Dear Jodee,
I’ve been contacted by a prospective client who wants to arrange a time to meet. I’ve been working remotely for some time and the idea of sitting down for an interview is really intimidating. Can you give me some tips?
Nervous Nellie
Dear Nellie,
First of all, congrats on being invited to meet with a prospective client. I can understand that this is exciting but a little uncomfortable as well, but you need to keep in mind that this is not quite the same thing as a job interview. You are sitting down with someone to have a discussion about whether you can work together to help the client achieve his or her goals.
In the time leading up to the appointment, learn as much as you can about the client and his or her business. As you review the web site and any other information you can gather, make detailed notes and go over them several times before the meeting.
As part of your preparation, try to identify specific areas where your expertise can benefit the client. The person you will be meeting with may have some ideas about how you can help, but it doesn’t hurt to come to the table with some strategies of your own.
Keep in mind that while the client may be interviewing you, this is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you want to work with the client as well. Have a list of questions of your own prepared so that you can understand the scope of the work the client needs, as well as his or her professional working style.
If you can get away from the idea that this is an audition and think of it as a discussion, you may feel a bit less nervous. Good luck!
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