Interview Tips For The Self Employed

The current economic condition has led many people to pursue opportunities beyond typical employment. Starting a business, pursuing freelancing or consulting work, or taking on short term projects on a contracting basis has helped many people supplement their income as the economy recovers. It's being predicted that in some industries, consulting and contracting will eventually replace many traditional salaried full time jobs.

If you are in business for yourself, you already know that one of the most challenging aspects of running your company is attracting new clients. Every time you meet with a new customer, you are, in effect, going on a job interview, selling yourself and your services to a potential employer. Why not polish this presentation with some of the same strategies that I recommend for other job seekers?

1. Research before the interview. Your client has already given you some idea what they are looking for and why they are interested in talking to you about your services. Be ready to "wow" them with a new idea or solution.

2. Have your accomplishments and achievements categorized and formatted for presentation, as in "Interview Angel"; so that when the client asks for examples of your past accomplishments and how they are relevant to the project at hand, you are confidently prepared to discuss them fluently.

3. Take action during the interview. Demonstrate your ideas by sketching them or showing a computer presentation. You should always open doors, pick up dropped objects, and be ready to offer a pen. Be a proactively courteous, dynamic presence.

4. Pay attention to the client's needs. Keep your presentation simple, and relevant to the project at hand. Be wary of intimidating. Many times a client's needs are relatively straightforward and they don't need (or want to pay for) your more extensive expertise. The time to try to upsell is not during an initial meeting. If you have no interest in servicing the client's current, stated needs, it's far more courteous not to waste their time- or yours.

5. The usual job interview etiquette applies. Many client meetings take place in public or at lunch. Arrive on time in a freshly washed vehicle, neatly dressed, with your cell phone set to vibrate. Be prepared to give the meeting your full attention. Have everything you need at hand, pens, business cards, proposals, contracts, and other materials.

6. Make it a priority to send a "Thank You" note after the meeting. If your business has promotional items (mug, magnet, calendar, etc) this would be appropriate to include as well. Many times a client will interview several service providers before hiring one. Taking this extra follow-up step can make all the difference.