Self-Employed But Need a Job? Here's How to Interview.

Are you self-employed and attempting to re-enter the workforce as a W-2 employee?

 

It's not unusual to "leave the nest" of a salaried job and become an independent contractor or grow a new business/career as a self-employed sole-proprietor. This often proves to be the best option for an individual. But economics, personal needs or lifestyle changes can force a re-evaluation of that self-employment choice. If that has happened to you, you'll face this potentially difficult question:

 

 

Here is how you can address this question:

 

Focus on how you can help benefit your next employer, not on what the job can give you.  We all act out of self-interest and there's nothing wrong with that. Just be careful to include several clear benefits the employer will gain from your special experience. 

 

You know you will be asked why you want to return to salaried employment. Instead of focusing on what self-employment may NOT have provided you, focus instead on what you've GAINED from the experience. Remember, this is a unique experience that you bring to the table. It sets you apart from most of your competitors. It's how you answer this question that either will create doubt in the mind of the interviewer or instill confidence. 

 

While self-employed, perhaps you had to work more efficiently to complete a project. Maybe you had several crises and had to rise to the occasion and find creative ways to overcome them. It's probable that you also had to educate yourself in some new specific business areas, which gave you a new perspective about your work. Or, maybe you learned how to achieve more results from fewer resources. When you do some analyzing, you'll no doubt come up with a list of several positive experiences that you gained during your self-employment. Turn these into employer benefits using them in your favor. 

 

Let's say you've been self-employed as a real estate manager and did some investing on the side for the past several years. You're now in your mid forties and can no longer make an adequate living doing this on your own. You're also looking for a chance to move into larger real estate management projects so you're now looking for a salaried position.

 

What to do?

 

There's no reason you should describe the negative aspects of your situation. Rather be proactive and describe the many ways you've grown from your self-employment experience. List several examples. Perhaps you've become an expert in real estate tenant/landlord law. Maybe you've acquired additional skills in negotiating vendor contracts with a high return on investment. There are probably a number of other areas where you've done well. Take the time now to develop a list of the knowledge, skills and abilities that you've acquired in self-employment.

 

Employers are looking for employees who can help them make money or save money. As a self-employed person, no doubt you've learned how to make more money with fewer resources. You, more than most, understand the bigger picture of a profit and loss statement. Perhaps because your salaried competitors get a regular paycheck, they don't often grasp this major economic fact. You have the opportunity to use your self-employment to your fullest advantage by selling each of your experiences as a valuable benefit that can help your employer strengthen his bottom line. Provide several achievements from your self-employment and attach a $$ value to them if possible.  Now, indicate you're ready to take the next step to bring your special assets as an entrepreneur to your next employer.