Top Prompts to Improve Your Upwork Profile with AI (Get More Clients, Free)

Top Prompts to Improve Your Upwork Profile with AI (Get More Clients, Free)

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LucyBrain Switzerland ○ AI Daily

Top Prompts to Improve Your Upwork Profile with AI (Get More Clients, Free)

November 16, 2025

Toptal is one of the most exclusive freelance platforms. Only 3% of applicants get accepted. The application process is rigorous and your initial application determines if you even get to the screening stages.

Most freelancers either undersell themselves or overinflate their experience. Both approaches get rejected. Toptal wants proven experts who can clearly articulate their expertise and demonstrate real business impact.

With the right AI prompts, you can write a compelling Toptal application that positions you as a top-tier professional and increases your acceptance chances.

In this guide, you'll get the top free prompts for writing your Toptal application using ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. Just copy and paste these prompts with your background details.

These are the best Toptal application prompts for 2025, optimized to pass the initial screening, showcase your expertise credibly, and get you invited to the next stages.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Open ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude

  2. Gather your experience details and portfolio

  3. Paste one of the prompts below with your information

  4. Generate your application content

  5. Personalize and submit to Toptal

Top 20 AI Prompts to Write Your Toptal Application

Below are the most effective, copy-and-paste Toptal application prompts for 2025.

1. The Professional Summary for Toptal Prompt

Write a professional summary for my Toptal application.
My specialty: [your main expertise area]
Years of experience: [total years in field]
Key achievements: [2-3 major accomplishments with numbers]
Notable clients or companies: [if applicable]

Create a summary that:
- Opens with expertise level and specialty
- Highlights measurable business impact
- Shows depth in specific domain
- Positions as top 3% material

Tone: Expert, confident, results-focused.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Lead with expertise not bio
- Use specific numbers
- Avoid AI phrases like "passionate professional" or "dedicated expert"
- Sound elite-level
- Show business impact

My background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal wants proven experts. Leading with impact and specificity signals elite status.

2. The Technical Expertise Description Prompt

Write my technical expertise section for Toptal application.
Primary technologies: [main stack or tools]
Secondary technologies: [supporting skills]
Years with each: [experience depth]
Projects using these: [real applications]

For each technology, explain:
- Depth of knowledge: Beginner/Intermediate/Expert/Master
- Real-world applications: Where you've used it
- Scale of work: Size and complexity of projects
- Business results: Impact delivered using this tech

Tone: Technical, precise, expert-level.
Length: 200-250 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Be specific about depth
- Show real project use
- Avoid AI phrases like "proficient in" or "well-versed"
- Sound expert
- Prove technical mastery

My technical background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal tests technical depth. Specific project examples prove real expertise.

3. The Client Success Story for Toptal Prompt

Write a client success story for my Toptal application.
Client challenge: [business problem they faced]
My role: [what you did]
Approach: [how you solved it]
Measurable results: [specific outcomes with numbers]
Technologies used: [tools and platforms]

Create a success story that shows:
- Complex business problem solved
- Strategic approach taken
- Measurable impact delivered
- Client satisfaction

Tone: Story-driven, results-focused, professional.
Length: 200-250 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Tell story clearly
- Focus on business value
- Avoid AI phrases like "exceeded expectations" or "delivered excellence"
- Sound credible
- Show top-tier impact

Project details: [paste info]

Why this works: Toptal clients pay premium for business results. Success stories prove you deliver.

4. The Project Portfolio Description Prompt

Write descriptions for my Toptal portfolio projects.
Project name: [what you built]
Client type: [industry or company size]
Challenge: [problem solved]
Solution: [your approach]
Technologies: [stack used]
Results: [measurable outcomes]

For each project, create:
- Project title: Clear descriptive name
- Overview: What you built and why
- Technical approach: Architecture and technologies
- Business impact: Results delivered
- Your role: Specific contributions

Tone: Technical but clear, results-focused.
Length: 150-200 words per project.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Balance technical and business value
- Be specific about your role
- Avoid AI phrases like "successfully implemented" or "delivered solution"
- Sound expert
- Show impact clearly

My project: [paste details]

Why this works: Portfolio proves capability. Strong project descriptions show you can handle Toptal-level work.

