Business Talent Group is dedicated to connecting our community of independent talent with exciting project opportunities at the world’s best companies. We encourage you to apply for any projects that interest you, and if your skills and experience are a match for the project, the client may wish to speak with you to learn more.
When a client requests an interview with you, BTG’s Client Service team is here to help. We’ll book a phone or video call at a time that works for both you and the client. Then, we’ll ensure you’re fully prepared for the interview by sharing any additional details that we are able to under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and providing context on how to present yourself as the perfect talent for the project. We will also negotiate rates to the client on your behalf—based on the rates you quoted in your talent profile and project application—so you can focus on how you can best serve the client’s needs.
Here are some tips to help you stand out before, during, and after a BTG client interview:
When Applying
- Carefully review the project details in the BTG Talent Portal posting. Pay special attention to the project requirements, timing, and location to ensure they align with your experience, skills, and availability before applying.
- When completing your project application within the BTG Talent Portal, make sure to include examples of prior projects that reflect your relevant experience for the current posting—not just your greatest hits.
Before the Interview
- Once an interview has been scheduled, check the dial-in instructions. For video interviews, make sure you have the software downloaded and set up on your computer ahead of time, rather than waiting until right before the call.
- Connect with your BTG Client Service team on LinkedIn, and look up the client as well. Keep an eye out for areas of common interest or experience, as well as any contacts you may share, and note them for icebreaker purposes in the interview.
- Research the company to ensure you are familiar with the company’s products and services. Prepare a few smart and relevant questions you can use during the interview to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework ahead of time.
- Based on the project details and your experience on previous projects or working with other clients in the same business function, try to really think about what the client’s pain points may be and what they really need. Spending some time on these details can help you predict and prepare for questions you’re likely to face during the interview.
- Find or set up a quiet place where you can conduct the interview without interruption. For video calls, be mindful of your backdrop to ensure it presents a professional image free of visual distractions.
- If you are feeling sick leading up to the interview, have connectivity issues, or are unable to make the scheduled call for any other reason, please reach out to the Client Service team to reschedule. Even with virtual interviews where exposing others to illness isn’t a concern, it’s better to reschedule than leave the client with an unenthusiastic, low-energy first impression.
During the Interview
- It goes without saying, but don’t be late for your interview. In fact, for a video interview, it’s best to log in to the videoconferencing platform early to make sure you can set up your camera and microphone before connecting.
- Approach the call as you would an initial work session, rather than a traditional interview for a full-time employment role. As you speak with the client, listen for deliverables and due dates, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach the project based on the information you receive.
- Make sure you are enthusiastic and have energy. Try some “power poses” immediately prior to the interview, or if the interview is being conducted by phone, walk around if you need to keep your energy up.
- Have an opener to build a bridge with the client—perhaps a shared connection or a detail about the company that you found compelling while researching the company and client.
- Be aware of the time and use it wisely. Client interviews with independent talent are not like those for permanent employment roles. They tend to move much quicker, and you won’t have multiple rounds of comprehensive interviews. Know the key points you want to convey ahead of time, so you can match the client’s pace but still ensure you get across all of the details that make you a perfect fit for the project.
- Get straight to the point and give concise answers. Answer the question directly first, then you can elaborate if needed—but be sure to stay focused on the topic at hand.
- Weave your relevant experience into your responses. For example, you could say something like “Here’s what I saw when I performed similar work for a prior client. Are you facing the same issue?”
- Show that you are excited about the project and ready to get the work done. Not everyone is comfortable operating in selling mode, and that’s okay. You can still state your enthusiasm for the project directly.
- Avoid talking about personal lives unless relevant to the experience you would bring to the project, e.g. a hobby that would give you special insight. You are establishing a business relationship, not building a friendship.
- Don’t discuss your rates, vacation schedule, or availability during the interview. The Client Service team will understand your scheduling and other requirements in your interview preparations, negotiate them with the client on your behalf, and work with you afterwards to make adjustments if anything changes.
Looking for more tips on how to leave a great first impression? See our best practices for video conference calls.
After the Interview
- Share notes on the project objective, details, deliverables, and due dates as you understand them with the Client Service team. Make sure to include some notes on the approach you intend to take.
- Participate in a debrief call with the Client Service team to discuss how the interview went, your anticipated deliverables and approach, and any other thoughts you may have. We will also reach out to the client for their feedback.
- If you should need additional background or have questions at any point after the interview, don’t hesitate to contact the BTG Client Service team and we will reach out to the client for more information. We are also happy to convey any “Thank You” notes you would like us to send the client on your behalf.
Interviews are a critical step to help BTG clients select the right talent for their projects. By working closely with the BTG Client Service team, preparing ahead of time, and then showcasing your enthusiasm and relevant experience during the interview, you can demonstrate that you are the perfect person to help our clients with their most important work.