Navigate the iOS/macOS App
Follow this how to guide and get the most out of your gigs on our iOS/macOS app:
- Signing Up
- Onboarding
- Creating Your Profile
- Navigating the Gig Feed
- Working on the Dashboard
- Communicating Through Chat
- Taking Advantage of Your Resources
1. Signing Up
This is where it all starts. You’ll need an account to get started.
Step 1: Download the App
Start by installing Uplancer on your iOS device from the App Store or on your macOS device from here. Don’t have either? Check out how to get started with our web app.
Step 2: Fill out Your Account Login Details
You’ll be asked to provide your username, password, and university email. Don’t worry, this information is unique to you and is securely stored on Amazon Web Services.
*Tip: make sure to use your university email. Otherwise, you’ll lose out on some of the perks of being a student, such as instant verification for employers (who are on platform to exclusively work with students) and access to coaches.
Step 3: Verify Your Account
Next, you’ll need to verify your account. Just check your email for the verification code and that’s it! You’ll be able to log into your account using your newly created username and password.
2. Onboarding
Ensure that your account is configured correctly. Otherwise you won’t gain access to gigs.
Step 1: Select Your Account Type
By selecting the right account, you’ll be able to search and work on the gigs that interest you. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with the bill as an employer account!
Step 2: Provide Details About You
The information on this page is what employers will see. Some employers are looking to hire locally and work with students from certain degrees, so make sure to provide these details.
Don’t forget to upload your photo! The more you provide, the more legit and unique you are to employers
*Tip: you can always edit your details later if you’re eager to start.
Step 3: Select the Skills that Interest You
Choose up to three skills from a list of 50+ skills, so there’s definitely one for you. Just search the skill you think you’d like to improve or go over the preloaded skills. When you find your skill, highlight that skill and repeat this same process for other skills. If you can’t find your skill, reach out to customer support, either through Chat or at support@uplancer.io.
Step 4: Confirm that Your Profile Picture
The final step in onboarding is to be happy with your profile pic and to ask yourself, What’s Next?
3. Creating Your Profile
Employers will see your profile once you apply. That’s why you should keep things professional and about you. Ask yourself, what makes you stand out as a student?
Step 1: Review Your Profile
Located in your Careerspace tab, your profile is everything about you! Check below as to what to expect:
a) Profile Picture: your profile picture is the first thing that people will see. Pick something that you’re proud of for others to see.
b) About You: make sure that your degree and university are selected. Employers may hire based on degree and locally, so don’t miss out on these opportunities. The last line is your chance to describe more about you, personally and professionally. Use action verbs and highlight your achievements.
c) Career Readiness: this shows skills that are important to future employers. You’ll need to master each of the five competencies: problem solving, global fluency, leadership, technology, and communication.
*Tip: don’t know what these competencies are? Check out NACE!
d) Recent Feedback: past employers will give you feedback. Future employers will look here to understand more about you and your skills.
e) My Skills: if you correctly finished the onboarding, you’ll see your skill selected here. If you’d like to refresh/highlight different skills, click ADD A NEW SKILL and find your new skill. You can only select up to three so make sure to remove your previously selected skills before adding new ones. Your skills to increase in levels as you take on more gigs that require those same skills. Employers want to see this so start building your skill level!
4. Navigating the Gig Feed
When you’re ready to explore your next gig, check out the gig feed! Here, you’ll see all the available opportunities at the touch of a swipe.
Step 1: Search
The first thing to do is look! Each posting has an overview and detailed view. The overview has the company name, gig size, gig type, and the gig title. The top search bar allows you to narrow down your search for gigs. You can also sort using the drop down right below the search bar if you’re unsure what to search.
Step 2: Dig Deep
Once you see a gig that interests you, click on it for more details. You’ll get a description of the tasks as well as the budget, deadline, and skills needed to get the tasks done. By completing this gig, you will level up the skills listed in the gig.
Step 3: Apply
If this is the right gig for you, click apply. Now’s your chance to make your application stand out beyond what’s in your profile. You can adjust how much you want to be paid and the turnaround time at the top of the screen. When you’re happy with this, click Apply to submit your application to the employer.
*Tip: when you’re more experienced, you command a higher budget and can deliver the gig at a faster rate. Time is money so why not charge for it?
Step 4: Be Patient
The next thing for you is wait. You’ll either be rejected or accepted for an interview. If you’ve been invited to interview, congrats! However, getting an invite isn’t always easy. Click Landing Your First Gig below for a guide on landing just that, your first gig!
5. Working on the Dashboard
Everything related to gigs can be found here. Keep track of your work and stay on course.
Step 1: Check Your Interviews and Offers
When you apply or get invited to apply for a gig, this is where it will show up. Make sure to check daily for updates and whether you’re one step closer to winning the gig!
Step 2: Maintain Your Active Gigs
Anytime you’re actively working on a gig, it will show up in this section. Manage your employer expectations by giving them updates, sharing files, and requesting to be paid once the gig is complete.
Step 3: Review Your Gig History
Any gigs that you’re working on or have completed will show up in this section. Feel free to reminisce or review the gig that you worked on.
*Tip: when in doubt about how long a gig can take, you can always go back to your gig history to determine whether you have the time to take on a similar gig.
Step 4: Manage Your Files
Want an easy way to manage all the files that you send and receive on the app? Check here to browse and share files relevant to the gigs that you’re working on.
Step 5: Track Your Finances
Be in control of what’s going in and out of your account. Set your goals and achieve them.
*Tip: getting paid is important. Consider using ACH payments. It may take longer for you to get paid, but you’ll end up paying less transaction costs.
6. Communicating Through Chat
You’ll spend most of your time in chat with your employers. Ask questions about the gig and impress them with your communication skills as well as your professionalism.
Step 1: Chat!
When you’re interviewing or actively working on a gig, this is where the magic happens. Talk to employers and when needed, securely share files, thoughts, and samples to them.
*Tip: when in doubt, just ask! The last thing that you want to happen is to assume what your employer expects from the gig. If you do and you’re wrong, you may end up having to redo the gig completely!
*Tip: being prompt with your response pays off. Employers want to know that they can count on you and responding within one day is a good thing.
7. Taking Advantage of Your Resources
We’ll update this tab with resources to help you succeed.
Step 1: Stay Up to Date
Feel free to read up on all of our company policies, such as our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Accessibility. If you have any questions, just reach out to us at support@uplancer.io.
8. Final Comments
One of the biggest questions that we get asked is What is a Gig? By understanding the definition of a gig, you’ll know how you and your employer should treat each other when working together.
At times, you may have gotten yourself in over your head with so many exams in one week. When you fall behind in school or you don’t know how to start on your gig, reach out to Uplancer via the Chat or via support@uplancer.io. We’ll connect you with an Uplancer Coach to get you on track for completing that gig.