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Will firms ask for proof of previous "freelance works"?

During the onboarding process, when verifying work experience, do companies typically ask for “proofs of doing freelance work"?

I'm currently on a career break and doing some side works such as coaching and tutoring. I'm also considering to work on smaller freelance works that don't occupy my time (ex: Upwork), which would take up less than 50% of my time. Under such context, will companies ask for “proof” of the freelance works? Considering that these are minor / less formal projects instead of full-time freelance / contractor roles, I would assume that the company would not ask?

Thanks!

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Dec 01, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Highly unlikely. However, if you need proof you have it if you're using a site like upwork!

on Aug 17, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

It's very very very unlikely to get asked for ‘proof’. 

However, it's rather likely that you'll get asked about the sort of freelance work that you did. 

The hope then is that you have a strong, believable, articulate answer. It's rather easy to figure out when an answer is fake. 

So don't worry too much about it. Just make sure that before the actual interviews you do a quick memory exercise to remember what were the main sort of projects that you did during your freelance times. 

Best,
Cristian

on Aug 18, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Under such context, will companies ask for “proof” of the freelance works?

They might ask for that during the background check, but if the experience is real you don’t need to worry about it. You should have enough proof of the activity with invoices or client communication via email.

Best,

Francesco

Andi
Coach
on Aug 16, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | Experienced Hires

Hi there,

nothing to worry about - strategy consulting firms will usually not make you verify / grill you on this one. If anything, an interviewer may ask a question or two out of curiosity, if he/she even notices, but that's about it.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

on Aug 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

If this is for MBB / strategy consulting, I have not heard of this happening. This experience is arguably not a strong / relevant one, so that's why they are not going to be bothered by it.

Deleted user
on Aug 29, 2023

Hello,

You most likely won’t get asked for direct proof. However, you may be asked about these experiences during the interview. If you actually did these projects, don’t hesitate to put them on your resume.

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