How to prepare for contractor interview

So, you’ve written your resume, emailed it and then an agency or a client contacts you for an interview. This is a vital step in your pursuit for the next contract and every effort ought to be made to ensure that you impress the interviewers and bag that contract.

In numerous ways, interviewing for a contact position follows the similar rules as interviewing for a full-time job, but there are some substantial differences.

Here are some topmost tips for succeeding in job interviews for a contract role in the gig economy.

Know the employer requirements

Contract jobs are short-term and so the hiring managers for these positions are more fixated on whether you can accomplish the responsibilities of the job and how swiftly can you start performing on the job. Ensure you read the job description beforehand so you know in what way and how you do meet the requirements and which skills you might be missing in.

Hiring for a specific skill

With contract jobs, industry is typically looking to fill an immediate and specific requirement. While hiring contract workers, employers frequently need you to dive right into the work. There is emphasis on the obligation to the project and duration of the contract job. Hiring managers are more concerned about a candidate's knowledge of specific software and their ability to complete specific tasks.

Before you set off

A night before the interview go through your resume and job description and print some copies of your resume and find out of the directions to the client location.

Have adequate sleep the night before, it will reduce the stress you could possibly feel. Note down the client’s and agency’s names and phone numbers. Don’t leave anything for the last minute. Make sure you look well-dressed and neat.

Be prepared with your technical skills

Complete all your technical preparation before the interview. If you are well-prepared, then you will feel confident with what you know and what you don’t know. You can learn new skills on the job!

Reach there in good time

Getting to the interview in good time is a mark of respect to the client, particularly if other candidates don’t turn up or come in late. It also gives you time to gather yourself and be in a calm state of mind for the interview.

When you arrive at the interview

When you reach the reception, ask for your point of contact and wait until you are called for the interview. Try to relax. A probable client is more likely to hire someone they can communicate easily with. Have your paperwork and any other details in a neat folder.

Make judicious use of your time

For a contract position it’s likely you’ll have just one interview, so make the most of it. Market your skills and gather all the information you need. Proficiency is crucial at this stage as it might be your one chance to discuss and understand the job responsibilities and let the hiring manager know you are a perfect fit for the role.

The interview process for contract jobs moves swiftly, because they're trying to fill a role as soon as possible. Provide specific examples of your work, concentrating on similar projects you've done in the past and the technology stack you're acquainted with. Demonstrate in detail that you fully understand the role and express how confident you are, that you'll be able to get right into the work.

The interview

Ensure you listen carefully to the interviewer. If required, you can take control of the conversation more so if you want to highlight certain aspects of your resume which may not have been covered in the discussion. As, you are trying to get the contract, be assertive and make sure you tell the interviewer why you think you will be perfect for the role.

Keep references ready

As the interview procedure will move faster for a contract job, keep everything handy on the day you arrive for the interview. Be proactive and keep your paperwork, your work samples ready and anything else that you might need. Be ready to provide references as it might benefit you over other candidates who didn't come prepared.

Be ready to move swiftly

The contract job interview process can move at quick speed. You may interview one morning, get an offer, and be expected to join the job by next morning. For a contract job, the employer always has a demanding requirement so be ready to take the offer if it comes.

Be prepared to negotiate before the offer

For a contract job, all negotiations must occur before the interview*,* as you will be paid by the staffing firm and not by the company where you will work. Discuss your salary expectations with your recruiter beforehand. After an offer is extended, there isn’t much room for negotiation.

Keep an eye on full-time jobs

Many companies will hire contract workers and then shift them to full-time once they've demonstrated their worth. It is vital because if you also like the company you're working at, it could be an excellent fit. However, if you decide to ask the interviewer if the job will ever change into full-time, be certain to make it clear that you are okay, if it doesn't.

Keep preparing during contracts itself

Contract roles can be advertised one day and filled the next. Hence, there can be little time to prepare fully for an interview. The contractors continuously in work recognize this. During each contract, they’re adding their skills and experience. So, when a contract interview request comes through, they just need to research about the company and consider how they will customize their resume and present their skills in the interview accordingly.

Conclusion

In today’s gig economy, several professionals are open to both contract and permanent job prospects. Significant knowledge on how best to interview for each will give you a viable benefit. What a company is looking in for a contract worker is different than a permanent employee; they have distinct criteria that you need to address in the interview.

Generally, a contract work is more of a deal and the employer is looking for a right person to fill a precise role or to work on a specific project. Your capability to demonstrate that you can fill that role can get you the contract job or else you will have to continue your search.