How to create a winning Worldpackers profile

I remember being extremely excited when I created my Worldpackers profile! 

 Quite literally, the entire world was opening up to me, and I couldn't wait to get started. 

There were an endless number of opportunities at my fingertips, and I could only imagine how many other people sought after these same positions. 

I knew that I needed to make my profile stand out and really convey my personality through my answers and correspondence with hosts, give them a reason to remember me. 

Think of your profile as a resume, which it essentially is, and put some effort into it. Not sure how to make your Worldpackers profile more appealing to hosts? Good news! I think I can help.

If you still have any questions related to how the platform works, I definitely recommend checking out the guide to how Worldpackers works, where you'll learn everything you need to know about Worldpackers.

Step by step: how to create a winning Worldpackers profile

We will go over each section of your profile individually, but first, let me offer some general advice to keep in mind throughout the entire process. 

The number one rule is simple: be yourself! 

You'll be working closely with your host, and it's important that your personalities mesh well together. The best way to make sure you are compatible is to be true to yourself when you are filling out your profile.

Another important rule is to be honest. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone on Worldpackers, but some hosts will be looking for volunteers with very specific skill sets. If you don't have the skills that are required yet claim that you do, it will become apparent very quickly once you arrive. 

If you can't complete your part of the agreement, then your host is no longer obligated to fulfill theirs, which could mean that you find yourself without a place to stay. It's best to be honest from the beginning so that everyone is satisfied with the exchange.

Remember these two simple rules while you're working on your profile, and you'll be fine! Now, let's get started!

1. Personal information

This section of your profile should be self-explanatory and simple to complete. Share your stats, and let's move on to the more exciting parts of your profile!

2. Profile photo

When choosing a profile photo, you want to choose one where you are alone. Group photos are fun, and can definitely be used later in your travel photos section, but for your profile photo, it's best to choose a photo of just yourself. It's good to choose a photo that showcases your personality, but keep it semi-professional. 

That photo of you, ridiculously excited, next to the Eiffel Tower? Perfect! The one picture of you in your bikini, with a drink in hand? Maybe save it for your social media and choose a different one for your Worldpackers profile photo. 

It's okay to have fun while you're on your work exchange trip, and the hosts understand that you are vacationing while working with them. But at the end of the day, they want to know that you'll also take your responsibilities to them seriously. 

Your profile photo will be the first thing they see of you. Think about what you want their first impression of you to be and choose a photo that supports that message.

3. About me and personal overview

Use this same mentality when you are writing your Overview and About me sections. You'll first have the opportunity to write a one-line header for your profile. 

Think about what you're hoping to gain from your Worldpackers experience. Are you searching for adventure? Hoping to learn a new language? Want to make a positive difference in a particular area? All of the above? Figure out what it is that you're looking for and summarize it in one line. 

You'll have plenty of opportunities to elaborate in later sections, but you want your header to be catchy so that potential hosts are compelled to read on and learn more about you.

In the Overview part of your profile, you should write about your marketable skills and experience. This is your opportunity to tell potential hosts what you have to offer. What kinds of jobs have you held and what skills did you learn from them that will help you be a better work exchanger? 

For example, I have eight years of experience working with animals professionally. This is a marketable skill because many of our hosts have farms where experience working with animals could come in handy. I also have safety certifications in first aid and CPR, which are looked upon favorably. Anything you have to offer, put it here.

Your real opportunity to shine lies in the About me section of your profile. This is where you can give the hosts a glimpse of your personality and make them interested in working with you. 

This section will be more personal, where you can discuss what you're looking to gain from work exchange, what your personal interests are, hobbies, etc. 

You can keep this section of your profile as lighthearted or serious as you'd like. Share what makes you happy, why you love to travel, what you've learned from your travels, and anything else that you want the hosts to know about you. Try to do so in a concise manner. 

The hosts are very busy and will be reading through many profiles, so they don't have time to read your entire life story. Try to limit this section to a few paragraphs at most.

4. Language and skills

When completing this portion of your Worldpackers profile, be honest! 

Many hosts will be happy to help you learn the necessary skills to complete the job, but they will likely be unhappy if you claim to be an expert at something you have absolutely no experience in.

5. Travel photos

This is your personal travel album and an opportunity for you to showcase all your favorite adventures! Have fun with it but keep it interesting. 

Maybe don't upload seven shots of the same landmark or twenty different plane selfies. Do, however, use photos that provide a glimpse into your experiences and what they meant to you. Taking the time to add meaningful descriptions of each photo will make you seem that much more dedicated and interesting.

6. Education and work experience

The key here is to keep it relevant. You do not need to give the names of specific schools or companies if you'd prefer to keep some things more private. What you studied is more important than where you studied. 

The skills and experience you've acquired from previous jobs are more important than who wrote your pay check. Any additional certifications or programs you may have completed can certainly be included in these sections as well, as long as they are relevant.

7. Travel experience

Think of this section as a supplement to your travel photos. One important thing to note here is that you do not have to have extensive travel experience to get started on Worldpackers. 

If you have tons of travel experience, awesome! Tell us all about it! Where did you go? What did you do? What lessons did you learn? But if not, that's okay too. 

The important thing here is that you're interested in travel. If you haven't ever traveled abroad, talk about your favorite places, even if they are near your hometown. Tell the hosts why you've become interested in furthering your travel experience, and where you hope to visit. Work with what you have.

And, just like that, you will have completed your Worldpackers profile! That doesn't sound so hard, now does it? As long as you be yourself, be honest, and put some time and effort into creating a fun, unique profile, you'll be getting travel opportunities in no time! 

Drop us a comment so we can check out your awesome profile once you're all done! I can't wait to see what you have to share about yourself!