Interviewing As A Freelancer and Dressing The Role

This is a guest post by Lora.

Interviewing can be one of the most exhilarating or difficult experiences in life. Someone interviewing has so many questions to prepare for from work experience to picking the perfect outfit and what to wear. Below are a few quick tips for dressing the role and getting the part you desire. 

Tip 1: First Impressions Linger
While you’re probably familiar with the following expressions, “first come, first serve” and “first impressions make it or break it”, you probably don’t realize how much truth stands behind these sayings. As a freelancer, you’re used to attending meetings on a regular basis in everyday casual business attire so do NOT treat interviews as such. Fashion ranges from all sorts of body types so if you’re looking for plus size women’s clothing, opt for inexpensive yet head tunics to pair with pants, for example. People will make a decision about you within the first three to seven seconds of meeting so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Stand up straight to display confidence, keep answers sharp and short with very minimal mumbling and most importantly, maintain comfortable eye contact and never give any indication you’re not listening or uninterested.

Tip 2: Let’s Dress UP!
After reading this article, you have an assignment. Head over to your closet and take a good look at what you own. What do you see? Evaluate pieces that you can potentially place together like slacks and a sharp shirt or a nice pencil skirt and a ruffle top. All too often women feel they need to shop in order to find the right outfit and frankly, what you have at home will most likely work to your advantage. If you’re struggling to find pieces to mix and match, flip through photo albums or bring over a friend of two to evaluate what you can wear. Once an outfit is determined, have it dry cleaned or iron well. The last thing you need is having someone assume you’re a sloppy freelancer. After all, a sloppy wardrobe might often reflect onto your work as a freelancer.

Tip 3: Leave The Interviewer Mentally Happy
Stepping back to Tip 2, visual esthetic plays a highly important role when interviewing, especially as a freelancer. Often time employers might judge your freelancing qualities and work solely from your appearance to how you speak, etc. Arrive with a smile and a great deal of confidence (and perhaps a new haircut if you’re looking a bit unkempt). Granted, all companies are different, some are more flexible than others so until you have a better idea of the company, reflect the seriousness of your work through your personality and appearance.

Tip 4: Be Yourself and Be Direct
We’ve heard this from the day we were born so it’s no surprise you’re going to hear it again. Be genuine, be real and most of all, be FUN! Make sure to laugh when appropriate! Interviews aren’t supposed to be daunting, tragic and scary.  The best advice I have is to interview the company you’re freelancing for just as professionally and serious as they are you. You’re not just interviewing for a freelance role, you’re interesting for your own self-interests such as networking, insurance and growth opportunities. If there are a few points about the role you’re not comfortable with make sure to address it directly by asking for more details or asking for a few sample explanations.

Tip 5: Something To Remember
Walking into an interview without researching the company or having any background knowledge is embarrassing and quite simply not professional. Make sure to ask interesting and difficult questions as well to show that you’re fully engaged with the company and understand what their values are and what’s sought after. Leave the person interviewing you with a lingering and impressive memory from your interview. Leaving something small from a well-put together folder with your resume, etc., a card, a thoughtful smile and a firm handshake, something to really set you off from the rest is a unique way to end the interview.

Lora is a freelancer for http://www.citychic.com.au combining plus size women’s clothing, fashion and entrepreneur business etiquette tips to share with prospective interviewees.