5 Interview Tips for Freelance Writers
Want to learn how to land more awesome clients as a freelance writer? I have my 10,000 hours in interviewing — both as a freelance writer myself, and as someone who has also interviewed and hired other freelancers for a variety of different projects.
While I’m a firm believer in having your portfolio and materials “sell” your services before you client even says hello to you, the interview is still a key part of getting that “yes” from your client.
Here are my 5 interview tips for freelance writers to ace the interview and land more clients:
Interview Tip #1: Do Light Research and Preparation Before a Client Call
When I have availability for new projects (which is rare these days!) I often have 2-4 discovery calls (free, 30-minute calls with potential clients) scheduled each week with people who need my help. So while I can’t feasibly do in-depth research for every call, I take the time to look over any documents or links my potential clients have sent over beforehand.
You don’t need to do a deep dive into a potential client, but you should be able to speak to their project and what excites you about what they’re up to.
Going into client calls, try and find something you have in common. This can be a shared interest, shared industry, or shared mission. It could be something small, like the fact that you’re a cat person and they need a ghostwriter for their memoir about how working at an animal shelter changed the course of their life.
If you do too much research, you might come off as a try-hard or a bit overzealous. Follow your curiosity, get acquainted with what they’re working on, but don’t overdo it. Remember, this is just a discovery call, so keep your expectations in check.
Tip #2: Don’t Take Rejection Personally as a Freelance Writer
I can’t tell you how many freelancers I’ve interviewed who ended up getting very weird and mean after a standard “thanks for interviewing, but you’re not the right fit for this job and I’ll keep you in mind for the future” rejection email.
If you’re triggered by rejection, it’s time to understand that rejection isn’t about you. It simply means you’re not the right fit for that client, job, or project. Sometimes, a rejection can turn into an offer down the line if the company keeps your information on file (but don’t hold your breath, either!)
When you get a rejection as a freelancer, be polite and thank the interviewer for their time, and then move on.
I can’t tell you the number of “lectures” I’ve received from freelancers who take rejection personally. They send me 5-paragraph long emails (immediate red flag) about how I am wrong, or they were misunderstood, or they were too good for this role, anyways.
Don’t try to bully the person who rejected you into accepting you, because that is a road to nowhere: just breathe, shake it off, and move on. You have no idea who they know, who they could forward your information or portfolio to, or how they may pop up in your life in the future.
Tip #3: Answer Questions with Confidence About Your Writing and Process
It’s okay to be nervous before a call. Earlier in my career I had some nerves here and there with potential client calls, so I understand!
There are two things that help: first, make sure you’re understanding what the client is looking for when they ask questions.
When a client is asking you a question like “what types of copywriting deliverables do you specialize in?” they want to hear if you’re able to create the kinds of copy they’re hiring a writer to write for them. By understanding that, you can share specific experiences you’ve had in the past relevant to their project and land the job.
Be confident in your answers: your experience is valuable and worth sharing! Also remember that interviewing is a skill: the more times you practice, the better that you’ll get at articulating what you do best and how you can help a client with what they’re working on.
Tip #4: Understand Paid Test Tasks Aren’t a Sure Thing
The root of freelancing is that nothing is a sure thing — that’s the nature of this work. You’re signing up for flexibility — and your clients get that flexibility, too. I’ve had projects gear up for a roaring, crazy start — and then disappear before I could log a single hour of work.
If you’re new to freelance writing, it can be hard to swallow the inconsistency of work, and that starts from the first paid test task.
Often, clients will ask you to do a test task or a first paid assignment to gauge how you’re going to work with them. This is what I do with the freelancers I hire as well. Paid test tasks — and first assignments in general — don’t promise a long-term relationship with a client, or even that the project itself will be completed (especially if you’re working on an hourly basis.)
These early assignments are also key for you as a freelancer to see if you enjoy working with a client. The test goes both ways!
Just as I mentioned in tip #2, it’s important that you don’t take it personally if you’re rejected after the test task or first assignment. I’ve gently ended working relationships with freelancers after the test task only to receive that same hotheaded 10-paragraph essay about how I was a bad person for not working with them, or a sharp retort and virtual temper tantrum.
Listen, y’all: I know it’s hard out there. I’m a freelancer, too. Back when I was starting, it was exhausting to do the work and get your business going. But you’re not going to get anywhere by burning bridges. I’m constantly recommending graphic designers, writers, and other freelancers in my universe to friends, clients, and founders — and I help freelance writers get work on my curated job board. I know how hard it is to get leads, and I’m all about sharing business and helping boost freelancers who I know are cool and do great work.
With test tasks, do your best work but know that if you don’t land the job — it’s all good! It just means you weren’t the right fit, and it’s great that you know now instead of going so far down the line with a client on a long-term project that you end up not delivering what they were looking for.
Keep expectations low with new clients, and let them surprise you when they choose to hire you — or re-hire you! — for great work well done.
Let go of any resentment you might have from not being picked. It’s not worth carrying that around with you: make space for the good, and let go of the bad.
Tip #5: Continue to Develop Your Customer Service Skills as a Freelancer
Freelancing isn’t just about having a killer portfolio. You’ve got to be a freelance writer people are excited to work with: half of your job is customer service.
Anyone who says their “work speaks for itself” doesn’t understand that you can’t be successful as a freelancer without being acutely aware of what your clients’ needs are. It’s not just about your work: it’s about how you tailor your work to fit what your client wants.
So, in interviews with potential clients, it’s important to showcase your process, how you work with clients, and that you’re somebody who is going to be a positive collaborator in their project.
This is the reason why super-talented creators might not be the highest freelance earners: if you miss deadlines or are difficult to work with, it might be better to pursue another way of monetizing your skills that isn’t client-focused.
At the end of the day, going freelance is a choice. It’s a client’s choice to hire you — or not! — and no one owes you anything other than polite curtsy. You can always go back to the 9-to-5 life or choose a more solitary endeavor (like making and selling art or e-books!) if this isn’t for you.
So if you’re sitting across the Zoom call for me in an interview, know I’m excited to meet you and hear more about your experience as a freelancer and potentially find a way to work together. Let’s keep the positive vibes going, y’all. ✨
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