Get Hired in the Gig Economy!

Looking for a job? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees may be looking at 10 to 15 different full-time jobs in a lifetime. But many of us spend a good chunk of our work life in a gig economy searching for flex jobs, short-term contracts and freelance work. And we may be competing for—wait for it, wait for it—100 to 150 different contracts a year. And that’s not flapdoodle!

You would think that going for contract work with so many opportunities would make the search easier, and it does, somewhat. But sticky, sweaty hands and butterflies may be as much a part of your short-term contracts and freelance searches as are the resume and cover letter.

8 tips to lessen the willies in a gig interview:

1. Get the skinny. A quick study of the company’s website is a must, look for information including: corporate policies, products and services, pricing, testimonials, response form, and an online newsletter/blog. Then check their corporate culture on social media: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Also, look for anonymous employee reviews and interview experiences at glassdoor.com and check the company’s financial outlook with Dunn and Bradstreet, if you have time.

4. And the answer is… Scan your resume for any possible questions you could be asked. And work on impressive answers.

5. And the question is… From information on the website, pull out several interesting facts and ask questions. Posing thoughtful questions shows real interest, “I saw on your website…” Avoid asking nothing-burger questions like, “How many locations do you have?” You should know that prior to the interview.

8. Sleepytime. Go to bed early, just in case you sleep lightly. Being rested gives you a leg up.