Before you hit accept interview, ensure you have stable internet, a working microphone and camera, and a quiet place to talk before the interview. Be sure you have done your research. Clients love freelancers who can prove their skills, so have a portfolio of projects ready to go. Consider asking thoughtful questions during the interview. Negotiation isn't just about pay. It's about the whole package. Consider deadlines, deliverables, and the chance to build a long-term relationship with the client.
Preparing your questions and assessing fit
- Step 1: Thoroughly research the client and project
- Client profile: Review the client's profile to understand their history, past projects, and feedback.
- Project details: Carefully read the job posting, considering the scope, timeline, budget, and specific requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare thoughtful questions
- Project-specific questions: Ask questions that demonstrate your understanding of the project and your ability to contribute:
- "Can you elaborate on the specific technologies or tools I'll use for this project?"
- "What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics that will be used to measure the success of this project?"
- Client and team questions: Show your interest in working with the client and team:
- "What is the typical communication style and frequency within the team?"
- "How do you envision the collaboration process between freelancers and in-house team members?"
- Contract and payment terms: Clarify any uncertainties about the contract and payment structure:
- "Can you explain this project's payment terms and milestones?"
- "What is the dispute resolution process in case of disagreements?"
- Project-specific questions: Ask questions that demonstrate your understanding of the project and your ability to contribute:
- Step 3: Assess fit
- Skills and expertise: Do your skills and experience align with the project's requirements?
- Client and team culture: Do your preferences match the client's communication style and team dynamics?
- Project scope and timeline: Does the project scope and timeline appear feasible and compatible with your workload?
- Budget and payment terms: Do the proposed budget and payment terms seem fair and acceptable?
- Step 4: Ask questions during the interview
- Be prepared: Prepare your questions and ask them confidently during the interview.
- Listen actively: Pay attention to the client's responses and ask follow-up questions if needed.
- Express interest: Show your enthusiasm for the project and willingness to collaborate.
Tailoring your pitch to different client types
Different clients have different needs and preferences. Learn to adapt your storytelling approach accordingly.
- Research your client: Understand their industry, company culture, and target audience.
- Identify client personas: Create profiles of different client types.
- Customize your pitch: Tailor your message to resonate with each client.
The video below from freelancer Hosam H. details the importance of interview preparation.
Developing a strong personal brand
Before you dive into the interview specifics, it's crucial to establish a strong personal brand. This is your unique identity as a freelancer, showcasing your skills, experience, and values. Here are ways to develop your personal brand:
- Define your niche: Identify your area of expertise and target specific clients.
- Create a compelling profile: Highlight your skills, experience, and portfolio on Upwork.
- Build a professional online presence: Consider creating a personal website or blog.
Effective communication is essential for building strong client relationships and securing projects. You can captivate your audience and convey your value proposition by combining active listening, clear articulation, and compelling storytelling.Here are some key communication strategies:
- Active listening: Pay close attention to the client's needs and questions to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
- Clear and concise communication: Avoid jargon and technical terms, focusing on clear and concise language.
- Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives highlighting your skills and experiences, using a clear structure and vivid language.
- Tailored responses: Prepare and practice your elevator pitch, and customize your answers to specific job requirements. Try the activity below to prepare your pitch.
- Identify your key strengths: Determine what distinguishes you from other freelancers.
- Some assessments you can take to determine your strengths are the Myers-Briggs type indicator, CliftonStrengths Assessment, or a DISC (dominant, influential, steady, compliant) assessment. These assessments are tools for self-reflection, not definitive labels. Use the insights gained to enhance your freelancing journey.
Activity
Develop a concise and compelling elevator pitch highlighting your unique skills and value proposition.
- Brainstorm your core competencies: Identify your top three skills or areas of expertise.
- Craft your pitch: Write a 30-second elevator pitch communicating your value proposition and target clients.
- Practice and refine: Rehearse your pitch out loud to ensure clarity and fluency.
Optional:Record yourself delivering the pitch and analyze your performance, or share your elevator pitch with a friend or colleague for feedback.
By the end of this exercise, you should have a polished elevator pitch that effectively showcases your skills and captures the attention of potential clients.
