Ask HN: Interview about building website without a portfolio

2 pointscrindy12y ago2 comments

I just got off the phone with someone who needs a website built for their company. On thursday, I am meeting with them in person. The guy on the phone said it was to discuss what needs to be done, talk about how much I charge, and to show him some stuff I've built.

It's that last part that has me worried.I've built a handful of toy websites, a couple of wordpress sites for family/friends, but from his description over the phone, he wants a lot more than that. I don't actually have any evidence that I can get the job done, although I'm quite confident in my abilities.

How would you approach this situation?

2 comments

2 comments · 2 top-level

404error12y ago

It's been tough for me as well. I work for a newspaper and most of my time is spent here duck taping things together. I don't have much free time to work on side project and what little free time I do have I like to spend away from a computer.

I recently had an interview and was asked to show some of my previous work. Like you all I had were small project sites and any real work for me is sitting behind a firewall on server that is only accessed at work.

I had a phone interview then a face to face. Everything went well, but with out any real work to show I feel I was at a disadvantage. Good luck. Let me know what how it goes. Maybe your interview strategy can shed some light.

rajacombinator12y ago

Be upfront. If your "toy" portfolio is impressive enough maybe he'll pay you to learn, which is what you're offering.

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