Skill: ivangdavila/upwork (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Upwork slug: upwork description: Win freelance projects on Upwork with profile optimization, proposal writing, client communication, and scam detection. --- ## Quick Reference | Area | What the Agent Does | |------|---------------------| | Profile | Optimize title, bio, portfolio, hourly rate | | Proposals | Write personalized, non-templated proposals | | Red Flags | Detect scams, problematic clients, bad contracts | | Communication | Draft professional responses, handle negotiations | | Strategy | JSS optimization, pricing, client retention | ## Critical Rules 1. **Human-in-the-loop MANDATORY** — Agent prepares drafts, human reviews and sends manually. Never auto-send proposals or messages. 2. **No credential access** — Agent never logs into Upwork or accesses account directly. User copy-pastes info as needed. 3. **No automation scripts** — Never provide code to automate Upwork actions, bypass detection, or scrape data. 4. **Honest timelines** — Never promise delivery faster than realistically achievable. 5. **No off-platform payments** — Always warn against payments outside Upwork (ToS violation = ban). ## Red Flags to Always Flag - Budget <$100 for complex work - "Need ASAP" + low budget - Client with no payment history or <4.5 stars - Requests for free "test" work - Wants to move to WhatsApp/email immediately - Vague scope ("build me an app") - Payment outside platform ## Workflow **For proposals:** See `proposals.md` **For profile optimization:** See `profile.md` **For client communication:** See `communication.md` **For platform mechanics:** See `platform.md` **For legal context:** See `legal.md` ## Disclaimer This skill helps freelancers work more effectively on Upwork. The user is solely responsible for complying with Upwork's Terms of Service. All agent outputs must be reviewed before use. This is productivity assistance, not automation.

path: communication.md
content: # Client Communication

## Response Timing

- First reply <2 hours (algorithm rewards speed)
- Business hours consistency (set expectations)
- Weekend silence is OK if communicated

## Message Templates (Adapt, Don't Copy)

**Scope creep:**
> "Happy to add [feature]. Since it's outside original scope, I can include it for $X additional. Want me to update the milestone?"

**Delays:**
> "Quick update: [specific reason] means delivery will be [date] instead of [original]. I'll keep you posted. Let me know if this affects anything on your end."

**Asking for review:**
> "Thanks for the great collaboration! If you have a moment, a review would help me a lot. No pressure either way."

## Negotiation Principles

- Never negotiate against yourself (let them counter)
- "My rate is X because [value justification]"
- Walk away from scope creep without pay adjustment
- Document EVERYTHING in Upwork chat (legal protection)

## Tone Matching

| Client Type | Communication Style |
|-------------|---------------------|
| Corporate | Formal, structured, status updates |
| Startup | Direct, casual, quick back-and-forth |
| Creative | Show personality, collaborative tone |


path: legal.md
content: # Legal & Compliance

## ToS Boundaries (What's NOT Allowed)

❌ Automated login or session management
❌ Auto-sending proposals without human review
❌ Scraping job posts or client data
❌ Multiple accounts per person
❌ Payments outside Upwork (direct bank, crypto, PayPal)
❌ Misrepresenting who does the work

## What IS Allowed

✅ AI assistance for drafting (human reviews before sending)
✅ Research and analysis of public job posts
✅ Templates customized for each proposal
✅ CRM tracking outside Upwork
✅ Productivity tools that don't access account

## Consequences of Violations

| Violation | Consequence |
|-----------|-------------|
| Chargebacks >1% | Warning → suspension |
| Off-platform payment | Permanent ban |
| Multiple accounts | All accounts banned |
| Fake reviews | Account terminated |
| ToS circumvention | Funds frozen + ban |

## User Responsibilities

1. **Disclosure**: If client prohibits AI assistance, respect it or decline
2. **Confidentiality**: Never process client NDA data in third-party AI
3. **Accuracy**: Don't claim capabilities you don't have
4. **Jurisdiction**: Client's location determines legal requirements (GDPR if EU client)

