Becoming a Freelance Recruiter - Help :-)

Hi Everyone,

I recently discovered this site and it's been an a great resource - I hope you all can help me out. I've been a technical recruiter for the last year and a half. I asked a billion questions, absorbed as much as possible and worked my tail off to build a relatively strong business of clients & candidates. I earn enough to meet my financial goals and more, and love the work. The problem is that my team has changed a lot and the commute (2-3 hours round trip) is starting to drive me nuts...

I'm planning on going off on my own. My fear is that while I understand the general business of recruiting and can make money, I am still a newbie and know there's so much more to learn. Financially, I'll be commission-only either way, so that's not my concern. I just wonder if I'm really ready to pull the trigger...

I would really appreciate any advice. Thank you very much!

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Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on October 30, 2011 at 6:40pm

If you wait until you are sure you are ready you will never do it. The question is do you have a non compete. If you do then take the non compete to an attorney and find out what risk you have about going out on your own.

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Permalink Reply by Raphael Fang on October 30, 2011 at 7:45pm

You are ready. Just remember, it doesn't matter who you work for, you will always make the same phone calls. It only depends on who do you want to make the phone calls for.

I was self employed and worked out of my home for a few years. However, I decided to join a firm earlier this year because I could no longer work for myself. It is getting tough as I don't have anyone to bounce ideas off. Self Employment is not for every one.

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Permalink Reply by Amber on October 31, 2011 at 1:48am

Working for someone else on straight commission is NOT the same as being self-employed. Usually your employer still provides resources, possibly other types of benefits. But if you are comfortable that you can pay for those things on your own, have checked that you're not tied to any type of non-compete agreement that will inhibit you going after business (Sandra mentioned to check on that if you signed something), and feel good about working alone (as Rafael said, that is definitely not for everyone), then you are probably ready. I am very glad that we have an office away from our house, because it gives me more motivation to be disciplined with my schedule! I also have started doing some calls with candidates as video calls, because we don't normally have local people to meet in person. There are many challenges and benefits to being self employed, I wish you the best whatever you decide!