What is an Invite-Only job, and what are the advantages of inviting service providers to submit proposals?

Sometimes an employer may be familiar with a service provider's work, or see a profile they like, and want to limit their job's proposals to these parties. This is called an 'Invite-Only' job.

Only invited service providers may submit proposals on this type of job. At any time, the employer can change the job status and open it to receive proposals from all service providers.

Below are some advantages of inviting service providers to submit proposals on your job:

* Shop for services. Use Elance's directory of service providers to browse detailed descriptions of the specific services available. When you find a provider you like, invite them to send you a proposal by clicking on the red ‘Contact Me’ button on their provider profile page.

* Be selective. Use Elance profiles, portfolio and feedback ratings to pick the best provider for the service you need.

* Streamline your proposals.  Posting an open job can mean sorting through many proposals. Inviting specific service providers to submit proposals lets you go straight to providers you have pre-approved.

To see how to post an Invite-Only job, click here.