Overview
The interview call is typically the second step in Catalant's project scoping process. The interview call:
- Enables both you and the client to evaluate the opportunity to work together
- Allows the client to better evaluate your experience and narrow the list of candidates for the project
- Gives you the ability to gather critical information about the client’s needs in order to further scope the project and submit a proposal
While each interview may differ depending on the client, we find that a typical agenda tends to involve or include:
- Client introduction and project overview
- Expert introduction and examples of relevant experience
- Open discussion of project specifics, including but not limited to: scope, pricing, timeline, deliverables, and potential approaches
Prepare for the Call
Once a time to speak is confirmed, save the Zoom calendar invite that you received via email or on the platform. You should be ready to drive the conversation by preparing an agenda for the call and sending any specific questions you have for the client ahead of time.
If you have any project-specific questions prior to the call, please reach out to your point of contact for that particular project. If you cannot locate one, please reach out to support@gocatalant.com with your request.
Probe on Project Details
On the call, ask deliberate questions about organizational context, goals, key deliverables, desired outcomes, timeline, and budget.
Expand on Your Relevant Experience
Share more information about your qualifications and specific examples of your experience that are relevant to the project. Bring value to the conversation by sharing initial insights and exploring potential approaches to the project with the client.
Consider Pricing
You’re encouraged to discuss budget or pricing sensitivity for a given project with client on the call to help align expectations. However, the fees will not be final until agreed upon in the contracting phase.
The client’s listed budget is an all-inclusive amount, which includes, but not limited to, Your Fee (the amount paid to you for services rendered), the Catalant Fee, and any estimated project expenses. For your convenience, we include a budget calculator in your call confirmation email. This budget calculator allows you to enter Your Fee to compare how it aligns with the client’s all-in budget.
Keep in mind that this calculator does not take expenses into account. Project expenses should be discussed with the client if any are planned to be incurred (travel, etc.) You will be able to view a complete total, inclusive of all feed and expenses, during the proposal stage.
Align on Next Steps
At the end of the call, confirm if the client would like you to move to the proposal stage to draft project-specific details and begin the next step towards a more formalized agreement.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Catalant Support at support@gocatalant.com