Decline oDesk Jobs Artfully

Yesterday I got 5 interview invitations via oDesk. Most of those were not relevant to my skill set, the were some about Excel spread sheet data entry, web-site development, and even cards image designing.

What to do if you don't have the skills to complete the job?
Seriously, what should you do? Is it okay to lure the client in and get them to hire you and then sub-contract the job to someone else? I don't think so. If you can spend a few hours and learn the skill needed for the job then perhaps you should just go ahead and learn the skill and let the client know. A skill is always useful, maybe some time in future you will get a bigger or a better job based on a skill you learned for a small project.



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Maintain a consistent profile
There was an Excel data entry job invitation which I could have completed in an hour or so. It was a good $20 quick gig, but then I thought what would be the impact of this quick 20 on my profile? I have a profile packed with software development and mobile app development jobs, a project like this will make my profile look bad and maybe some time in future it will cost me loosing a good mobile programming project as well.

A marketing opportunity!

Even when you are declining a job, you have an opportunity to connect with a potential client. Maybe some time in future this same client will have a job that is perfectly suitable for you and s/he will have your name somewhere in their mind since you will be one of the few noble souls who took an extra minute to write a reasonable response while declining their job invitation.

So, take it as an opportunity and promote your services whenever you can wherever you can.
"Bad publicity" is nothing, take each and every opportunity and squeeze it until you get the last drop of juice out of it. And don't just spill that juice all over the place, put in a jug or maybe a bucket :)