Read this free guide below with common Independent Contractor interview questions
Mock video interview with our virtual recruiter online.
Our professional HRs will give a detailed evaluation of your interview.
You will get detailed, personalized, strategic feedback on areas of strength and of improvement.
Wait until a job offer is made before discussing salary or benefits. Bringing it up too early can give the impression that you're only interested in the compensation.
Independent contractors are self-employed individuals who work on a project-by-project basis. They typically work for multiple clients and are responsible for their own taxes and expenses. Hiring an independent contractor can be a great way for businesses to save money and get specialized expertise. However, like any other employee, they should be interviewed before being hired for any project. Below are the top 20 interview questions and answers that can help you get the best independent contractor for your project.
Asking about projects completed gives you an idea of the skills and expertise of the contractor. You can gauge your projects against their experience and expertise to know if they are a perfect fit.
You need to make sure your potential contractor is best suited for your project by asking about their areas of specialization. This helps establish a certain level of expertise.
Ask about the systems, software, and tools the contractor has used that are relevant to the project.
Ask about the contractor’s educational qualifications that demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Find out the rate of success and challenge level the contractor has faced in past similar projects lends insight into their prowess.
You need to know when and how the contractor is available to start the project and what their working hours are.
Ask your potential contractor about what they consider their ideal turnaround time for fulfilling the contract.
Communication is critical for any project to be successful. Be sure to understand the intended means and frequency of communication the contractor exercises.
Unforeseen circumstances are unavoidable, but preparation and contingencies mitigate risks. Ask your potential contractor about their mitigation plan to deal with situations beyond their control.
Ask your potential hire about their work capacity and availability for other projects while working for you.
Make sure you understand the contractor's billing process and what their rates and expectations are for payment.
Find out who pays for the equipment, whether you or your contractor supply, and heavily discuss the terms and conditions of equipment use and beyond.
Knowing the business structure of your potential contractor is important in establishing payment, ownership, and working agreements.
Some independent contractors prefer working remotely. This is essential when trying to determine if they have adequate space and communication equipment to maintain constant communication.
Knowing whether or not they have any potential conflicts of interest, and how they intend to reconcile them is essential.
Knowing what motivates your contractor is essential so you can bring out the best out of them.
Knowing how the contractor prepares and motivates themselves is essential for making sure that they are productive and effective while working independently.
Most contractors work with multiple clients simultaneously. Knowing how they prioritize can help you get them to work proficiently in your contract.
Know-how well the contractor organizes - and if their organization style coincides with yours or if there could be areas of improvement.
Every project has its challenges. Knowing what your contractor anticipates can help you prepare for, and avoid potential problems.
Finally, make sure the contractor’s vision and working style align with your plans and project expectations. Their answers will help you to make the right decision and ensure the project’s success.
Becoming an independent contractor is a great way to start working for yourself, but before you can make the transition, you must face an interview with your prospective clients. It can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time. But don't fret; here's what you can do to come prepared for the interview.
Knowing the company or the interviewer's background shows that you're interested and invested in the position.
Your portfolio showcases your skills and experience so make sure it represents you well.
Having an idea of what questions you may encounter and preparing relevant answers will give you confidence during the interview.
Make sure that both you and the client are on the same page before proceeding with the project.
Following-up after the interview is a great way to emphasize your interest in the position or project and to leave a good impression.
Interviews can be daunting, but being prepared and confident can make all the difference. With these tips, you're one step closer to rocking your independent contractor interview.
How you present yourself can influence the interviewer's first impression of you. Dress appropriately for the company's culture. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.