Are you scared of job interviews?

Yes?

It's okay.

You're not alone.

In fact, our next JasSuccess guest has the same fear.

"It was never easy. I'm not confident with interviews.."

Not only that.

"It wasn't easy finding the right clients."

So how did she overcome all these challenges?

How did she able to find her ideal clients?

Was she able to leave her corporate job for good?

Freelancing Gave Me More Freedom and More Time To Take Care of Myself - JSU 07072021

Introduction

Jenn Seprado worked as an IT and Admin Assistant, in a Corporate Industry. She only stayed in a company for a year or two. She even called herself a “job hopper”.

A graduate of IT but she never learned how to build a website, or even WordPress. She was just focused on computer networking and system administration part.

Now she's working for a US-based web agency, building websites for them and their clients.

Notable Quotes

• To those people who fear interviews, just like me, we need to practice and face it. Because if we are too comfortable, just like what other people say, if we are too comfortable then we will not grow.
•  Another thing that moved me is that chances or opportunities favor those who are prepared. And being prepared is where we learn the courses, applying what we have learned, then practice. Because if not, then you see an opportunity, there's a big chance that you will fail to achieve that opportunity.
•  Though it is not easy, we have to be consistent, one step at a time.

Journey to Freelancing

• She experienced working as an IT and Admin Assistant, in a Corporate Industry.
• Due to her course (IT) being broad, she also experienced working for telephone wiring, CCTV installation, and even projector repair. She was also electrified by telephone wiring.
• Tried to work in a call centre even if she struggled in speaking straight English. But in the end, she failed due to her communication skill.
• She quit work due to work environment, career growth and salary.
• She started to learn about freelancing when she browsed about earning extra income online. She found few articles about freelancing and it led her to the page of Work From Home Road Map (VA Bootcamp).
• She enrolled right away after reading the testimonials and started the course.
• She then discovered the WordPress and got so interested in it. She enjoyed while learning and told herself that she wanted this kind of job.
• In less than a month of sending proposals to different clients, she received responses right away.
• At first, she failed during the interviews as she's struggling with her communication skill. But she kept on practicing in front of the mirror until she overcomes the interview.
• She is now working for a US-based web agency, building websites for them and their clients.
• She started giving work to her nephews so they can also learn how to build websites and they will have an idea about freelancing. Her next goal is to build an agency.

Question and Answer

How were you able to sell yourself and your skills knowing that you are a very shy woman and know that you need to learn more?

For me to practice my skills when it comes to designs and building websites, I invested time and built my portfolio while doing research. And from there, I learned a lot.

After earning from small gigs (from Upwork), I bought some courses related to websites.

When it comes to my application, sometimes I make a sample for my client then I will ask them if they liked it or if it fits their needs. I will include the sample in my proposal or cover letter.

What made you decide to invest so much in Freelancing?

Because I was so interested in WordPress, I decided to loan a computer and I said to myself, no turning back. Because if I fail, I don’t know where to go. I really don’t want to go back to connecting telephone wires again.

Why were you attracted to WordPress?

To be honest, I think other freelancing courses mostly need interaction with the clients. Since I am struggling when it comes to interviewing, I have decided to focus on websites (WordPress).

My thinking was, if I am good at building websites, maybe they will no longer need an interview.

How did you overcome your fear since you don't have experience as a VA?

Practice. I am more scared of returning to the corporate world than to face the interviews of the clients. So, I have decided to face my fear when it comes to interviews.

My journey was not that easy, especially when it comes to interviews. However, after those experiences, I keep on assessing myself on the areas that I need to improve. I have experienced awkward moments, and that helps me build who I am right now.