How to … prep for a job interview as a freelancer?

No laptop, no party

Let’s start with a rather obvious one. Since job interviews these days are online meetings more often than not, the first thing you need to take care of is decent internet connection. Don’t take these meetings on your phone, but on your laptop. Log in beforehand to establish everything works and make sure your background is neutral. You needn’t dress too formal, as was once the case, but look presentable. It might seem silly but take your client into consideration. If you’re meeting with a fashion brand, it’s best not to wear a shirt with the competition’s brand on it. 

Are you ready?

We unfortunately often notice people turning up unprepared for the questions they’re about to receive. What can you do: research the company you’re applying at. What do they do, what distinguishes them from other companies in the sector, and so on. Make links between them and yourself that you can point out during the interview. This shows that you know who’s in front of you (well done) and that you’ve thought about your place in their organisation (extra credit) and that you could fit in wonderfully (case and point). Sidenote: don’t go and make stuff up as that’s not interesting in the long run for anyone. 

Think about what else they might ask you. You know the classics (tell us a bit more about yourself, how would your friends or ex-colleagues describe you, why did you apply for this job …) but anticipate others too, like why your experience is relevant here, how you tackle possible conflicts, how you go about things (your work process and such), and so on. If it’s feasible, take a portfolio or something concrete with you to showcase your talents.  

Prepare your own questions. If you don’t, you come across as uninterested and a tad unprofessional. If anything, it’s a great opportunity to get more information. Think of it this way: you might be applying for a job, but they’re in the market for a new consultant. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be allowed to ask critical questions too. No inspiration? These are great asks: who would you be reporting to, what’s the deadline of the project, are they insistent you work with certain technologies, who are the most important stakeholders for this project, are there any obstacles or sensitivities to take into consideration, are you the only candidate (or how many others are in the running) … There’s lots to find out! 

Honesty first

After this interview, they need to be crystal clear on who you are and why you’re (not) the perfect person for the job. Don’t be vague, answer every question truthfully and be upfront if you don’t have a certain skill that they’re asking you about. Rather tell them that you haven’t mastered it yet but are keen to learn. That shows them motivation, flexibility and honesty. Rest assured; no client expects you to have all skills at the ready. They’re just assessing. It’s perfectly okay to lack a certain expertise. 

Same goes for languages. When you’re being asked a question in a certain language, answer in the same one. However, if you feel like it’s blocking you from talking more about yourself and bringing nuance into your story, you can ask them if you can switch back to your mother tongue. They won’t mind. Unless you claimed to be a pro on your CV, of course. Honesty is the best policy! 

The no go’s

Even if you feel like they might be receptive to it, don’t gossip or badmouth your previous employer, the competition, and/or colleagues. Even if you’ve elicited a laugh, they’ll remember you as being negative, and chances are that’ll be a reason not to hire you. 

Don’t be overly personal or informal (yet). It’s nice to give personal touches but don’t bring up family members, for instance, or other personal information. Keep things professional at all times. There’ll be plenty of time to get to know each other better, once you’ve worked there a while. 

Better not to ask about financial matters either. It’ll seem like you’re only in it for the money which is never a good sign. You’ll talk this through when the time is right. At addon, we can help facilitate this moment, so you don’t have to worry. 

Last tips

Showing your added value is the best thing you can do. Be concrete when giving examples and always talk about what you’d do if you’d work there. Prove why you’re worth their investment and try and find out why they’re worth yours. You want to demonstrate why they should choose you and not the three other candidates. 

Highlight your flexibility and your ability to co-create and cooperate. The client should be confident you won’t be a disruptive factor in their organisation, that you’re not stubborn, that you’re assertive yet always up to keep learning. 

At the end of the conversation, ask them what they thought of the interview, what their impression is. Don’t fret; if they’re honest about having doubts, you can press the matter and ask why. Once they tell you, you can (calmly) make your case again/better. Don’t be too defensive though and try to remain composed. You’re very much allowed to ask when you can expect an answer.  

Lastly, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up mail to emphasize your appreciation for the conversation, and their time and efforts. Tell them you’re open to further questions and are looking forward to the next steps. Most people take this as a sign you’re enthusiastic about them which is good. It’s a small effort to write this mail but it can go a long way. 

Hope you feel more confident with these tips and as always: don’t be afraid to reach out if you’d like some more help! 

Hey! We are addon. As we want to keep our personal and human values high, we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to our story and mission. Don’t be shy to contact us: we’re approachable, available and we can’t wait to meet you!