When you’re in the midst of a job search, it’s easy to focus on securing the position you want. However, for many professionals—particularly those in creative fields, technology, or consulting—the prospect of continuing to freelance alongside a full-time job can create some tricky decisions. One of the toughest questions can be whether or not you should disclose your freelance work plans to hiring managers during the interview process.
The short answer is: it depends. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to reveal that you plan to continue freelancing if hired for a full-time position. Let’s break down the key considerations that can help you make the right decision for your career and the specific role you’re applying for.
Company culture and values
Before deciding whether to disclose your freelance plans, take the time to research the company’s culture and values. Some companies may be more open-minded and flexible about employees pursuing side projects or freelance work, while others may have stricter policies around conflict of interest or loyalty.
Pro: If you’re applying to a company known for its flexible, entrepreneurial culture (such as a startup or creative agency), revealing your freelance work may actually be seen as a sign of initiative and resourcefulness. It shows that you’re proactive, adaptable, and can juggle multiple projects at once.
Con: On the flip side, companies that require full-time commitment or have a more traditional work culture (such as law firms, financial institutions, or corporations with strict non-compete agreements) may see freelancing as a potential conflict of interest or a distraction. In these cases, revealing your freelance plans might raise red flags about your commitment to the full-time role.
Job requirements and expectations
Take a close look at the job description and the responsibilities of the role. Does the job require a significant amount of time and focus? If it’s a demanding, high-pressure position (think management consulting, senior leadership, or other roles with intensive hours), it’s likely that freelancing on the side would be impractical.
Pro: If the position allows for flexible hours, remote work, or doesn’t have high-stakes, time-sensitive deliverables, freelancing may be more feasible and could be an asset, showing that you are versatile and skilled at balancing multiple projects.
Con: For highly demanding roles, especially those requiring long hours or frequent travel, the time commitments of freelancing could interfere with your ability to deliver on job expectations. In these cases, it’s important to assess whether you can truly manage both, without sacrificing performance in either area.
Transparency vs. tact
In any interview, honesty is important, but timing and tact matter. If freelancing is something you want to continue doing, it’s essential to be upfront, but you don’t necessarily have to disclose this right away unless asked directly.
If you’re asked during the interview about your availability or time management, it might be a good time to bring up your freelance work. Frame it in a way that emphasizes your ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and meet deadlines. You don’t need to dive deep into every side hustle you’re juggling, but acknowledge it in a way that shows you’re in control of your commitments.
Pro: If you’re asked about your other professional commitments, addressing freelancing directly can show that you’re well-organized and transparent. Just be sure to assure the hiring manager that it won’t interfere with the responsibilities of the full-time job.
Con: If you’re not asked, it’s better not to raise the topic prematurely. Over-disclosure about freelancing could unintentionally signal to a hiring manager that you’re not fully committed to the role, which may harm your candidacy.
Conflict of interest and ethical concerns
If your freelance work involves working for competitors or in a related field, it’s crucial to think about potential conflicts of interest. Many employers, especially in industries like tech, marketing, and consulting, have strict policies about working with competitors or handling sensitive company information outside of the business.
Pro: If your freelance work is entirely unrelated to your full-time job and doesn’t pose a conflict of interest, there’s usually no issue with continuing to freelance. Just be prepared to outline how you will ensure that your full-time role remains your priority.
Con: If your freelance work overlaps with the company’s interests or involves similar clients, this could lead to ethical concerns, even if you’re working remotely. In such cases, honesty is vital—especially in regard to non-compete clauses or confidentiality agreements you might need to sign.
How to approach the conversation
If you decide that revealing your freelance work is important, here are some key points to keep in mind when having the conversation:
- Frame it positively: Highlight your time management skills and how freelancing has helped you develop new skills that will benefit the company.
- Reassure your commitment: Emphasize that you’re committed to delivering outstanding results in your full-time role and that freelancing will not interfere with your job responsibilities.
- Be professional: If you have a portfolio of work or a freelance business, be clear about its scope and time commitment. Show that you’re organized and can prioritize the needs of your full-time job.
Should you keep freelancing a secret?
While honesty is generally the best policy, there are situations where it may be more prudent to keep your freelancing under wraps—at least until you’ve been in the role for a while. If the job requires you to sign a contract or agree to exclusivity terms, you should fully understand the implications of your freelance work. In some cases, you might be able to negotiate boundaries for your freelance activities after securing the position, but it’s always better to be transparent up front if freelancing could become an issue.
Final considerations
The decision to tell hiring managers that you plan to continue freelancing depends on the nature of the role, the company culture, and how well you can manage both commitments without sacrificing your performance. Transparency and communication are key, but so is balancing professionalism with tact.
Before you bring up freelancing in an interview, assess whether your freelance commitments could potentially impact your ability to thrive in the full-time role. If the full-time role is a priority for you and the freelance work can complement it without conflict, then it’s worth discussing in a way that emphasizes your ability to juggle both effectively. However, if there’s any chance that your side business could interfere with the job, it may be better to delay the conversation—or even reconsider freelancing during your tenure in the full-time role.
