Ace Your Video Interviews – Be Calm & Confident

1. Welcome!: It finally happens after all your hard work and sending all those proposals. Finally, your client replies, and now they're inviting you for a video call. You're so excited. But a video interview, It does sound kind of scary. I wish you could just send messages. Why does it have to be a video interview? What if I don't know what to say and what will they ask me? What if I don't know what to answer? Even just the thought of it's totally stresses me out, makes me feel so sick. Oh my God. Why do you have to feel like this? Why is this so difficult? Why can't they just be called? Do the necessary research, being control, smile confidently and East my interview. Yes, you can. I know you can. And you know how I know that's because I used to be like deaths. I'll be honest about it. When I have a video call, I still get the dangerous, but now it's just like a couple of minutes before the call. I'm not paralyzed the whole day any worse with the hood, what I'm going to say or wishing that I hadn't agreed to do the call. So if you want to show a confident and prepared knowing what you're going to answer and what you're going to ask than this class is for you. 2. Your class project: This class will help you go from scared to confidence and successful. Both confidence and success are closely related with the effort you put into your preparation. And they're also related to taking action. Because just thinking about your goals and pondering over how difficult it is won't get us anywhere what we needed to take action, take that step. So by the end of this class, I went to to feel ready for your next video interview. We will talk about the mindsets and we'll also discuss a number of practical steps that you can take. Your class, bro, ticked, is your preparation for your next video interview. I encourage you to write down the answers to the most common interview questions that you can expect. Writing down the answers, it really helps you to think about them into, come up with quality answers. Once you have those answers, you can read them out loud again and again until they sound natural for you and you can say them without even looking at your notes. Also, I would like you to make a list of the questions that you would like to ask your potential clients. Because you interview is not just about the client asking you all the questions. It's as much about you asking the client questions. So we will talk about how you can turn the interviewing to actual conversation. That is the start of a collaboration with your future clients. 3. Why is it so scary?: So before we dive into all practical steps of how to prepare for your interview, I would like to ask, ask you a question. What is it that you find scary about a video interview? It's good to take a deeper look inside and figure out what is the root cause of this figure or what's makes you so nervous about it. Because then it's easier to deal with it. E.g. for me, it was the fear of not knowing the answer to question. When somebody asks you a question in the message, you can look up the answer. You can think about how to phrase to reply. But then Nicole, you have to know it right away. And if I don't know the answer, I feel stupid. So I've had to learn to accept that I cannot know all the answers. And if client would ask me something that I don't know the answer for, I could just say something like, Well, that is a great question. Right now. I don't know exactly how to answer, but I will look into it and I'll let you know tomorrow. Or if I do have a vague idea about how to answer, I could give that answer. And still mentioned that it's just the first idea and that I will definitely get back to them with a more helpful answer. Just knowing how I'm going to respond. When it happens, that I don't know the answer. It makes it much less stressful. Any facts. It hasn't happened that often that I didn't know what to answer it all. We need to tap on this method really works. And it was also a great way to send a follow-up email after the interview. So it was actually an advantage to not know a question right away. So really claims don't expect you to know everything from the top of your minds. They do expect you to find the answer for them. It's all about being helpful to them. So think about it. What makes you nervous about a video interview? And what could you do about it to reduce your stress? Because really you do want to be called for your video interview because when you're calm, it inspires trust for the clients. But before we dive deeper into dad's first, let's talk about a good reason for why you shouldn't avoid video interviews. 4. The value of video interviews: So why is a video into soap value? Well, a video interview makes it easier for declined to see who you are, what you're like. And it's also a great opportunity for you to see if you trust these clients. If you feel like you can honestly support them with, with everyday needs, it's really much easier to get this important information from the clients were actually talking. Because of course you can ask lots of questions, messages or e-mails, and the client may answer them. But there's nothing like talking face-to-face. To dig deeper and get the real answers. During a conversation, you will learn much more about the scope of the project. And you will avoid unpleasant surprises or misunderstandings because in-person it's really easier to communicate clearly than you messages. And of course, also just always remember, we're all people and people just enjoy working with people they like. Video calls are great way to see if you like each other. If you get each other. And if you get each other, it's very likely that the client will hire you. So really this class is about more than just thinking about what you have to say during the interview. It's also about how to behave, how to be good communicator and really be valuable, phrase clients. And you'll see that once you start doing this, you will not want to work with other clients without at least first happened one video call with them. It's just vital to create trust, build a connection, and to be sure that you're aligned with each other and that you'll be able to work together. 