ODesk
ODesk works the same as Freelancer in the sense that it also charges a fee for every job that you obtained through the site. You have to fill in your profile page, job categories expertise (up to 10 categories) and your desired hourly rate in USD. ODesk's commission is 10% of the total rate to the employer. In addition to the above, you also have to take tests to determine your proficiency to work in the job categories you have chosen. The more tests you take and pass (if you fail you can retake it after 30 days), the higher the chances you have to land a job. Prospective employers use the pool of qualified workers to look for possible contractors.
To sign up for this site, click here.
Update: ODesk is now Upwork
Elance
After filling your basic details you need to read and study the Elance University Tutorials as a provider to get acquainted with how the site works. You need to pass the Elance test, subscribe to the category you have chosen when you signed up, verify your physical address and phone number.
Click here to sign up.
Freelancer
The sign up page of this website is pretty straightforward. You have the choice to become a paying or non-paying member. Being a Gold member will cost you $ 24,95 per month with the benefits that as an employer you will be charged 0% commission and as a provider, (reduced) 3% commission. I got a project here a year back and I only won as I was the lowest bidder. In my opinion, if you are willing to work for a certain price then bid for a project that you are interested in. In addition, if you have a good provider feedback then it will not be a problem to find reasonably paid jobs.
To sign up, click here.
The bottom line is, you can find several jobs which you might be interested in doing on these sites. However, you need to invest enough time to do the tests, qualifications and certifications. I recently signed up for the first 2 sites and I am not convinced yet that freelancing through these sites is something that I want to do. The basic problem that I have working for the sites is the bidding issue.
To increase your chances of getting job, you have to bid real low on projects and must be willing to work for that amount. You can do this, work your way up, build your credentials and charge higher fees. I have read of several success stores on these freelancing sites and one of these days, I will take the plunge and try them.
