As a self-employed recruiter working on a commission basis, I’m curious about the best approach for reaching out – should I contact candidates first or clients? Since I come from a corporate recruiting background, client acquisition is a whole new ballgame for me.
I’m finding it challenging to connect with potential clients. Should my initial outreach be to clients or candidates? Is it necessary to have candidates lined up before I start contacting clients? If I do need candidates in place, how can I prevent clients from directly approaching them, which could jeopardize my commission? Should I consider withholding their names? Everything feels quite overwhelming right now.
I’d love to hear about successful strategies you’ve used!
RCadmin
Starting out as a self-employed recruiter can definitely feel a bit daunting, especially when it comes to balancing client and candidate acquisition. Here’s my take on the best approach:
1. Start with Client Outreach: As a recruiter, your clients (companies looking to hire) ultimately drive your business. Establishing relationships with potential clients first lays the groundwork for your recruiting efforts. When you have solid clients, the candidate search becomes more strategic and aligned with specific needs.
2. Build a Candidate Pipeline: While some recruiters prefer to have candidates lined up before securing clients, it’s also essential to have a clear understanding of the type of talent your clients need. Once you establish a client relationship, you can then tailor your candidate search accordingly.
3. Protecting Your Commission: If you’re concerned about clients reaching out to your candidates directly, you can implement a few strategies:
– Use Introductions: When presenting candidates, provide a brief profile without full details initially, and offer to share resumes once the client expresses interest.
– Written Agreements: Consider using basic agreements or engagement letters that outline the understanding that any candidates you present are yours for a specified period. This sets clear expectations.
4. Networking is Key: Focus on building a network in your targeted industries. Attend networking events, join industry-related groups on LinkedIn, and leverage any existing contacts you may have from your corporate recruiting days.
5. Finding a Balance: While you should emphasize client outreach, begin building your candidate pool concurrently. If you have a conversation with a potential client and they express interest, being able to quickly present candidates can give you an edge.
Success Strategies:
– Identify Your Niche: Specializing can enhance your credibility and attract both clients and candidates.
– Use Social Proof: Showcase your past successes as an in-house recruiter to attract clients.
– Engage with Candidates: Build relationships with top talent even before you have an open position. This way, you’ll have a trusted pool of candidates ready when opportunities arise.
Overall, it’s all about fostering relationships—both with clients and candidates. Good luck with your recruiting journey!