Hey fellow freelancers, I know some of you aren't freelancers, but I want to wish you a warm welcome too. Last week, I discussed how to find freelance jobs on various freelancing websites. This week you're in for a treat. Your first prospective client may have been secured, and now it is time for your interview.
Whether working online or in an office, many people feel a bit overwhelmed with the interview process. There is no need to worry whether the meeting takes place in an office where you can see your employer directly or on a monitor. In the interview, what you say and do will determine whether you are successful in receiving the job you applied for.
I will walk you through a step-by-step process you can follow before and during the interview.
Before the interview
Firstly, as a freelancer, your interview will be conducted virtually, so you need to dress appropriately. Employers have their ideas about what you should wear, so if they provide guidelines, you must follow them. You should follow any dress guidelines given, even if it is just your top section. It is always advisable to dress professionally rather than casually. Nobody is going to know what you are wearing below your waist. Thus, you can wear pajamas bottoms without anyone noticing. For myself, I have had online interviews where I wore casual clothing and semi-crazy hairstyles. Lol. There are probably a few of you who can relate to what I am saying. I have also encountered situations in which I was required to observe a dress code. Hence, it all depends on what is expected of you.
Choose an appropriate background- sometimes our environment is a bit cluttered, and we don't have time to fix anything, so this is where you can choose a virtual background to block everything out. A virtual meeting app like Zoom allows you to choose. You may be tempted to select a cute background on the platform but refrain from doing so. As we call it, a pretty background can be incongruous (out of place) and unprofessional for a first-time meeting. So, it's best to go with something plain and neutral to be on the safe side.
Remove all distractions- It is wise to shut off or turn down anything that may cause a distraction. Freelancers should avoid interruptions during an interview unless there is an emergency that your potential employer knows about or is unaware of. So, turn down those cell phones! This allows you to be more attentive during the interview.
During the interview
Smiling is important. Smile as you would if you were talking to an actual human being or if you were recording your answers
Ensure that you respond to your questions politely and thoroughly. Take the time to carefully listen to the question asked. It is okay to think for a moment. To be better prepared for your interview, you can research how to carry yourself in an interview beforehand. It never hurts.
Conduct research on the organization. Clients typically provide additional information about their company and a link to their website and social media accounts. You should thoroughly review this information prior to the interview. A prospective employer may ask you questions about their business to determine whether you have read their correspondence. You will be viewed favorably by your clients if you have answered the questions correctly. This indicates your interest in the position.
Pay attention- this is quite essential in the interview that you listen, learn and understand. Consider looking into the webcam instead of at the person on the screen. It can be challenging to look at the camera. But at least try.
Relax! - In the event that you are nervous, practice your main points and be sure to speak slowly -- it can be easy to talk over people when using an online conferencing system. The screen will reduce the impact you would have in person, so you may need to speak louder and more emphatically than you would in person.
Follow up- By demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm, you can go a long way towards convincing a hiring manager that you are the right person for the position. The goal is to avoid coming across as pushy or overbearing, but you also do not want to come across as passive, apathetic, or inattentive. Ask when you can expect to hear back from them before the interview is over. Try waiting a day or two before reaching out to them if they do not respond by the named date.
Please do not overstress yourself.
These are just a few steps you can take to prepare for a successful interview. Just be relaxed and respond as appropriately as possible. It is okay to be nervous but have confidence and demonstrate you are the right individual for the job.
If you have a successful interview, it does not necessarily mean that you will be selected for the position you are applying for. In some instances, you will be accepted and hired, while in others, you may be rejected without explanation. It happens, but you should not allow it to hinder your performance. You are the only person who can stop you from reaching your goals. Knock them dead!
All the best!
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