How to Conduct an Interview with a Freelancer Properly

Interviews with freelancers are conducted via video, messaging apps, or over the phone. If the freelancer happens to live where you are based, you can schedule a face-to-face meeting.
As you prepare for the interview, be sure to do the following:

• Thoroughly review the candidate's resume and portfolio, paying attention to their skills, work experience, achievements, and unique qualities that set them apart from other applicants.
• Create a list of questions you’d like to ask the freelancer. By receiving answers to these questions, you should gain a complete understanding of the candidate and their professional level. It’s also helpful to ask how much time the freelancer is willing to dedicate to your project daily, how long they have been working in this field, what tasks they are currently working on, etc.
• Be prepared for the possibility that all interviews scheduled for the day may end unsuccessfully. To find the right performer, you may sometimes need to conduct dozens of interviews.

These simple interview tips will save time. By knowing the candidate's strengths and obtaining comprehensive answers to your questions, you will spend less time and effort on each meeting, allowing you to review more applicants and focus on your own tasks. It's not advisable to rush into choosing a freelancer. Instead, try analyzing each candidate and then make a well-considered decision.

Starting interviews on time is necessary. Of course, there can be legitimate reasons for delays, but if you begin the interview on time, the applicant won’t have to waste their time waiting and feeling anxious. The same goes for you. However, if a candidate is late without a valid reason and without prior notice, it could indicate that they are not very interested in the job, which is a red flag.
When asking questions, take note of important points in the candidate's responses. Evaluate how confidently the applicant presents themselves, how professionally they speak about their work, whether they show interest in your project, etc.
Additionally, you may ask the candidate to share, as much as they feel comfortable, about both successful and unsuccessful cases in their work. Listen carefully to see whether the applicant takes responsibility for their work or blames other project participants for any failures.
Remember to run interviews openly and friendly so that it does not feel like an interrogation. With this approach, candidates will feel more relaxed, begin to trust you more, and willingly share the necessary information.