Upwork Cover Letter Guide: Samples and Inside Tips

If you’re looking for an Upwork cover letter sample to follow, you’ve come to the right place. Your Upwork cover letter is a crucial element of the job application process. This introductory letter is your first shot at making an impression with potential clients on the Upwork work marketplace. A well-written cover letter could be what sets you apart and persuades a client to interview you.

Tips for Upwork cover letters

When it comes to writing a good Upwork cover letter, the little things can add up to make a big difference. To help you craft a winning cover letter, consider these Upwork cover letter samples and insider tips:

1. Upwork cover letter samples
2. Get assistance from Uma, Upwork’s mindful AI
3. Use the correct cover letter format and style
4. Create a unique cover letter for each application
5. Keep it brief
6. Address the client
7. Show understanding of the job description
8. Add some personality
9. Showcase your achievements
10. Stay away from buzzwords
11. Include links to previous work
12. Don’t regurgitate your resume
13. Follow the instructions in the job post
14. Explain why you’re a good fit for the client or company
15. Don’t copy from the internet
16. Make them want to learn more
17. Proofread and edit your cover letter multiple times
18. Have others review your cover letter
19. Stand out with Connects
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1. Upwork cover letter samples

Let’s begin by taking a look at a couple of Upwork cover letter samples, as well as a screen shot of what clients see when they look at an Upwork cover letter.

Upwork cover letter sample 1

The first Upwork cover letter sample, shared by a top earning freelancer on Upwork, conveyed the freelancer’s skill sets in a way that landed him a contract with a client. The letter begins with a personable and clever tone. The candidate shows he’s been tracking the job post and offers the promise of productivity, a can-do attitude, and skills that fit with the post. He suggests a clear next step—jump on a video call—and overall comes across as a great person to partner with.

Example 1:

“Hey it looks like your job has been active for over [x] days on Upwork. Were you able to hire someone that can help you with [xyz]? If not, I would love to throw my name in the hat. Because I was late to the party, I brought a few extra gifts with me.

First off, let me introduce myself. My name is [x]. I have over [x] years of experience as a project manager with businesses in your industry. Actually, I just finished a project for a client that required me to do some quick design work and I am not a designer. Our designer got sick and the deadline was creeping up on us. I got it done. It was a quick job. As a project manager I am ready to jump in and help my team in any way that I can. [show sample design work].

After looking at your project and comparing it to what I’ve done in the past, I feel confident that I can help you with [xyz]. Do you have a few minutes to jump on a video call and discuss [mention specifics that show you’ve read and understood the project]. I would love to share my experience and what I can do to help you with your project.”

Upwork cover letter sample 2

This general format for an Upwork cover letter template is useful as a structure that you can personalize for your needs. This template is more formal when compared to the example above.

Pro Tip. Check out more cover letter templates for specialized goals.

Be sure to add an engaging first sentence that shows you’ve read the job post and offers detail about why you are a fit for the project. Another option for this is to place your specific accomplishment in the first sentence, as a lure for the client to bite.

Example 2:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [position name] role at [company]. With my [most relevant skill and experience] and enthusiasm for [industry], I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your organization.

Throughout my [educational background and/or work experience], I have consistently demonstrated [key strength], which has led to [specific accomplishments]. I possess a versatile skill set, including [skills and abilities], which I believe will be highly valuable in the [position name] role.

In my [current or most recent role] as [job title] at [company], I [concise description of main responsibilities or projects]. During this time, I successfully [achievement], which resulted in [quantifiable result or benefit to company].

This experience has further honed my [skills or competencies], which I believe will be directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities within the [position name] role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [company].

Screenshot example of Upwork cover letters

Now, let’s take a look at a screenshot that shows what a client sees as they review your Upwork cover letter and compare it to cover letters from others. You can see the importance of standing out when applying for a freelance job by putting key information into an engaging first sentence because that’s all the client will see unless they click through to read your entire cover letter.

Of note, any Upwork badges you’ve earned (e.g., Expert Vetted, Rising Talent, Top Rated Plus) are visible with this first view. Your job success rate is also visible, so invest in keeping that as high as you can. Be sure to earn and protect a positive reputation on Upwork.

2. Get assistance from Uma, Upwork’s mindful AI

When exploring your options for writing an Upwork cover letter, consider getting help from Uma, Upwork’s mindful AI. Talent on Upwork who want to increase their productivity and earnings often benefit from Uma, which is built into your everyday flow on Upwork.

Uma has been fine-tuned with data from the Upwork platform such as user profile information, job details, proposal drafts, and client reviews. Uma uses this knowledge to help bring you exactly what you need, like helping you write more effective Upwork cover letters.

