* How To Not Get Hired in the BST Forum *

Hello DP!

I have been around for a long time now and I am always hiring DPers for design and content creation services I am in need of. During all this time, I continuously get replies to [WTB] posts in the Buy, Sell or Trade Forum that make me cringe.

Basic thinking: When I create [WTB] posts, I usually get a ton of replies and usually am looking for any reason to get rid of you so I can finish with only one special person. Here's some suggestions to decrease your chances of getting the job:

1. Do Not Follow DP Rules
DP does not allow bumping posts of this kind unless you have a specific question to ask or something to add. Do not bump the post with your proposal. Why bump the post when you will give more people the opportunity to reply and decrease your chances of getting the job?

2. Do Send Generic Replies
Seriously guys. It is so obvious when someone sends me a generic reply. If it is really really good, then I may even consider it, but the problem is that the person usually submits what is obviously a generic reply which took little time to create. If you want to save some time by using a generic reply, then make at least part of the post unique and spend a good amount of time crafting the text for the reply.

3. Do Not Check Your Grammar and Spelling
It is not as big of an issue for non-content creation posts, but why not check your grammar to make sure you do not sound stupider than you really are? Firefox comes with spell check by default. Use it.

4. Do Not Address Any Questions
Similar to "Do Not Send Generic Replies." Make sure you answer any questions asked in the post. I took my time writing those questions for a specific reason.

5. Do Not Include a Portfolio Link
Always include a link to a portfolio or a list of work you have completed. If you are a web programmer, make sure your code is valid! If you are a copyrighter, make sure the content you are linking to does not contain any obvious errors. Do not include any work that you do not consider you best in your portfolio. Do not steal other people's work and pretend link it is your own! If you are caught, your reputation will go to hell. Plus, that is just immoral.

6. Do Not Address Pricing Concerns
Something that really bothers me when I create a post asking for quotes, is when people send me a PM asking me to PM them back or chat with them on Skype about my project so they can give me a more detailed quote. I usually include all the detail I have in my post. Others may not do this. Either way though, you will not want to discurage a person from buying your services. The key is to make it as easy as possible for them to purchase. Send an actual price to complete the project. If the information is really incomplete and you need more information, try this: give the person options, e.g. "I did not find the number of words you need in this article in your OP, but my rates are as follows for 250, 500, and 1000 words, respectively..."

7. Do Sound Like a Feigner, a Teenage Girl, or a Hacker from the '90s
Try to not sound like English is not your native tongue. This is especially true to copywriters! If you write how you talk, it can be very obvious that English was not your first language. English is not my first language, but as you can see, I not write as I speak little English. Also, no text messaging talk. i m tlking 2 u! It is very unprofessional. Do I even need to mention 1337 speak?

I think that about covers all the things I generally use to not hire you. Feel free to add more below.

I hope this will help some of you guys out!

Please, excuse my sarcastic nature.

-Christopher


EDIT: I realize I do not know how to spell forum... :/ Oops.

 

Good tips, but you forgot the #1 way on how NOT to get hired in the BST forum.

The #1 Way NOT to get hired in the BST forum is to charge REASONABLY for your services.

This has been a frustrating for me personally as I notice many people are looking to do work for next to nothing - mind you I don't know what quality it is, or if they ripped someone off and are re-selling something ( though thats most probably whats going on). And with this being said its bothered me, because I'm like everyone else, looking to make a living, and yes I realize there's a lot of people here where $3US in your country is worth something like $30 - but seriously... these prices make Walmart look bad and their robbing everyone.

 

I agree with what you say about the prices, kidsko. Usually those offering lower prices have poorer service, but from a buyer's point of view, we trick ourselves into thinking that the quality of work will actually be good even with the lower price. I will choose specifically someone with higher prices and a better portfolio or someone with lower prices depending on the job requirements.

I have noticed that this trend has started to diminish a little bit (or become less extreme) within the past year. I think that may be due to the weak dollar value and economies in countries like India growing stronger in comparison to the American economy. Whenever I hold design contests and such now, I always try to give a fair value.

 

2 and 3 are the ones that always get to me. I'm so glad they at least ban all of the "PM me details." people.

 

Great tips, especially for the newbies who just joined the forum. By the way, what's the meaning of this word, "Feigner"? It's a misspell or...?

 

Lol how ironic...

I meant "foreigner."

"Feigner" means one who feigns or pretends [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Feigner].