Freelance recruiters match job candidates with open positions within corporations and small businesses.
Clients pay freelance recruiters a percentage of the candidate’s full-time salary to find the best employees fast.
With no college degree required, you can easily begin your career as a freelance recruiter with a telephone, computer, and internet access.
Here are five expert tips on how to interview candidates, connect with potential clients, and start your new career as a successful freelance recruiter.
In this post, you’ll learn about:
Get recruiting knowledge
On the job training as a recruiter is a must. There are very few books written on how to become a recruiter, most titles are geared towards becoming a salesperson. Knowledge of the sales process is imperative, but knowledge of human resources principles is crucial to your success as a freelance recruiter.
Determine the type of candidates you’ll place
The top freelance recruiters are specialists, not generalists. Most high-paying freelance recruiters are in the technology, executive search, marketing, and advertising or accounting fields.
Set your freelance recruiting fees
Recruiters are either paid either via contingency or retainer. If you are finding clients on a case-by-case basis you can charge a fee between 20%-33% of the first year’s salary of the candidate you place in any permanent position.
Retained search freelance recruiters require a flat fee for a few months or a year-long search for candidates.
Retained freelance recruiters get paid upfront in comparison to contingency headhunters who are paid only if a candidate accepts a full-time position.
Build your network of client contacts
You must develop a reputation in one particular industry to find the best candidates and the highest paying clients.
Cold-calling clients is one important method of finding open positions were your freelance recruiting services may be needed. Join one or two associations in your field of interest to find the best candidates for placement and prospective clients.
The best way to learn how to negotiate, evaluate candidates, cold-call clients, and make a successful placement is by obtaining work experience.
- Work for a minimum of 3-5 years before you start your freelance recruiting business.
- If you can recognize talented people and enjoy the opportunities to make high commissions, consider freelance recruiting as a new career option.
- Be prepared to hear the word no frequently as a freelance recruiter.
While a freelance recruiter doesn’t need a college degree to start their business, knowledge of basic human resources practices is necessary.