## Safe Practices

- Keep all negotiation/agreements in Upwork chat
- Use milestones for payment protection
- Document scope in writing before starting
- Screenshot/save important conversations
- Never share Upwork credentials with anyone


path: platform.md
content: # Upwork Platform Mechanics

## Fees Structure

| Lifetime Billings with Client | Fee |
|-------------------------------|-----|
| First $500 | 20% |
| $500.01 - $10,000 | 10% |
| Over $10,000 | 5% |

## Job Success Score (JSS)

Factors:
- Client feedback (public + private)
- Long-term client relationships
- Contract outcomes (completed vs cancelled)
- Responsiveness

**To protect JSS:**
- Close inactive contracts (stale contracts hurt)
- Never abandon without communication
- Ask for private feedback before public review
- Resolve issues before they become disputes

## Contract Types

| Type | When to Use | Risk |
|------|-------------|------|
| Fixed-price | Clear scope, defined deliverables | Scope creep |
| Hourly | Ongoing work, unclear scope | Time tracking scrutiny |
| Milestone-based | Large fixed projects | Protect with partial payments |

**Fixed-price protection:** Never start without funded milestone
**Hourly protection:** Screenshot tracking, detailed memos

## Connects System

- 10 free connects/month (more with memberships)
- Jobs require 1-6 connects depending on complexity
- Refunded if job cancelled or you're hired
- Boosting uses more connects for visibility

## Account Levels

| Level | Requirements | Benefits |
|-------|--------------|----------|
| Rising Talent | New, promising | Badge visibility |
| Top Rated | 90+ JSS, $1k+, 90 days | Top search placement, faster support |
| Top Rated Plus | Sustained excellence | "I hire Top Rated" filter |


path: profile.md
content: # Profile Optimization

## Title Formula

`[Primary Skill] | [Secondary Skill] | [Differentiator]`

Examples:
- "React Developer | Next.js Expert | 50+ E-commerce Projects"
- "Copywriter | Email Sequences | B2B SaaS Focus"

## Bio Structure (First 2 Lines Critical)

Line 1: What you do + who you help + result you deliver
Line 2: Proof (years, projects, notable clients)
Rest: Skills, process, call to action

## Portfolio Curation

- 6-8 pieces maximum (quality over quantity)
- Lead with best work
- Include outcome/results, not just deliverable
- Match portfolio to jobs you want

## Hourly Rate Strategy

| Experience | Starting Rate | Goal |
|------------|---------------|------|
| New (<$1k earned) | Lower range for niche, build reviews fast |
| Rising ($1k-10k) | Market rate, selective with projects |
| Established (>$10k) | Premium rate, direct invitations |

## What Tanks Profiles

- Generic title ("Freelancer", "Virtual Assistant")
- Bio focused on you, not client outcomes
- No portfolio items or irrelevant samples
- Inconsistent availability status


path: proposals.md
content: # Proposal Writing

## Structure That Converts

1. **Hook** — Reference something SPECIFIC from the job post (proves you read it)
2. **Credibility** — 1-2 relevant portfolio examples, not your whole history
3. **Approach** — Brief outline of how you'd tackle THIS project
4. **CTA** — Concrete next step: "15-min call to clarify scope?"

## What Kills Proposals

- "Dear Hiring Manager" or generic openers
- Copy-pasted templates without customization
- Listing all skills instead of relevant ones
- Asking questions answered in the job post
- Pricing without understanding scope

## Pricing Strategy

| Scenario | Approach |
|----------|----------|
| Competitive job (50+ proposals) | Slightly below rate to enter, upsell later |
| Direct invitation | Premium rate — they chose YOU |
| Complex scope | "Happy to discuss after quick call" |
| Unclear budget | Propose range, ask clarifying questions |

## Connects Efficiency

- Best Match jobs in first 2 hours = highest conversion
- Direct invitations = don't need connects, respond FAST
- Skip jobs with 50+ proposals unless perfect match
- Never boost without strong profile/history


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)