Write a better Upwork cover letter with help from:

• Proposal Tips. Proposal Tips help you surface the skills that a job post specifically calls for and provide details that get you noticed to win work. Proposal tips are available to you as you are submitting a proposal on Upwork.

• Upwork Chat Pro. Upwork Chat Pro, powered by GPT-4o, works like a powerful project assistant, helping you brainstorm, review, analyze, write, code, and more for your projects on Upwork.

3. Use the correct cover letter format and style

Be sure to follow an Upwork cover letter sample that contains the correct format and style. You don’t need to worry about font choices and margins on Upwork. But winning cover letters tend to follow a logical structure and include key information:

• Greeting. Greet the client manager by name. If a name isn't available, feel free to simply write “Hello there” or “Hi,” but steer away from outdated greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern.”‍
• Introduction. Follow the greeting with a short but strong introductory paragraph that highlights why you are qualified for the project.‍
• Body. In the main body of the letter, go into further detail about your experience and qualifications. Explain how your previous accomplishments make you the ideal person to help the client achieve their goals.
• Call to action and sign off. End with a paragraph that invites the client to contact you. Don’t be shy. State that you look forward to an interview.

A poorly formatted cover letter is difficult to read. Make your cover letter easily scannable by breaking up large chunks of text, for example:

• Use bullet points where possible
• Add in links to work samples where relevant
• Depending on your field and its rules for decorum, consider adding the occasional emoji to highlight important parts of your letter

Clients likely receive multiple applications for each advertised project. Without a professionally formatted letter, you risk being eliminated from the pool of potential hires.

Example of a well-formatted Upwork cover letter sample

Here’s an example of a well-formatted Upwork cover letter in action:

Dear [Name of client],

I’m excited to apply for the Web Developer role at [company name]. I have more than 10 years of experience in web development, and my proficiency in JavaScript and HTML/CSS in particular align with your needs for this project.

In my role as Lead Web Developer at [previous or current employer/client name], I headed the team in charge of overhauling the company website. I was able to create a faster, more modern, and responsive web experience keeping real users in mind. This resulted in a 35% reduction in bounce rate and a 25% increase in conversion rates. I believe my hands-on experience and skills will prove relevant for your upcoming rebrand and subsequent website changes.

I’m very interested in discussing this project in more detail and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Need some more help? Consider checking out more Upwork cover letter samples.

4. Create a unique cover letter for each proposal

Next, work on making your Upwork cover letter unique to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. And be sure to create a new cover letter for each new project or job you want to apply to on Upwork.

It’s perfectly fine to recycle some of the stronger statements from your letter. However, a customized letter that addresses the specific role or the organization you’re applying to with your Upwork cover letter will make an impression.

To personalize each Upwork cover letter, choose a few skills or qualifications mentioned in the job ad. In your letter write about how you demonstrate each of these skills.

How to customize your Upwork cover letter

Consider these examples for how to customize your Upwork cover letter for a specific job. Compare the two examples—which proposal stands out to you more?

Good:

Dear Mr Smith,

I'm excited about the project management role open at Organization Inc. Your job post mentions the upcoming employee onboarding project. This particularly stood out to me as I recently wrapped up a similar project where I managed a team of four to deliver a new employee training program.

Bad:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a hard-working and determined project management professional seeking an opportunity to succeed at Organisation Inc. In my current position, I led a team of 10 to meet and exceed project goals. I am confident that my knowledge and experience make me a great fit for Organisation Inc.

5. Keep it brief

While you may be tempted to go into great detail about your work experience and qualifications in your Upwork cover letter—don’t. Short is best. Limit your cover letter to the equivalent of one page—less in some cases. Aim for no more than 200 to 300 words.

Clients will likely be reviewing multiple proposals. A lengthy, rambling letter is more likely to be overlooked than considered.

6. Address the client

If possible, address your client by name in your Upwork cover letter. If you don’t already know to whom to address the letter, do a little research.

Check out the client’s profile before sending in your proposal. Sometimes other freelancers will leave feedback for them that includes their name. If you spot this, bingo! You can address the client by their name and possibly impress them with your research efforts.

If you’re unable to find a name, but can find some other details about the company or project based on the job description or other information in their profile, feel free to include it in your letter. Personalizing your Upwork cover letter like this will help you stand out from other freelancers who may not make the same effort.

7. Show understanding of the job description

The first few sentences of your Upwork cover letter should confirm that you fully understand what the client is looking for and their goals for the project. They want to know you have the right skills and are ready to help them succeed.

Alternatively, you could start by either restating the core problems or commenting on something about the job. This shows that you’ve taken the time to thoroughly read the project description. Follow this up by demonstrating that you have the necessary expertise to help solve their problem.

