Last updated on March 31st, 2016 at 12:44 pm

As an ex-contractor I have attended many  job interviews for contracts so I thought I’d list six steps to help you be prepared for leaving a lasting impression on the interviewee.

1. Do your research
   As the old saying goes, “fail to plan and plan to fail”. There are certain questions that you are bound to be asked during an interview.  Obviously, as a freelancer or contractor you are going to be asked about projects you have worked on and the skills you have but you may also be asked what you know about the firm you are looking to work for.  So, be prepared, talk to the agent that is putting you forward for the contract if there is one, look up the prospective client on the Internet before you go to the interview and find out what they do, how big they are and so on.  Also take a look on the web for developments relating to the industry that your prospective client is in.
2. Practice your answers
   As mentioned above, you are likely to be asked about your previous projects and experience you have. While some of the projects may be confidential (depending on the industry you have worked in – finance for example) there are many ways you can tell people about the projects without giving too many “secrets” away.  You should also have thought about your answers to questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses and well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job.
3. Look the part
   It doesn’t hurt to dress well for the interview – make sure your shoes have been polished and your clothes fit.  Also take a look at our article on smelling good at work as you should also make sure that you don’t overdo the perfume or aftershave. remember that the interview is likely to be in an office or meeting room and you don’t want to overpower the interviewer.
4. Stay calm
   If you have prepared well it will help you to stay calm in what is a stressful situation.  Remember to breathe deeply and if you need a moment or two to think of an answer to a question say so, don’t be pressured into answering quickly as you will start to “umm and err” and this makes you look indecisive. Another good tip is to double check the time and place that the interview is (and the date – I know someone that turned up for a job interview a day early, although he did end up getting the job) and plan the route so that you know how long it will take you to get there.
5. Ask questions
   When doing your research think about the questions that you might want to ask the interviewer.  These could range from questions about the firm you are hoping to work for, the project that you will be working on, about the team you will be working with, and any
   deadlines that there may be.  I’ve read in the past that it’s a good idea to aim to have a list of 5 questions ready to ask.
6. Communication
   Remember to speak clearly, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.  Make sure that you maintain eye contact with the interviewer.  Having said that, make sure that you mirror the actions of the interviewer – if they are business-like and sit upright in their chair make sure you do the same thing, but if they are laid back and relaxed then you should be able to relax a little as well. Finally, don’t forget to thank the interviewer for any help and their time.

Of course, you may be lucky and be in the situation where you know the interviewer, they know that you can do the job and they want you to do it so the interview is a formality, but most times this will not be the case and I hope that the about hints will help you get the job.