Discovery Calls can be one of the most stressful processes when in the market for a freelance job. What should I say? How should I act? The mere anxiety you feel regarding the call may lead to a bad one. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Here’s how to build the utmost confidence for a discovery call in the gig economy.

Do Your Research

Always take time before the discovery call to research the company. Understanding the company is vital for candidacy. In fact, TheCircularBoard says a whopping 47% of employers report they will reject candidates if they don’t know much about the company. Knowing what the company specializes in can allow you to answer questions they pose about working in their field, how your skill set applies, and allows you to demonstrate your interest in the field. Plus, it shows the employer that you cared enough to research and understand what their company does.

Know Your Resume

Making sure your resume reflects who you are today is important. A reported 85% of applicants lie on their resume, don’t be one of them. But do make sure your education section is polished with your current major, GPA, and current involvement in extracurriculars. Make sure your work experience is fresh, and cut out the jobs you did like six years ago unless they’re relevant to the field you’re applying for. More importantly, know your resume front to back, so you’re prepared to answer questions about any job, schoolwork, or club you say you’re involved in.

Know Your Skills and What Makes You Unique

It may sound obvious, but showcasing your strong suits is imperative during a discovery call. But most importantly, frame your skills in a way that tells them they need you. For example, “I think my graphic design skills will benefit your company because visuals are a major part of marketing, which is your business.” Noting specific skills is also important. For example, “I am proficient in R programming language”. Don’t forget to show your individuality! Most companies go through hundreds of applicants for certain positions. Make sure you note things about yourself that will make them remember you, whatever that may be.

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Ask Questions

One of the easiest ways to shift the pressure off yourself is to ask the interviewer questions. But don’t ask questions for this reason solely. Use questions to understand what the company expects from the position. For example, ask “What would a successful employee in this position look like?” Allow them to speak with the pressure off you, and get valuable insights on what you might be getting into with the position.