5. The Industry Specialization Statement Prompt

Write my industry specialization statement for Toptal.
Industry focus: [specific sector or vertical]
Years in industry: [experience depth]
Industry challenges I solve: [specific problems]
Notable industry projects: [relevant work]

Explain:
- Why this industry: Background and expertise
- Industry-specific knowledge: What you understand deeply
- Common challenges: Problems you solve regularly
- Track record: Results in this vertical

Tone: Expert, industry-insider perspective.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show deep industry knowledge
- Be specific about expertise
- Avoid AI phrases like "deep understanding" or "extensive experience"
- Sound like an insider
- Prove specialization value

My industry background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal values specialists. Industry expertise commands premium rates.

6. The Leadership Experience Description Prompt

Write about my leadership experience for Toptal application.
Leadership roles: [positions held]
Team sizes: [how many people managed or led]
Project leadership: [complex projects led]
Mentorship: [how you've developed others]

Describe:
- Leadership scope: Size and complexity
- Strategic decisions: Important choices you made
- Team development: How you built or mentored teams
- Business outcomes: Results from your leadership

Tone: Strategic, authoritative, people-focused.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show strategic thinking
- Be specific about scope
- Avoid AI phrases like "inspirational leader" or "team builder"
- Sound experienced
- Prove leadership impact

My leadership background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal clients often need strategic leadership. Proven leadership ability increases acceptance chances.

7. The Problem-Solving Approach Statement Prompt

Write about my problem-solving approach for Toptal.
Methodology: [how you approach complex problems]
Tools and frameworks: [what you use]
Example problem: [specific challenge you solved]
Process: [step-by-step how you solved it]

Explain:
- How you analyze problems: Your approach
- Decision-making process: How you choose solutions
- Testing and validation: How you ensure quality
- Learning from outcomes: How you improve

Tone: Analytical, methodical, expert.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Describe process clearly
- Show systematic thinking
- Avoid AI phrases like "innovative solutions" or "creative problem-solving"
- Sound strategic
- Prove analytical depth

My approach: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal clients hire problem-solvers. Clear methodology shows you can handle complex challenges.

8. The Communication Style Description Prompt

Write about my communication approach for Toptal application.
Client communication: [how you work with clients]
Technical communication: [how you explain complex topics]
Documentation: [your approach to writing and docs]
Collaboration: [how you work with teams]

Describe:
- Client updates: How often and what format
- Technical explanation: Making complex simple
- Written communication: Documentation quality
- Meeting facilitation: How you lead discussions

Tone: Clear, professional, collaborative.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show communication clarity
- Be specific about practices
- Avoid AI phrases like "excellent communicator" or "strong interpersonal skills"
- Sound professional
- Prove communication strength

My style: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal clients are often remote. Strong communication skills are essential for success.

9. The Availability and Work Preferences Prompt

Write my availability statement for Toptal application.
Available hours per week: [realistic capacity]
Timezone: [your location]
Preferred project types: [long-term, short-term, hourly, fixed]
Work style: [independent, collaborative, etc]

Communicate:
- Weekly capacity: Hours available honestly
- Timezone advantages: If applicable
- Project preferences: What work you want
- Work approach: How you prefer to operate

Tone: Honest, professional, clear.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Be honest about capacity
- Set clear expectations
- Avoid AI phrases like "flexible availability" or "fully committed"
- Sound reliable
- Make availability clear

My situation: [paste details]

Why this works: Honest availability prevents mismatches. Toptal values reliability over overpromising.

10. The Rate Justification Statement Prompt

Write justification for my Toptal hourly rate.
Proposed rate: [your hourly rate]
Experience level: [years and depth]
Specialization: [niche focus]
Value delivered: [ROI you provide clients]

Justify rate based on:
- Expertise depth: Years and specialization
- Speed and efficiency: How experience saves time
- Quality level: Fewer revisions and issues
- Business impact: ROI you deliver

Tone: Confident, value-focused, professional.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Focus on value not cost
- Show ROI clearly
- Avoid AI phrases like "competitive rates" or "fair pricing"
- Sound confident
- Prove rate is justified

My background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal rates are premium. Confident justification positions you as elite-tier.

11. The Education and Certification Section Prompt

Write my education and certification section for Toptal.
Degrees: [formal education]
Certifications: [professional credentials]
Relevant coursework: [specialized training]
Ongoing learning: [how you stay current]

For each credential, explain:
- Relevance: How it applies to work
- Depth: What it proves about expertise
- Recency: If current or ongoing
- Practical application: How you use this knowledge

Tone: Credible, professional, education-focused.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show credential relevance
- Connect to practical work
- Avoid AI phrases like "continuous learner" or "committed to growth"
- Sound credible
- Prove ongoing development

My education: [paste details]

Why this works: Credentials support expertise claims. Ongoing learning shows commitment to excellence.