How to demonstrate your understanding of the project and the client’s goals:

Hello,

The next knock-off I see of Roger Federer’s RF logo masquerading as a “unique” design will make me scream. But I see them daily. And from the sounds of your ad, you’re just as tired of the dupe logos as I am. So since we’re on the same page, let me introduce myself.

I’m a logo designer (obviously) and I don’t do the same old regurgitated designs. I love to create quirky typography for creative brands, so I think we’re a great fit for each other.

8. Add some personality

Stand out from the crowd of freelancers by showing your personality in your Upwork cover letter. While you should keep your cover letter professional, you don’t want to sound generic.

Write in a conversational yet respectful tone. Don’t use unnaturally formal language. Avoid using flat language like “My name is Job Applicant Susan. I saw your job on Upwork and I'm submitting my application for your perusal” to start your cover letter.

An overly formal, generically worded cover letter doesn’t tell the client much about who you are. Injecting a bit of your personality into your letter is an opportunity to show them how you can be a cultural fit for their team.

How to write a personable letter

Here’s an Upwork cover letter sample of how you can add some personality while still remaining professional:

Don’t say: “I’m an accomplished copywriter with 10 years of experience writing sales copy for businesses.”

Instead, say: “I use my obsession with words and copywriting to create punchy sales copy for female-owned businesses. This has led to a 32% increase in sales for one of my clients (and subsequent heart-eyed emojis).”

9. Showcase your achievements

Clients want to learn from your Upwork cover letter about the impact you’ve made on projects. Did you improve sales? Perhaps you improved project efficiencies? Whatever your achievements—be sure to mention them.

And don’t be vague. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and facts to show the real, measurable impact of your work.

Instead of saying: “Created a website that increased sales.”

Say: “I created a responsive, conversion-optimized website that increased web sales by 20% and mobile-web sales by 45%.”

10. Stay away from buzzwords

Writing a good Upwork cover letter is all about selling yourself to the client. The right words can be powerful. The wrong words make you sound robotic and lacking in personality.

Generic buzzwords and phrases—like “a people person,” “team player,” “loyal,” “dedicated,” or “motivated”—may sound empty. They usually lack evidence and don’t really prove anything.

Instead, use action verbs, job-relevant keywords and phrases, and evidence of your past successes to demonstrate your skills and expertise.

Bad: Meaningless buzzword sentence

“I am a motivated team player.”

Good: Action verbs and evidence-backed sentence

“I managed a team of five salespeople. Together we surpassed our sales targets for the year by 15%.”

11. Include links to previous work

For most freelance projects, a sample of your work speaks for itself. Take charge and provide a link in your Upwork cover letter to work samples, instead of waiting for the client to ask. Work samples give the client an idea of your skillset before they’ve even looked at your profile.

If you have a portfolio website, simply link to that. If you’ve created a relevant portfolio of work samples on your Upwork profile to help you stand out, simply draw the client’s attention to that.

• If you’re a writer, you could link to previously published work.
• If you’re a web developer, link to websites you’ve built.
• If you’re a social media manager, provide links for social media profiles you've managed.

Pro tip. Don’t overdo the links in your cover letter. Instead, keep the portfolio section of your Upwork profile up to date and invite clients to check it out. If you don’t have a portfolio, simply provide one or two links to live samples of your work. You don’t have to include every project you’ve ever worked on.

For more advice on creating a great portfolio, check out these resources:

• How To Create a Portfolio on Upwork
• Career Portfolios: Examples and How To Make One

How to draw attention to your portfolio in your cover letter

How do you include your portfolio and other links to your work in your cover letter in a professional manner?

Good:

“You can review my social media campaigns in action on [Company Name]’s social media pages here: [LinkedIn link] and [Instagram link]. I also have more examples within my portfolio on my profile here: [Upwork profile link]”

Bad:

“Let me know if you would like to see samples of my work.”‍

12. Don’t regurgitate your resume

Your Upwork cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your Upwork profile or resume and show off your personality beyond the bullet points. Don’t repeat your resume. Instead, explain how your experience and qualifications make you a good fit for the target role.

You don’t have to include everything that’s in your Upwork bio. Instead, focus on a few accomplishments that are relevant for this project and highlight those in your Upwork cover letter.

13. Follow the instructions in the job post

Sometimes, the most important part of sending an Upwork proposal can be following the instructions. Seems simple enough, but this shows your interest in landing the job as well as your attention to detail.

If the job requires you to submit your Upwork cover letter as a PDF, for example, make sure your file is in the correct format. Some clients will ask you to include a random word at the start of your Upwork cover letter to make sure you’re paying attention. Start your cover letter with “Tiger” if that’s what the job post asks for or else your proposal may be ignored.

