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Since I started freelancing in 2018 I’ve been interviewed 171 times. Yeah that’s a stupid big number. Here’s a Thread of what I learned from them.
To begin, below are some FAQ I get when I say that.
To begin, below are some FAQ I get when I say that.
Q1: Why so many interviews?
I’m a freelancer/contractor. New clients often send me interview opportunities due to my Upwork status and I’ve made a rule to always say yes. You can always say no after. I am upfront about my availability beforehand.
I’m a freelancer/contractor. New clients often send me interview opportunities due to my Upwork status and I’ve made a rule to always say yes. You can always say no after. I am upfront about my availability beforehand.
Q2: Doesn’t that mean you’re not getting hired?
Actually no. You’d be surprised how many people just need your help with something for a day or even just an hour. It’s cool how you can help people in different ways.
Actually no. You’d be surprised how many people just need your help with something for a day or even just an hour. It’s cool how you can help people in different ways.
Q3: How do you get paid if you’re not apart of their company?
As a 3rd party contractor I live and die by contracts. You get paid based on what’s in writing. When in doubt, write it out. I’ve never had an issue with clients paying after a project is completed well.
As a 3rd party contractor I live and die by contracts. You get paid based on what’s in writing. When in doubt, write it out. I’ve never had an issue with clients paying after a project is completed well.
Now, what I learned.
Tip1:
Don’t be afraid of messing up. I’m living proof that you will have opportunity if you have a skill. My first 13 interviews I was turned down. Now I get anywhere from 11-20 new job invites a month PART TIME. Just keep trying.
Tip1:
Don’t be afraid of messing up. I’m living proof that you will have opportunity if you have a skill. My first 13 interviews I was turned down. Now I get anywhere from 11-20 new job invites a month PART TIME. Just keep trying.
Tip2:
If you don’t know something. Tell them that, then follow up with your willingness to learn or adapt. I’ve gotten jobs I’m not qualified for simply because I was upfront with what I could do well and what areas I needed their help. Clients value this HEAVILY.
If you don’t know something. Tell them that, then follow up with your willingness to learn or adapt. I’ve gotten jobs I’m not qualified for simply because I was upfront with what I could do well and what areas I needed their help. Clients value this HEAVILY.
Tip3:
Stop talking about your college education and just be a human being. I’ve never met a CEO who cared about my education. They ask about your skills and what problems You can solve. I managed a billionaire’s Instagram posts 2 months ago. He didn’t ask about college once.
Stop talking about your college education and just be a human being. I’ve never met a CEO who cared about my education. They ask about your skills and what problems You can solve. I managed a billionaire’s Instagram posts 2 months ago. He didn’t ask about college once.
Tip4:
You’re there to interview the client too. If you’re not asking your client / potential boss things about workplace environment and expectations you’re setting up for failure before you’re even hired. Ask what needs they have to fulfill. Then ask yourself if you fit that.
You’re there to interview the client too. If you’re not asking your client / potential boss things about workplace environment and expectations you’re setting up for failure before you’re even hired. Ask what needs they have to fulfill. Then ask yourself if you fit that.
Tip5:
You’ll be excited about some jobs. Don’t create your new future before you’ve even been in an interview. Sometimes they don’t go how you like. Some jobs just weren’t meant to be. Keep a short term expectation, even if you’re excited. It helps. You’ll see.
You’ll be excited about some jobs. Don’t create your new future before you’ve even been in an interview. Sometimes they don’t go how you like. Some jobs just weren’t meant to be. Keep a short term expectation, even if you’re excited. It helps. You’ll see.
Tip6:
You’re not going to get hired every time. Some clients / companies will waste your time with interviews. If you don’t hear back within a week. Start looking somewhere else. Chances are you are in a pool of candidates. So they should be in yours as well. Some will pan out.
You’re not going to get hired every time. Some clients / companies will waste your time with interviews. If you don’t hear back within a week. Start looking somewhere else. Chances are you are in a pool of candidates. So they should be in yours as well. Some will pan out.
Tip7:
BE EARLY. I don’t care if it’s a zoom interview or office face to face. On time is LATE. 5 minutes minimum. You will be seen more serious if you’re on a google call before someone else. You will seem more put together if you’re there for a meeting early.
BE EARLY. I don’t care if it’s a zoom interview or office face to face. On time is LATE. 5 minutes minimum. You will be seen more serious if you’re on a google call before someone else. You will seem more put together if you’re there for a meeting early.
Tip8:
Your interviewer most likely doesn’t care about what you look like or what you wear. I interviewed with huge companies sometimes just wearing a hoodie and the only thing they worried about with me was
“Can you get this done by Thursday?”
Be yourself. That’s what they want
Your interviewer most likely doesn’t care about what you look like or what you wear. I interviewed with huge companies sometimes just wearing a hoodie and the only thing they worried about with me was
“Can you get this done by Thursday?”
Be yourself. That’s what they want
Tip9:
If you’re nervous. Tell the interviewer and tell them why if they ask. My first job I got hired as a freelancer I was freaking out. The client saw I was talking fast and told me “Don’t be nervous, nothing has happened yet, you’re good” and I’ve kept that ever since.
If you’re nervous. Tell the interviewer and tell them why if they ask. My first job I got hired as a freelancer I was freaking out. The client saw I was talking fast and told me “Don’t be nervous, nothing has happened yet, you’re good” and I’ve kept that ever since.
Last tip:
Enjoy it. Even being in an interview is a blessing. Take the opportunity for what it is but keep life in perspective. Some will be train wrecks (I’ve been there), and some interviews will lead you somewhere truly awesome.
Enjoy it. Even being in an interview is a blessing. Take the opportunity for what it is but keep life in perspective. Some will be train wrecks (I’ve been there), and some interviews will lead you somewhere truly awesome.
