Written by Shauna H for 52′s Blog. You Rock Shauna!
Right now, the market is flooded with freelancers. But, do not fret; a handful of common sense rules can be implemented to increase your marketability to potential employers.
Manners Rule Supreme
When you’re walking into a company, manners are of the utmost importance because let’s face it; as a freelancer, you are the equivalent of a guest staying at someone’s house. You’re welcome, but don’t overstep your boundaries.
Always show up at the predetermined time. If you are running late (which happens to everyone at some point), call ahead and let them know what time they can expect you.
Keep your workspace tidy. Excessive crumbs, dirty dishes and the spread of personal items should be kept to a bare minimum; the head honchos have a sharp eye and they will notice!
At the end of the workday, always check in with your supervisor, thank them for calling you in and let them know where your final work is located. At this time, it’s okay to reach out and make sure that they have your contact information handy in case they are in need of further help.
Always Show Up Prepared
Every freelancing gig is different and sometimes you may have to pack along your own necessities. Some key items to consider bringing with you include pens, an external hard drive of assets and fonts, pencils and a notebook for sketches, a list of any tutorials or key commands that you may need, snacks and headphones.
Before you arrive, it’s always a good idea to check out the company’s website to get an overall feel of their work style and client list. Additionally, make sure that your agent has briefed you on the work you will be doing and the programs you’re potentially expected to use to avoid any surprises.
Make a Lasting First Impression
Though talent is immensely important, personality also plays a nearly equal role in getting call-backs.
Even if you’re the most amazing freelancer in the universe, it’s important that you are able to work well with others. Let your best assets and ideas shine through in a team environment but at the same time, don’t be pushy. If you are argumentative and unwilling to do whatever it takes to get the job done, people will notice. Remember that at the end of the day, you’re getting paid to show up and complete a job, not to change the world!
Dress The Part
Before showing up for your first day of work, it’s always a good idea to do some quick and dirty detective work to properly gauge the company’s corporate culture and dress code. Some agencies are fine with jeans and t-shirts and if you report in dress slacks and polished shoes, laughing may ensue. Others have quite high standards for personal appearance and this often depends on the clients that they represent. An agency that focuses on the action sports industry is going to have a much different feel than that which represents Fortune 500 companies.
It’s Okay to Ask Questions
A common misconception with freelancers is that they will appear unqualified if they ask questions but in reality, it’s almost always better to be assertive. If you are unsure of anything, get clarification before the potential arises for accidentally overwriting important files and wasting valuable time. Asking a question doesn’t make you look like an idiot. On the contrary, it should be viewed by your supervisor as an affirmation that you are committed to getting the job done right the first time.
In Closing
As a freelancer, you have an amazing opportunity to test out a variety of corporate environments and positions with very little upfront investment. Though, if you thoroughly enjoy where you’ve landed, demonstrate a willingness to follow through with assigned tasks and work well with others, chances are that your status might shift from temporary to permanent quite quickly.