14. Explain why you’re a good fit for the client or company

So far we’ve discussed that you should sell yourself and your abilities in your Upwork cover letter. This “sell” should also include explaining to the client why you’re a great fit for their project or organization. This is especially important if you’re applying for a role that will involve working with other team members.

Show off your professional skills while also sharing why you’re the right person for the company culture. Take time to review the company website and search Google to find out about the company culture, their services, and their business model.

Make notes on what you like and what resonates with you. Then use that to write about how you fit into their culture.

How to demonstrate if you’re a culture fit

Write honestly in this section. Don’t just write a generic line or two about what you think they want to hear. Be genuine about your “why”.

Here’s an example of what to say.

“I’m truly excited about this Marketing Specialist opportunity. I’ve personally used XYZ face cream and to put it plainly, I’m a fan. I love that it’s made of all-natural ingredients and comes in a plastic-free bottle. I really admire XYZ Company’s values and planet-focused goals. As a vegan and someone who's trying hard to live a zero-waste life, I believe I would be a great fit for your company.”

Here’s an example of how not to say it.

“I’d love to work for XYZ Company because of its culture and product innovation. Since I’m vegan and an experienced marketing specialist, I believe I would be a great fit.”

15. Don’t copy from the internet

A quick Google search will show you there are hundreds of Upwork cover letter examples on the internet. These are meant to serve as inspiration. Don’t just copy and paste from these internet samples.

As much of the advice above explains, your Upwork cover letter must be customized for each new proposal. Copying and pasting a generic cover letter from the internet is the opposite of this. Besides, if a future client were to realize your cover letter is copied, it would create a poor first impression.

16. Make them want to learn more

Always end your Upwork cover letter with a specific call to action. A generic ending is a missed opportunity. Use this space to make your future clients want to learn more about you.

This final paragraph should express your excitement for the role or project. It should also serve as a mini sales pitch in which you remind them why you’re a great fit for the role and demonstrate your eagerness for an interview.

An ideal call to action is assertive and confident while maintaining a polite and professional tone. ‍

How to write a good call to action

What does a good call to action look like in real life? A good call to action ends with an impact. Consider these examples:

Bad:

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Good:
“I believe I’m a great fit for this role. I’m confident that my sales experience will enhance results at your organization, similar to the 25% increase in revenue I brought about for JMH Inc. I look forward to discussing my qualifications and suitability during an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

17. Proofread and edit your cover letter multiple times

Once you’re done writing your Upwork cover letter, it needs to be proofread. Don’t send your letter without doing a thorough spell check and review. Run the spell check and grammar functions embedded in your tech tools.

Also make sure to read it over again—slowly, and preferably aloud—to keep an eye out for any errors or issues. Ideally, you’d set it aside and return later to review it with fresh eyes.

18. Have others review your cover letter

Before you send out your Upwork cover letter, try to get a trusted person to review it if possible. This can be especially useful when you’re new to freelancing and still learning the best ways to win more jobs on Upwork.

Ask the person to look for any errors or typos you may have missed. They can also read it to make sure it’s clear, professional, and paints a good picture of your suitability for the role.

19. Stand out with Connects

One final thing to think about, when writing an effective Upwork cover letter, is whether there is additional opportunity to stand out. Consider other ways to win work with Upwork’s boosted Proposals program and get your cover letter in front of the clients you most want to work with.

How does it work? Put simply, after you invest the time to create a great cover letter, elevate the visibility of your proposal with a boost by spending additional Connects.

Upwork will boost your proposal, with its immaculately crafted cover letter, to the top of the stack if you bid high enough relative to your competition—making yours one of the first proposals the client sees. In fact, Boosted Proposals increases the chance of getting hired by up to 24%. If you want to learn more about Boosted Proposals, check out this support article.

Next steps

Writing an Upwork cover letter can feel like a lot of work. However, it’s an important step in making a good first impression with clients. If you’re still finding your feet, this article on How to Get Started on Upwork may be helpful. For more advice on crafting compelling Upwork cover letters, check out this course from the Upwork Academy.

The next step in the application process is usually an interview. Whether in-person or virtual, an interview is a fantastic opportunity to make a great impression—so make the most of it. Check out our article on interview tips for freelancers and clients, as well as our tips on how to tailor your interview answers and impress clients to start preparing for your interview.

No matter which qualities and experiences you’re looking for, you can find the opportunities you want on Upwork. The process is personalized, easy, and fast. Take a moment to sign up today.

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Disclosure: Upwork is an OpenAI partner, giving OpenAI customers and other businesses direct access to trusted expert independent professionals experienced in working with OpenAI technologies.