Freelancers can now create up to two specialized profiles and these profiles are more specific versions of their general profile. For example, a mobile development freelancer can create specialized profiles in mobile game development and mobile app development, while a freelancer working in design and creative can create specialized profiles in video editing, 2D animation, and more.
Specialized profiles are available to all freelancers and each FL is required to have a minimum of one specialized profile.
Clients will also be able to post jobs that map to these new specialties.
Reorder Profiles
Freelancers are able to go to Profile Settings to reorder their profiles, if they’d like. They can (a) when viewing their profile, they can click the pencil icon here which will take them to their profile settings to make changes OR (b) go to Settings > Profile Settings > scroll down to Specialized profiles and click the up/down arrows to re-order:
Update Category in a Profile
Freelancers are also able to switch an existing Specialized Profile from one L3 category to another through a feature in Profile Settings (by clicking the pencil icon here which will take them to their profile settings to make changes). For example, a freelancer with an existing Specialized Profile in Graphic Design, if they wanted to switch their profile to be about Instructional Design, they can simply click the “Switch Specialty” button:
After selecting a new specialty and then confirming that they want to “Unpublish & Continue”, they’ll launch into a new page to review their profile data for the new specialty they just selected.
What if freelancers are invited to a job?
Freelancers who are invited to jobs are currently not required to create a specialized profile matching that job. However, we’ll prompt the freelancer to create a specialized profile, as specialized profiles help freelancers more effectively market their services to clients looking for their particular expertise.
What is the difference between a specialized profile and my general profile?
Thanks for your question. Your general profile is the original Upwork profile you created before we launched specialized profiles. As always, your general profile will include the title you created, your overview, your rate, all of your Upwork work history, the skills you chose to list, etc. For your specialized profile, you can highlight your expertise. You’ll create a unique title and description, have the option to set another rate, and also be able to show only the Upwork contracts and portfolio items that are most relevant to that particular expertise. For example, you can separate out the work you’ve done as an Android developer from your work as a translator.
How do I edit my profile?
Thanks for your question. You can edit a specialized profile just as you edit your general profile today. Each section of a profile will have an “Edit” or “Add” option that allows you to make updates and changes.
How does the editing process work? When I edit my general profile, how do those changes impact my specialized ones?
Thanks for your question. Here’s a quick overview:
Q: If I edit a portfolio item, does that update my other profiles?
A: Yes
Q: If I add portfolio items to my specialized profile, will it be added to my general profile?
A: Yes
Q: If I remove something from my general profile, does it get removed from my specialized profile?
A: Yes
Q: Will my educational background, employment history, certifications, and other experience appear the same on general and specialized profiles?
A: Yes, although this may change in the future as specialized profiles evolve.
Q: Will my overview be the same on my general and specialized profiles?
A: You’ll be able to create a new overview for each specialized profile.
How do I delete my profile?
Thanks for your question. You are able to delete any specialized profiles created, as long as you have at least one available. To delete, if you have more than one, go to Settings, then click “Profile Settings” on the left. Scroll down to find the title “Specialized profiles”, click the ellipses icon next to the profile you’d like to delete, and select “Delete”.
What if my general profile is already specialized?
Thanks for reaching out. Unlike the general profile, the specialized profile will allow you to create a separate title and overview, as well as set a different rate. It will also let you go into more detail about the type of skills you do work in. For example, for mobile development: programming languages, types of devices you develop on, which categories of apps you’ve worked on, etc. In the future, we plan to launch a way for you to create specialized profiles based off of your general profile more easily.
Who sees my specialized profiles and when?
Thanks for your question. Specialized profiles you create will be visible when you or a client clicks into your existing general profile, and clients can post jobs using a template that matches these new profiles. Specialized profiles will also be shown when you show up in relevant search results. Whether your general or specialized profile is shown will vary depending on the scenario and choices you make:
When a client uses the search function to search for freelancers we will show them your most relevant profile. For example, if they specifically search for mobile app development and you have a specialized mobile app development profile, that profile will be shown in search results.
Here are some other scenarios:
- You want to send a link to your profile to a client. You can choose to send direct links to your general profile or to your specialized profiles.
- Someone clicks on your profile from a post you made in our Community. Your general profile will be shown by default, but they’ll be able to view your other profiles.
- A client accesses your profile from an old contract or past discussion in Messages. Your general profile will be shown by default, but the client will be able to view your other profiles.
Is this available to agencies?
Thanks for your question. Agency freelancers are able to create specialized profiles, but agency profiles are not changing at this time. We are working on integrating specialized profiles with agency profiles.
Where can I provide feedback on this?
Thanks for your question. When you create a specialized profile you’ll have the option to complete a survey about the process and option. You’ll see a pop-up that gives you the option to provide feedback any time you publish a specialized profile, delete one, or cancel a draft.
Here’s how it will look:
- After you successfully publish a profile you can click on green “Help us improve specialized profiles, tell us what you think” link:
- If you decide to cancel and delete your draft, you can click on the green “Help us improve specialized profiles, tell us what you think” link:
What if I want all my jobs to show on all profiles? That way clients can see I have other skills, and maybe hire me for other projects.
Thanks for your question. Clients will always be able to easily access your other specialized profiles and see whatever skills you’ve chosen to highlight.
Which specialized profile will clients see when they are reviewing my proposal for a job?
The profile that is most relevant to the job requirements will automatically be shown with your proposal. Your general profile and any other specialized profiles you have will still be visible to the client when they view your proposal and your profile details.
Why don’t I have a JSS specific for this profile?
Since your Job Success Score (JSS) is based on client feedback from your overall job history on Upwork, you’ll currently have one score that will be shared on all versions of your profile. All jobs you work will be considered when we calculate your JSS.