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How to get started: a 4-step guide

Applying isn't the same as getting hired. Treat each platform like a real job application and you'll improve your odds — and the rate you're offered.

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Step 1: Assess your qualifications

Before applying, take stock. What's your highest level of education? Do you have professional experience in a specific field? Are you a strong writer? Coder? Linguist? The answers determine which platforms — and which rates — fit you.

Graduate degree or 4+ years pro experience in a defined field: aim at Mercor first.
Current student, recent grad, or alum of a Handshake partner school: aim at Handshake AI first.
Anywhere else, or outside US/EU: Outlier AI has the broadest entry criteria.

Step 2: Choose your starting point

Don't apply to everything at once. Pick the platform where you're strongest and put real effort into the application. You can add more platforms later.

Apply where

You meet the screening bar
The work types fit your skills
The pay range is worth your time

Skip platforms that

Charge any fee to apply
Guarantee specific income
Hide the pay range

Step 3: Take the application seriously

These platforms screen. They're not "sign up and start working."

Mercor uses an AI-conducted interview (~20–30 minutes). Treat it like a real interview: quiet room, good mic, concrete examples with details.
Handshake AI draws from your Handshake university profile. Make sure your degree, field, projects, and dates are all current.
Outlier AI runs skills assessments. Aim for accuracy over speed; first-pass quality determines what projects you're offered.

Step 4: Set realistic expectations

Be honest with yourself. Applying is not the same as being accepted. If accepted, project work may not be immediately available. Projects come and go based on client demand. Treat this as an opportunity to explore — not a guaranteed income stream. Do not quit your current job based on an application.

Once you're in: sign up for two or three platforms. Work availability on any single platform is unpredictable. Multiple platforms smooths out the gaps.

Pick your starting platform

One click and you're applying.

Mercor — Experienced pros → Handshake AI — Students & grads → Outlier AI — Broad accessibility →