8 Must-Follow Tips to Beat Any Interview as Freelancer

When you receive requests for interviews for your freelance work, it’s crucial to understand what you need to offer in order to get hired. Freelance interviews are different from regular job interviews, you need to brush up your interview skills for being a right fit for the project.

Here’s a guide for starters & beginners to ace freelance interviews.

Be sorted:

No hiring manager wants to hire a freelancer who cannot deliver project on time.
Your chances of getting the project are skyrocketed if your work habits matches with theirs.
You can also expect questions geared toward you project management skills.
You will have to demonstrate that how you’re going to finish the project on time & what will be your execution plan.
You need to be able to convince them that you’re able to meet their timeline, even though you’re managing multiple projects.

Bottom Line: Tell the hiring manager about your prior commitments, if needed.
Also keep realistic timelines.

Display feedback you received from the previous clients:

A constructive & positive client feedback can be a game changer.
In freelance interviews, you’d likely be asked about previous clients.
Here positive feedback from client referrals can be most important to get new project.
It not only helps you to self-assess your skills but also engage your previous clients & they might refer new business to you.

Bottom Line: Always ask for reviews of your work after completing your project, either in-person or virtual.

Calculate what your pricing should be:

The standard way to calculate your charges for a project is determining an hourly rate.
Your Charges must be realistic. Take some time to assess your offerings & services.
If the projects sounds awesome, you can negotiate down. But never negotiate too much.
Discuss down payment & method of payment in advance.
Pricing can be a tricky topic but open ended discussion on that can work out.
Use a contract for every project. This makes things clearer for both parties & its professional at the same time.

Bottom Line: You should mail a customized quotation before interview to the hiring person.

Research the client before interview:

Check thoroughly about your client & their background. Check if you can fit in their working culture.
If you’re going to work for a client situated in other country; you’ll have to know the professional standards & work ethics that they follow.
If you go in without a clue about their industry & expectation, then you might be at odds.
Whereas with a proper research, you can glean an overall grasp of the basic details of the client’s industry and company.
Weave this information in your interview conversation in a natural way.

Bottom Line: Focus on getting latest information about your client’s industry. Use public records to gather the information.

Be that in-demand freelancer that hiring company is looking for:

Success in a freelance interview starts with understanding the hiring manager.
Share clear vision about the project along with timeline & pricing.
Put your cutting edge skills at prominent place in portfolio.Be upgraded with latest technology & be professional.
Your portfolio must reflect your biggest & splendid accomplishments.
Your life should not look like a sea shore that has no control over the sea.

Bottom Line: The more you put into practice these points, the better your chances will be to create a positive impression.

First project as freelancer; put your confident foot forward:

As a beginner, you don’t have any prior work to display. Prepare your interview from the beginning to the endgame. Be prepared for every expected question.
Show off your interpersonal & time management skills.
If you have undertaken any college project that is pertinent to your freelancing services, mention it.
These all tips will help you present yourself as an industry insider and most suitable candidate for the project.

Bottom Line: Make sure to send a thank-you e-mail after interview. Making good contacts is the key to get projects as freelancer.

Create an online portfolio:

The biggest mistakes ever done – Creating an awesome portfolio & not sharing it anywhere.
Freelancers must post their portfolio on websites that can land them freelance projects, like, peopleperhour, engineerbabu, LinkedIn.
This will showcase your skills to potential clients & make a good impression.
Gather sample portfolio from websites & put in your own details in it.
You may also consider designing your online portfolio.

Bottom Line: Keep it short & crisp. Choose your most outstanding items to include in portfolio.

Right attitude towards work:

When a freelancer is handling multiple projects, there is abundant work for next few months. Having a right attitude can help you to be more successful.
With a positive attitude, you enjoy your work more. You understand your clients better.
Do not be carried away with work. Treat others with respect & respect their time.
Have a formal meeting with clients to set goals. Talk to your client for a detailed requirement document & keep them abreast with your progress.

Bottom Line: Never procrastinate, you’ll be able to punch that time clock with finished work.