5. The right mindset: So you don't want to see your interview like an exam that you take in school? Yes. Of course, The client will ask you questions, but you should ask questions too. It's a two-way streets. Of course, the client wants to know if you're a good fit, if they can trust you, if you have the right skills, if they feel good and comfortable working with you. But you want to know the same things. You also want to know what it's going to be like with these clients, if they can be trusted, if you would enjoy working with them, if their project is a fit for you. So don't see the client does your boss, the client is your partner in business end. The interview is like a conversation. Where are you going to see if you can collaborate? So you will also ask questions and truly listen. The better you listen to what your client says, the better you will be able to help them, and the higher the chances of them hiring you. Still, instead of talking about how good you are and what your skills are, just be truly interested in the client's by asking good questions that will show your value. Usually my interviews are like an hour long and most of the time it's just me listening to the clients. So I like it when they just talk about their company, what they need, what they have already tried, what they think works or doesn't work. I just let him talk, talk, talk, talk, whatever they want. And really if you think about it, when you talk to somebody in, they really listen to you. They don't interrupt you. They keep asking questions, showing how interested they are in you, in what you have to say. It does feel great rights. So that's what you want to do for that colonnades. Make them feel cared for and show that you're interested in what they do. And the big advantage is that after all this listening that you did, you have a pretty clear idea of what they exactly needs and it's often something else than what they put into job descriptions. So you will be able to come up with really great suggestions and ideas that speak exactly to them. So the big trick is, instead of you answering the questions of the client, makes sure to make the clients talk. And you just listen and then come up with your suggestions as an experts. 6. Questions you can expect: Obviously, every client is different and every conversation will be different. So I've had many questions. But there are some that obviously are gonna be asked more. And one of those questions is tell me about yourself. So that's usually the first question that is asked. And of course it doesn't need to be your whole life story. That's not what they're looking for. So the more concise, the better, just in a very short way, say what you do and why you do it. In keeping mind that even though they asked you to tell you about yourself, do make sure that the things you tell them are actually the things they're looking for it also make it about them too. And don't talk. Wait too much about yourself. What's your approach for my projects? Very important too. And this is a question where you can show how professional you are. Because the better you can explain your approach, the easier it will be for them to trust you because they will see debts. You have a solid system that you know what you're doing. They can see how much time it will take, what are all the steps. So this is really important for you to know. And you can even visualize it because that makes it much easier. What's more easier to understand them? You just going over all the steps, telling them. So does e.g. is the slide that I use when I'm having a call with the clients. And of course before the call, I updated according to what I know about them already so that it's a bit customized for them. And then obviously during the call, based on what they've already told me, I can still add some things, are explained, some more details. But it really helps because they can see that you know, what you're doing and what it's gonna be like to work with you. Another question is, what do you expect from me? So of course you would you have to be able to tell them. How often do you expect feedback from them? If you want, maybe to have other meetings. When is that these it's once a week or yeah. What's your system? Do you need certain files from the client's all those things. It's good to have that ready as well. How long will it take? Yeah, so very important for the client. But you do want to make sure here that you don't make any promises that you can't keep. So e.g. if you know it's going to take you three days, then tell them it. You'll have it ready in five days because you never know in advance what's going to happen. Maybe you get ill or maybe you mess up, or maybe the client is interest as responsive as you thought and things take longer. So you want to have that buffer. If you manage to get it ready in three days, awesome, then the client will be happily surprised because he delivered before the deadline. How much do you charge and why do you prefer hourly or fixed price? That is important to think about in advance because of course, the budget is important for you. So for the clients, so do make sure to know which is your preference. And if the client has a different preference, how are you going to handle that? Can you show me examples of your work similar to mine? So that is something that also helps the client to trust you more. So think about is before the call, have, it doesn't need to be a whole lot of examples. Even just one great example is perfect. And make sure to have it ready so you can share it on your screen immediately. And when you show it, don't just show it. Make sure you have something interesting to say about it. Why is it similar to this client's project or what is different? What did you do for that client that you could also do for these clients? The thing is to just share something about your thinking behind the project. Instead of just showing a visual because it just a visually, it doesn't serve them so much. They want to know how you work and how you think. When can you start? Another important question? And again here you don't want to make promises that you can keep. If you can start right away, just say so. You never want to make promises you can't keep. I used to be afraid to say that I can start right away because I thought maybe I will get hired if I can start right away. But really many clients are not that much in a rush as it seems. And if they really like you and they want to work with you, they don't mind waiting a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. Besides unit being available right away means that you are successful if you have other clients too. So they understand, because they also have clients and they also know that they can fit them everybody right away. So just tell them honestly when you will be available and why. Obviously, there are many more questions. Whole lists on internet about interview questions that you can get asked. So you can have a look at that. But usually for clients on Upwork, it's different than when you're going on an interview for a big company. So if you prepare your answer for these type of questions, you will already be very well prepared. So this will definitely be a good starting point for you. 7. Ask useful questions: So as I said before, it's very good to ask questions too, and especially questions that invite the client to talk. Like e.g. can you tell me about your business? Really? Everybody likes talking about your business