12. The Previous Client Types Description Prompt

Write about my previous client types for Toptal application.
Client examples: [industries or company types]
Project types: [kinds of work delivered]
Company sizes: [startups to enterprise]
Geographic locations: [if relevant]

Describe:
- Client diversity: Range of businesses served
- Industry experience: Sectors you know
- Project complexity: Sophistication of work
- Relationship length: Short-term vs long-term

Tone: Professional, experienced, versatile.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show client diversity
- Be specific about types
- Avoid AI phrases like "worked with diverse clients" or "broad experience"
- Sound experienced
- Prove you can handle Toptal clients

My client history: [paste details]

Why this works: Client variety proves adaptability. Toptal clients range from startups to Fortune 500.

13. The Remote Work Experience Statement Prompt

Write about my remote work experience for Toptal.
Years working remotely: [duration]
Remote projects: [number and types]
Time zones worked across: [if applicable]
Remote tools proficiency: [collaboration platforms]

Explain:
- Remote work track record: Duration and success
- Self-management: How you stay productive
- Communication practices: How you stay connected
- Tools expertise: Platforms you use effectively

Tone: Professional, self-sufficient, reliable.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show remote work competence
- Be specific about practices
- Avoid AI phrases like "comfortable working remotely" or "self-motivated"
- Sound experienced
- Prove remote reliability

My remote work background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal is 100% remote. Proven remote work success is essential.

14. The Unique Value Proposition Prompt

Write my unique value proposition for Toptal application.
What makes me different: [unique combination of skills or experience]
Competitive advantages: [what I offer others don't]
Niche expertise: [specialized knowledge]
Client outcomes: [unique results I deliver]

Craft a UVP that explains:
- Unique combination: Skills or background others lack
- Market gap: What need you fill
- Client benefit: Why this uniqueness matters
- Proof: Evidence of unique value

Tone: Confident, differentiated, professional.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Be specific about difference
- Focus on client value
- Avoid AI phrases like "unique value proposition" or "competitive edge"
- Sound distinctive
- Make difference clear

What makes me unique: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal has many qualified applicants. Differentiation helps you stand out.

15. The Complex Project Example Prompt

Write about my most complex project for Toptal application.
Project challenge: [what made this difficult]
My role: [what you were responsible for]
Obstacles overcome: [problems faced and solved]
Final outcome: [results delivered]
Why it matters: [what it proves about capability]

Describe:
- Complexity factors: What made it hard
- Your approach: How you tackled it
- Obstacles: Challenges overcome
- Results: Measurable outcomes
- Learning: What it proves about you

Tone: Humble but confident, problem-solver.
Length: 200-250 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show problem complexity honestly
- Focus on solution approach
- Avoid AI phrases like "successfully navigated" or "overcame challenges"
- Sound capable
- Prove you handle difficulty

My complex project: [paste details]

Why this works: Complex projects prove elite capability. Toptal clients have sophisticated needs.

16. The Collaboration Experience Prompt

Write about my collaboration experience for Toptal.
Team collaborations: [cross-functional work]
Client collaboration: [working closely with clients]
Stakeholder management: [navigating different interests]
Conflict resolution: [handling disagreements]

Explain:
- Collaboration style: How you work with others
- Cross-functional work: Different roles you've worked with
- Client partnerships: How you engage clients
- Conflict handling: Navigating challenges professionally

Tone: Collaborative, professional, diplomatic.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show teamwork capability
- Be specific about collaboration
- Avoid AI phrases like "team player" or "collaborative spirit"
- Sound professional
- Prove you work well with others

My collaboration background: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal projects often involve client teams. Collaboration skills ensure smooth engagements.

17. The Career Progression Story Prompt

Write my career progression story for Toptal application.
Career path: [how you've advanced]
Key transitions: [important role changes]
Skill development: [capabilities gained over time]
Increasing responsibility: [scope growth]

Tell story that shows:
- Upward trajectory: Career growth over time
- Strategic choices: Intentional skill development
- Increasing impact: Bigger projects and results
- Current expertise: Where you are now

Tone: Professional, growth-focused, strategic.
Length: 150-200 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show clear progression
- Connect dots between roles
- Avoid AI phrases like "career journey" or "professional growth"
- Sound strategic
- Prove continuous improvement

My career path: [paste details]

Why this works: Career progression shows ambition and growth. Toptal values professionals who invest in development.

