractors.

Once you're done with the test, go back to your home page and look for the "Download Time Tracker" - you will need this when you apply for an hourly job.




The oDesk Team Room will be your time card for the job. It will save your desktop screen every 10 min. (may vary at times). It will also record your activity during that time.

When you have downloaded this, you can start looking for a job. Please see image below for guide.


When you've chosen a job that you would like to apply to, just click the "Apply to Job" button and you will be forwarded to the application page where you can pitch your own rate or stick with the client's budget. Wait for the reply, your application may be rejected or you will be asked for an interview. When you and your client have come to terms, you can now start your contract with him/her. Do accept the contract that he/she will be sending you to make sure that you will have a record for the project.

When a project is done and you're ready to get paid, you can set up a payment method. In this particular guide, I'll be showing you how to set up for Local Fund Transfer as this is the best option for me when getting paid.


You can find this in your "Profile" tab.


These are the available withdrawal methods that oDesk offers.


When you choose the Local Funds Transfer method, you will need to type in the BRSTN code of your bank. Here's a site with a list of Bank BRSTN Codes.


Fill up the form and make sure that all information are correct.

After setting up your account, you can now transfer your earnings to your bank account. Go back to your "Get Paid" page found in "Profile" tab. Click the "Get Paid Now", you will then see this in your page.


You can choose whether to withdraw your full available balance or a partial amount as seen in the image above.

You will receive an email confirmation saying that you have made a withdrawal from your account. You will receive a second email saying when your earnings will be recorded to your bank account.

Don't forget to write a feedback on your client to help fellow contractors know if he/she is a good client.

Hope this helps. Leave a comment or questions below and I'll try to answer them as much as I can. =]