and usually they can go on and on about it, which is logical, of course. And it is also very helpful for you because the more they talk about their business, the better you will know what to offer them and how to give them an idea that will work for them. Another question that I really like is to ask what services they offer to their clients and what's a good client service is like for them. How do they treat their clients? It gives you a good idea of their values. And if they treat their clients and assert away than they will probably appreciate it when you treat them like that as well. So it gives you an idea of what they find important. And you, if there's something about the way they treat their clients that you really like. You can also say, you can say, Yeah, I believe something similar, I believe this is important. Then they start to feel like disconnection with you like you get them. So that is why I really like that question. Another question is, why do you need this project now? This lets you know about the goals they have about the urgency. It usually invites them to talk a bit more about not just about the current protein, but the next steps. Because sometimes they just asked for one specific thing that they, that they need now, but they already have in mind the next steps. So it's good to know that. And then probably you could help them with many more things than just the task that they're talking about. Now. How do you envision the end results? Where, and how will you use it? It's a bit similar as the previous question, but it's also like e.g. if you're going to design something or write something, you do need to know what it's for, where it's going to be used. So this will also invite them to talk about their vision, which of course will help you to be to understand the project better. What do you certainly not one for these projects. Sometimes clients find it hard to say what they do, why, but they do want but what they don't want, It's sometimes easier. And of course, that also gives you a good idea of what to avoid. So it's something you could try it. Can I show you what it looks like to work together? So this is an ideal moment to show your approach, to talk about your approach and maybe even show it like in my slides, like this visualization that I have. So that they will really get an idea of what it's like to collaborate with you. This goes down to the level of creating this connection, trust with the clients. So that is really good. It also gives you the opportunity to know if these client would be a good fit for you. Because maybe your approach is not what they're looking for. So it's good to talk about it right away and you'll see if it resonates with them or not. When do you need this to be ready? Of course, see if it works with your schedule and don't accept that, that lines that are two tides don't make promises you can't keep. When are you available to answer any question that may come up during your project. So it's good for you to know that. Because then you can keep that in mind when you say them, how long it will take for you to complete the project. And also it indicates that you expect something from the client to, of course, you're gonna do all you can to deliver a great job, but you can't do it on your own. There is gonna be some input from the client is needed. So this question reminds them of deaths, that it's like a partnership. So these are some questions that I like to ask. I usually only ask two or three of them and then clients mostly answer all the questions would be even asking them. But the important thing is to give them the opportunity to open up and just really take the time to listen when they're talking. Don't interrupt. Just listen. And then after you listen, show them that you cared about their vision and that's you're going to be supportive for them and show your value as a collaborator. 8. Show your value: Of course, you want to make sure that during the interview you show your value to the client. Show them the value that you can give them for their project. And one important way to do that is by showing your work that you have done before that is similar or relevant to what this client's needs. Of course, if you're just starting, it's going to be difficult because you maybe you don't have any samples to show off relevant client work. What you could do is, of course creates samples. Even that's client work. You can invent something and then of course you can tell the client this is not for a real clients, but it does show what I could do for you and you can talk about what you thought while you are creating. It's why you did it like that. That is one option. Another option if you don't have the time to create sample project is to look for somebody else's work that would be super relevant in super useful to use as an inspiration. Of course, you will mention that it's not your work, but you can be quite creative when trying to show your value. Like for one client who came to me, he wanted me to wait to make new website for him. Actually, it was about writing the websites, writing the content for the website and designing it. He had already website, but I could see that his logo and everything that was there really need him enough upgrades. So I looked for an example in line because I didn't have anything good to show him that was relevant to his field or what do you need it. So I said, You know, I found it very cool website online that I would like to share with you because I think that something like that would be really appropriate for you. Then I told him that it's not my work, obviously. But I asked him what he thought about the photos on that website, how they structured websites. I then also started talking about the logo that they had, which was the simple geometrical logo from simple shapes. And I said, You see how to use the one tape from the logo also in their icons, and then it comes back in the background. You see how it all works together, gives that great experience. And how it makes you feel, how it makes you trust them, and how they're showing their message. So it's asking me all these questions who are just looking at it together. And after a while he said, You know what, looking at this, it makes me think that I do need a new logo also. It was really cool because I wanted to offer him that I would also design his logo and brand identity, but I didn't even have to offer rates or states, you need this. He came to the conclusion on his own by just going over an example together. Even if it wasn't my design. So really, if you don't, if you can show your own work, just get creative. There is always a way to show your value, to show your thinking to the client what you can actually do for them. But that is just really the important part. Show them that you can, you can truly help them. That is why a good preparation and fancies is so important. 