FAQs

Why is it required to signup through an approved staffing and payment platform like oDesk and Elance?

These platforms are used to track your working hours and manage your pay.

Why are you asking me to work outside oDesk or Elance?

You will not be working outside of oDesk or Elance. Taleo is our database for managing applicants for our job postings but you will still be hired and work within oDesk/Elance platforms.

Will I have benefits, bonuses, etc while working for your company?

The hourly rate for the job is the complete compensation package.  You will be responsible for paying your social security, taxes, etc in your country.  NOTE: in the US, you must be set up with oDesk Payroll/ Elance Payroll (our W2 processor) for withdrawals for social security, medicare, and income tax withholding,. You may also opt for a 3rd party agency to handle W2 processing for you.  

Can I work part-time?

Most of our open positions require an availability of 40 hours per week. However we have some roles that allow working part-time. This information can be found in each Job Description.

What are the working hours for the job?

Details of the working hours will be discussed with the hiring manager.

Is the salary negotiable?

The posted rate per hour is non-negotiable.

Can online companies/agencies endorse their contractors?

Yes, but all transactions and contracts are directly made with the contractors as an individual service provider.

I have applied for a role in your company, but I haven't received any confirmation email. How can I know if you have received my application?

If you haven't received any confirmation email within an hour of submitting your application online, it probably means that we haven't received your application. Please re-apply for the role using a different browser.

When can I re-apply?

After 6 months if it is for the same position, immediately for a different role within the company.

When I click on the Careers link and apply for the position it says my account already exists.

Please log in as a "returning applicant" and add this position to your profile.

How much is the oDesk fee?

Once work begins, a fee is built into a contractor’s rate, equaling 10% of the total amount charged to the client.  In the US, there is also a fee for W2 managment  (Social Security, Medicare, etc), but the cost of oDesk fees is accounted for in the posted pay rate for the job posting. 

Can you tell me where to find the oDesk permalink?

Proceed to your profile page by going to https://www.odesk.com/d/view_profile.php then click on "View my profile as others see it", the Permalink is located at the right hand side of the screen below the "Contact" column. You may need to scroll down to be able to view it.

I have already applied for the position. What's next?

We will send you the testing instructions. Please check all your mail folders, including bulk mail, spam folders/filters..

I have followed all your instructions but the oDesk Team Room is not taking webcam shots of me.

Please double check that you have a working camera installed. You may also contact <a href=”https://support.odesk.com/home”>oDesk Technical Support</a> to better assist you on this technical issue.

How Much is Elance fee?

Elance fee is 8.75% for relationships less than $10,000; the fee is a discounted 6.75% for relationships that exceed $10,000 and new relationships referred to Elance.

I have received an invitation to submit a proposal on Elance, what should I do next?

You should click on "View" and then click on "Submit a proposal" on the right side of the page. In the description section you can write a brief presentation letter, in "my earnings" you should write the same amount as the fixed-price contract offered for the trial phase in the Job Description; in "delivery time" you can choose "one week".

I have already sent my proposal through Elance, what should I do next?

After you send your proposal through Elance we will send you the milestones for acceptance.

What are milestones?

Elance milestones define the steps in the path forward, including the separation between the Testing phase and the Trial period.

I have already accepted the Elance milestones. What should I do next?

We will send you the testing instructions. Please check all your mail folders, especially spam.

Does the Elance tracker take snapshots of me and my desktop?

Elance Tracker only takes snapshots of your desktop.

What are milestones?

Elance milestones will be sent to separate the Testing phase from the Trial period.

Is it necessary to take tests in one-sitting?

The tests are designed to be completed in one sitting.  If you have an emergency that you need to stop the test and complete at a later time, just close the browser. DO NOT CLICK ON END TEST.  Once you are ready to continue, just log back in using EXACTLY the same credentials you registered the first time in eSkill and continue the test.

How long does it take to complete the tests?

This can go from less than an hour to 3 hours depending on the length of the test and your own pacing. We have provided ample buffer for you to complete the whole test but you can definitely finish in less time.

Why do I need to submit a government issued ID?

This is a company requirement to avoid fraudulent applicants. We also use this to validate the candidate's identity during the recruitment process and will not be used for any other purpose.

May I know the tests scores after taking them.

Yes. Our system automatically computes your test scores once you have completed the test. If you failed, you will receive a system-generated email which includes your test score against the pass rate. If you pass, you will move forward to the next steps of the application process.

I have ended the test in eSkill and now I am unable to go back. I don't want to start all over as this may disqualify me. What do you suggest I do?

The tests need to be completed in one-sitting. Once you click on "End Test" it will prompt you with another screen showing all the questions that you have not answered yet and will ask your confirmation if you really want to end the test. It will record your progress for the questions you were able to answer but it will not allow you to go back. The recruiter will validate your test and will let you know if you can be allowed to retake based on the findings.

What is required during the interview?

Candidates who did well on their tests will be given a chance to interview (Video Skype call) with the recruiter to further assess their qualification.  You must have the necessary equipment and account to accept a video Skype call.

What should I write in the PIA fields?

While filling out the PIA you should write the following: Role: <the position you were interviewed for> ; Address: <city>, <state>, <country>; Affiliated Company: Independent Contractor or Agency name; Platform: oDesk/Elance; Platform ID: oDesk/Elance ID/username

Is it required to be logged in the oDesk Team Room/Elance Work View during the trial phase?

Yes, it is required so the hiring managers can monitor your activity during your trial period.

I am waiting for instructions of my trial task. Please advise of a timeline.

Your application will be processed in the order it was received. The Hiring Manager will reach out to you as soon as prior candidates have finished their trial and once your credentials have been created. You should receive your trial assignment within a week or two from passing the testing phase.

I have accepted the trial phase contract some days ago. How long does it usually take for me to receive the trial assignment? I am afraid that my one week is up and I have not received the assignment yet.

Please note that the trial phase will only commence when the actual assignment has been communicated. 

My trial contract has ended, when will you pay me?

If your performance during the trial assignment results in our making a full-time offer, you will be paid the fixed price rate stipulated on your trial contract  and you will receive an offer for the full-time hourly position at the agreed rate per hour. Otherwise, no payment will be released.