18. The Quality Assurance Approach Prompt

Write about my quality assurance practices for Toptal.
QA methods: [how you ensure quality]
Testing approaches: [what you test and how]
Code review: [if applicable]
Client feedback integration: [how you handle input]

Describe:
- Quality standards: What level you maintain
- Testing practices: How you validate work
- Review processes: How you catch issues
- Continuous improvement: How you refine quality

Tone: Detail-oriented, quality-focused, professional.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show quality commitment
- Be specific about practices
- Avoid AI phrases like "commitment to excellence" or "quality-driven"
- Sound thorough
- Prove attention to detail

My QA approach: [paste details]

Why this works: Toptal reputation depends on quality. Strong QA practices show professional standards.

19. The Deadline Management Statement Prompt

Write about my deadline management for Toptal application.
Track record: [on-time delivery rate]
Estimation approach: [how you set realistic timelines]
Buffer strategies: [how you handle unexpected issues]
Communication: [how you handle delays if they occur]

Explain:
- Delivery reliability: Your on-time record
- Realistic planning: How you estimate accurately
- Risk management: How you handle obstacles
- Transparency: How you communicate about timelines

Tone: Reliable, honest, professional.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show reliability clearly
- Be honest about approach
- Avoid AI phrases like "always meet deadlines" or "never miss delivery"
- Sound trustworthy
- Prove timeline competence

My deadline approach: [paste details]

Why this works: Deadlines matter to Toptal clients. Proven reliability builds trust.

20. The Why Toptal Statement Prompt

Write why I want to join Toptal specifically.
What attracts me to Toptal: [specific reasons]
Client types I want: [ideal projects]
Professional goals: [what I want to achieve]
How Toptal fits: [alignment with career]

Craft statement that shows:
- Understanding of Toptal: What makes it different
- Alignment with values: Why it's a fit
- Serious intent: This isn't just another platform
- Professional maturity: Elite-level thinking

Tone: Genuine, professional, thoughtful.
Length: 100-150 words.

Avoid jargon, write it more like these tips:
- Show genuine interest
- Be specific about fit
- Avoid AI phrases like "excited to join" or "would be honored"
- Sound strategic
- Prove you understand Toptal

Why I want Toptal: [paste reasoning]

Why this works: Toptal wants committed professionals. Thoughtful motivation shows serious intent.

AI Tool Comparison (Quick Guide)

AI Tool

Strengths

Best For

ChatGPT

Versatile, good storytelling, detailed explanations

Success stories, project descriptions, career progression

Gemini

Concise, clear, professional tone, technical accuracy

Technical expertise, QA practices, problem-solving

Claude

Strategic thinking, nuanced tone, executive-level

Leadership experience, value proposition, why Toptal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Exaggerating experience or capabilities (Toptal tests thoroughly)

  • Being too modest about achievements (underselling hurts)

  • Generic applications that could apply to any platform

  • Weak portfolio with no measurable results

  • Not demonstrating business impact beyond technical skills

  • Forgetting to proofread (errors signal lack of attention to detail)

  • Applying before you're truly elite-level (3-5+ years solid experience minimum)

  • Not showcasing remote work competence

FAQ

Are these prompts free?

Yes. All prompts in this guide are 100% free to use with ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.

What experience level does Toptal require?

Typically 3 to 5+ years of solid, proven experience. They want top 3% professionals with business impact.

How long does the Toptal application process take?

Initial application takes 30 to 60 minutes. Full acceptance process can take 2 to 5 weeks including tests and interviews.

What's Toptal's acceptance rate?

Only about 3% of applicants get accepted. It's highly selective.

Should I apply to Toptal if I'm early in my career?

Wait until you have 3+ years of proven experience. Early application and rejection can hurt future chances.

Can I reapply to Toptal if rejected?

Yes, but wait at least 6 months and significantly strengthen your skills and portfolio before reapplying.

Will Toptal know I used AI for my application?

Not if you personalize it. Always edit AI content to reflect your authentic experience and voice.

Conclusion

Toptal accepts only 3% of applicants. Your application must prove you're elite-level, not just competent. Generic applications get rejected fast. Applications that show deep expertise, business impact, and professional maturity get accepted.

With these top prompts, you can write a compelling Toptal application in under 2 hours using ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude that positions you as top-tier talent.

Stop underselling or overselling. Copy a prompt, add your real experience, and craft an application that gets you accepted.

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