Understanding the Top Rated Status on Upwork
Every freelancer on Upwork desires to achieve the Top Rated status, as it symbolizes credibility, skills, and reliability in the eyes of potential clients. However, many freelancers face difficulties maintaining or even progressing beyond their Top Rated weeks, leading to confusion and frustration.
This article will delve into the reasons why your Top Rated weeks might stagnate or decrease despite meeting the criteria for success, commonly measured by the Job Success Score (JSS).
Understanding the nature of this issue can help you navigate the Upwork metrics effectively and maintain your Top Rated status.
Job Success Score and Its Importance on Upwork
To earn and maintain the Top Rated status on Upwork, a freelancer needs to:
– Achieve a Job Success Score of at least 90% over the preceding 16 weeks.
– Accumulate at least 13 weeks of eligibility within that 16-week window.
The Job Success Score is pivotal because:
– It reflects the feedback received from clients indicating their satisfaction with your work.
– It directly affects your visibility and credibility on the platform.
A low or stagnant JSS can lead to a decrease in your Top Rated status.
Reasons for Stagnation of Top Rated Weeks on Upwork
Freelancers may experience stagnation for various reasons, including:
1. **Accumulation of Non-Eligible Weeks**:
– Non-eligible weeks can prevent the growth of eligible Top Rated weeks. For example, if you have 4 non-eligible weeks, you’ll need to wait for them to fall out of the calculation before your eligible weeks can increase.
2. **Job Success Score Changes**:
– A drop in your JSS below 90% will cause you to lose eligible weeks. Even if you recover the JSS, it takes weeks for non-eligible weeks to disappear from the calculation.
3. **Support Recognizing Glitches**:
– Sometimes, technical issues within the Upwork system may cause your eligible week count to freeze. Though these glitches are occasionally known by Upwork and often being worked on, freelancers are left in the dark regarding their statuses.
4. **Inactivity**:
– Taking prolonged breaks from Upwork due to personal or other reasons may impact your status. Regular activity is crucial to maintain momentum in your weeks.
Maintaining Your Top Rated Status on Upwork
To ensure you maintain your Top Rated status, here are essential steps:
– **Consistent Delivery of Quality Work**:
– Ensure client satisfaction by delivering tasks on time with superior quality. This will improve your feedback and maintain your JSS.
– **Address Feedback Proactively**:
– If you receive low feedback, address concerns directly with the client or ask them for a revision.
– **Engage with the Upwork Community**:
– Participating in the Upwork Community forums can provide insights and proposals that will help alleviate stagnation issues and learn from others.
– **Keep Tracking Your Statistics**:
– Regularly check your Upwork metrics and know which weeks may affect your ratings. Adjust accordingly to prevent stagnation.
Utilizing Upwork Support Services
If stagnation persists, utilize Upwork’s support services:
– **Submit Tickets**:
– If you notice discrepancies in your stats or issues that seem like glitches, submit a ticket for support assistance.
– **Follow Up**:
– Sometimes, you may have to follow up on your tickets as response times vary. Be persistent and patient for efficient resolution.
– **Utilize Help Center Resources**:
– The Upwork Help Center offers various articles and guides to troubleshoot common problems faced by freelancers.
In conclusion, a freelancer on Upwork thriving to maintain or acquire Top Rated status must remain vigilant with their Job Success Scores and be aware of the operational nuances of the system. Understanding the evaluations and maintaining communication with the Upwork system will lead to positive outcomes and sustained success in freelance careers.
Staying engaged, proactive, and customer-focused will make the difference in how your freelance business grows on Upwork.
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