9. Make a personal connection: So far we have talked about the questions that the client may ask you, the questions that you could ask, and how to show your value. It's also important to make a personal connection. You'd be surprised how much the personal connection influenced in the client's decision, especially when the client is looking to hire you long term, they will love it when they feel comfortable with you, or if you feel like you have something in common with them. So that is actually also why it's so great to ask questions. And if the client starts talking a lot, telling lots of stuff, that is great. Because then whatever comes up in that conversation, that is something that you also stand behind. Something you believe in or some values of them that you like. Or even if they tell something about their life that you like. Say so if they talk about their business and it's something you admire, say so I've had these widths, some clients that there is a client who said that is a lifelong learner. He always likes learning new things and he likes sharing about what he's learning on LinkedIn. I said, Yeah, exactly. I also loved at, so then we started talking about what we're learning. So personal, It's almost like you feel like friends and yeah, you did hire me. So whatever, there isn't a conversation that you can use to show that you understand them, that you are, that you have something in common. That's really a great thing. Especially if it's a big project or if there is a possibility to work long-term. They do care about finding somebody they resonate with. It's not just about your skills, It's also about your personality. So really be friendly, be supportive, and don't be afraid to make it a bit more personal. 10. Time to reflect: After your interview, always take some time to reflect. So that next time you can do better. So you could think about questions like, what questions did the client asked you that you didn't expect? What did you do? Well, what can you do better next time? What did you forget to say? At what moments it declined? Look happily surprised about your answers because that shows you're a real value was. And it's something that you would definitely like to repeat in the next interview. At what moments it declined, look bored, or seem to lose interests. Also super important because it shows you that maybe you were talking for too long or maybe it was off topic. So that is also something very important to constantly keep in mind. So really take this time, it's not lost time, it's time wisely spent, because if you do this mindfully after each and every interview, even write it down, then soon, this is gonna become easy for you and you are going to feel fully prepared for an interview. You're going to know what things your clients will love that you say, how you can say what questions will work well for the services you offer. So you're gonna be more confidence in the more confident you are the better. Because really, when you can instill confidence in your clients and be calming for them, they're going to trust you. They will love work with you because you will show yourself as a professional. So please always take this time to reflect for a moment after each interview. 11. Gather your confidence: If you followed along and now you have the answers to the most common questions that you can expect. You also know what you're going to ask your clients. You know how to show them your value and how to make a personal connection. So you are super prepared for a great conversation with your next slides. But maybe you still are super nervous about it's what can you do? Well, here are some tips that ever trust me when I was freaking out. And the first one is just take a deep breath. Second one, tell somebody you trust how nervous you are. Just saying it out loud to somebody you trust and seeing their friends live reaction, hearing them say, you're gonna do find. It really also helps a lot. Number three, drei, to think about how that client is going to benefit from your help. So instead of thinking about it as an exam where you have to get all the answers, rights. Think about it as a conversation with an interesting person. It doesn't result in a new client. I'm sure there's still can learn something up that conversation. And hopefully you also have given something of value to that person. So it's actually just like a conversation where both of you can learn from each other, so it's nothing to be nervous about. Number four is, remember that you have prepared the best you could. There was nothing else you could have done more at this time. So basically it's just another opportunity to learn more about what your potential clients. 12. Recap: To recap, what have you learned? You learned why video interviews are so valuable. They are so important that you should not even wait for the client to invite you in your proposal. You can take the initiative and invite the clients for a video call. And if you do interviews scare you. We said it's important to think about the main reason why that is and what you can do about it. And then prepare. The more effort you put into your preparation, the more confident you will be. Also after each interview, take the time to learn from it and see what you can improve for next time. Please also take time to write down the answers to the most common questions and prepare a list of the questions that you would like to ask your client. That was a class project. And I do hope that you took the time to write down those answers and questions. If you did, please feel free to upload them here in the class, share your notes would be. And I will be most happy to take a look at it and to give you some feedback and tips. So that's your next interview. You can just be confident and cases. 13. Thank you! :-): Thank you so much for watching. I would really love to get to know you. So if you have any questions, you can reach out in the discussion tab. Or if you enjoyed this class, please leave a review. I appreciate it very much. And really every review or feedback that I receive, it motivates me to keep creating more classes. And it's also helpful for other students who are looking for the same information so that they also can take this class. If at this moment you're not even getting invitations for an interview, maybe you're sending proposals and you're not getting any replies, then please feel free to check out my other class, which will teach about the art of writing successful cover letters. It's made for you too, and I hope it will be super helpful for you. If you need any more tips about how to become a valued freelancer, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn or take out my website. And I really, really wish you all the best in your freelancer journey. And again, thanks so much for watching. See you next time.