6 Freelance Job Interview Questions to Prepare For (2024)

A lot is going on when you’re preparing for a freelance job interview. For starters, you’ve got a proposal to worry about, and you have to determine how to engage the client to effectively sell yourself as a short-term part of their team. Add in interview prep, and it can get overwhelming quickly.

It doesn’t have to be, though. With the right mindset and an organized approach to preparation, you can make your next freelance job interview a success story. And while it’s impossible to know which questions a client will ask, you can prepare for the most common client interview questions.

10 Common Freelance Job Interview Questions

To help you get started, we’ve listed the 10 most common freelance job interview questions below.

1. Do you have some work samples I can see?

It would be strange if the interviewer didn’t ask to see any samples of your work, right? After all, they’re considering hiring you for a particular task. They’re looking for tangible evidence to visualize how you’ll impact their project. Ideally, you’ll prepare samples directly related to the job they’re interviewing you for.

Example answer: Yes, I have an online portfolio, but I’ve gathered a few other samples directly related to your project. I would be happy to walk you through these samples to explain the context and how I envision this working for you.

2. How do you ensure you meet deadlines?

Along with high-quality work, clients need reassurance that your work will be delivered on time. Interviewers want to understand your time management process to verify that they can also deliver on their commitments to clients.

Example answer: Meeting deadlines is essential to me to maintain a high ratio of referrals and repeat clients. Not only that, but if I fall behind on one project, it starts a domino effect for other projects I’m scheduled to begin after completing this one. To stay on track, I use a combination of Trello and Asana to prioritize my to-do lists. If we work together on your project, I’ll first create a timeline with milestones to submit to you. You’ll see regular updates or check-ins that will keep us on schedule.

3. What is your process for working with clients?

No matter how fantastic your service is, clients want to make sure you’ll be easy to communicate with, available for connection when they have questions, and open to feedback. The hiring manager wants to assess how you handle communication, feedback, and project adjustments. Demonstrate your responsiveness and professionalism.

Example answer: I typically begin with a kickoff meeting to understand project expectations, timelines, and key deliverables. I’ll walk you through the feedback I’ll need from you at each step, and we can set appointments for check-ins to confirm that the project stays on track.

4. What feedback have you received from previous clients?

When was the last time you purchased anything without any reviews? The same goes for the hiring manager. They want to understand how others have perceived your work and collaboration style. When answering this question, you provide insights into your professionalism, ability to accept constructive criticism, and drive to improve.

Example answer: The most common feedback is that my clients appreciate my attention to detail and focus on staying ahead of deadlines. That’s not to say I haven’t received constructive feedback, because I certainly have. Some of my previous clients have expressed that they would prefer more involvement throughout the process. I’ve taken that to heart and added a section to my onboarding meetings to discuss the preferred level of involvement.

5. What is your experience in this industry (niche)?

Hiring managers often try to understand how well you know the nuances of their industry beyond the technical scope of a project. Even if this is your first time working within their specialty, your research can help you communicate your understanding of their needs.

Example answer: While I haven’t explicitly worked within this niche, I’ve developed a research routine that has proven highly successful when approaching an unfamiliar niche. Along with an in-depth onboarding session during which we discuss your target audience, unique needs, and brand, I explore extensively on my own to get a clear picture. I’d be happy to share some more details about my onboarding process if you’d like.

6. What is your preferred method of communication?

Potential clients want to know how you prefer to communicate to ensure a match with their communication style. This question is an opportunity to demonstrate your flexibility and commitment to transparent, open communication. It’s also a great time to establish boundaries so they don’t feel you’re always on the clock if hired.

Example answer: I’m comfortable with various communication methods, including email, phone calls, video meetings, or project management platforms. However, video calls can be highly effective for more in-depth conversations and discussions, while email is excellent for quick updates or confirmations. Outside of our prescheduled meetings, I commit to responding to my clients by the end of the next business day. If any team members work over the weekend, they can send their questions and feedback without hesitation, and I’ll respond when I’m in the office on Monday.

7. What makes you the best fit for this project?

In the world of freelancing, you are your business. Let the hiring manager know you’re confident in your skill set. Not only that, but this question is an excellent opportunity to highlight any work experience that still needs to be touched on.

Example answer: My skills, experience, and personal interests make me a strong fit for this project. My expertise aligns closely with your needs, and I have a proven track record of delivering quality work on time. Moreover, I’m genuinely excited about this project, and my enthusiasm translates into the quality of my work.

8. How do you manage your workload? Do you have any upcoming commitments that would impact your ability to complete this project?

Most hiring managers understand that freelancers are often juggling multiple projects. But they want to confirm that you can prioritize your tasks without sacrificing quality or missing deadlines. Let them know you have the organizational skills and discipline required to effectively manage multiple assignments without spreading yourself too thin.

Example answer: For me, managing multiple projects is all about prioritization and organization. I use Basecamp to keep track of all tasks and deadlines to make certain that each project gets the attention it needs. I’m also transparent with my clients about timelines and communicate regularly to inform them about progress. Furthermore, I carefully assess my upcoming commitments and the status of current projects before accepting new work.

9. How do you handle revisions and feedback?

Interviewers ask this question to determine your openness to feedback and ability to incorporate changes. Share your attitude toward revisions by highlighting your adaptability and focusing on client satisfaction, as opposed to complete ownership of the process.

Example answer: I view our project as very collaborative. With feedback, refining my work and better meeting your needs will be easier. My approach involves clarifying the reasoning behind the revision to provide a better outcome, making the changes promptly, and verifying the updated work meets your expectations.

10. If you were hired, what would you focus on during your first day?

The hiring manager is interested in your process, organization skills, and understanding of the project. Your response to this question allows the hiring manager to gauge how effectively you can get momentum going.

Example answer: If I were hired, I would dedicate the first day to fully understanding the project requirements and expectations. This involves reviewing any provided materials, asking clarifying questions, and confirming project deadlines during our initial meeting. Also, I’d conduct initial research and outline a project plan. I aim to certify that we’re completely aligned on the project’s goals and have a clear plan to meet them.

Approach Your Next Freelance Interview With Confidence

Preparing for these common freelance job interview questions can give you a head start in showcasing your skills, experiences, and professionalism. Your preparedness reflects your dedication and can significantly influence the outcome of the interview. So, take the time to review these common freelance interview questions, tailor the suggested responses to your unique situation, and approach your next freelance job interview with confidence.