Freelance recruiting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many talented recruiters spending their time working from anywhere instead of being tied down to a specific company or location.
The question of whether freelance recruiters can work remotely, or if they need to work in an office, is one that has been debated by many in the industry.
In this blog, I will explore the benefits and challenges of both remote and office-based recruiting to help you decide which approach is best for you.
Let’s kick off first with remote recruiting!
Remote recruiting, also known as virtual recruiting, involves working from a home office or another remote location.
This approach has become more popular in recent years thanks to advances in technology and the growing acceptance of remote work which was accelerated by the COVID pandemic.
One of the biggest benefits of remote recruiting is the flexibility you get!
As a freelance recruiter, you have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
This means you can work from home, a coffee shop, or even a beach in Bali if you want to.
You can also set your own schedule, which is great if you prefer to work early in the morning or late at night.
With the advancement of video interviewing it’s now very easy to meet and interview candidates without leaving the coffee shop you’re in.
Another benefit of remote recruiting is the ability to work with clients from all over the world.
This means you can tap into a much larger pool of talent, and you’re not limited to working with clients in your local area.
This can be particularly beneficial if you specialize in a niche area or if you’re looking for more challenging work.
However, remote recruiting also has its challenges.
One of the biggest challenges is staying motivated and focused.
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to procrastinate or get distracted by other things, such as household chores, social media or playing with the cat.
You need a serious level of self-discipline, as there’s no one around to keep you accountable.
Another challenge of remote recruiting is communication.
When you’re working remotely, you need to rely on technology to communicate with clients and candidates.
This can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the technology or if you’re dealing with clients who are in different time zones. It’s important to be proactive in your communication and to set clear expectations with your clients.
Now let’s take a look at the alternative
Office-based recruiting involves working from a traditional office environment. This approach has been the norm for many years, and it’s still the preferred option for many businesses.
Especially the large recruitment agencies,
One of the benefits of office-based recruiting is the social aspect.
After spending the last 6 years building Giig and spending a lot of time on my own I can attest to the fact that it can become a lonely state of affairs.
When you work in an office, you have the opportunity to interact with other recruiters and colleagues on a daily basis. This can be great for building relationships and sharing knowledge and best practices.
It can also really help with training and development.
It’s tough to know where you are making mistakes if you spend all your time working alone.
Another benefit of office-based recruiting is the structure it provides.
When you work in an office, you have a set routine and a designated workspace. This can help you stay focused and motivated, and it can also help you separate your work life from your personal life.
One of my biggest tips for anyone setting up as a freelance recruiter would be to find a way to separate your work and home life.
In the early days, I had a home office at the bottom of the garden which made a very clear divide between work and home and had a positive impact on productivity.
However, office-based recruiting also comes with its drawbacks!
One of the biggest challenges is the commute. It’s expensive and time-consuming!!!
Depending on where you live, you may need to spend a significant amount of time commuting to and from the office each day. This can be a drain on your energy and productivity.
Another challenge of office-based recruiting is the limited pool of talent. When you work in an office, you’re limited to working with clients and candidates in your local area.
This can be a disadvantage if you’re looking for more challenging work or if you specialize in a niche area.
So I guess we need to summarise by answering the question:
I might be biased but in my mind, the answer is yes.
While there are certainly arguments for why recruiters need to work in an office, there are also strong arguments for why recruiters can work remotely.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to work remotely will depend on the individual recruiter’s preferences and needs.
If you are considering working remotely as a freelance recruiter, there are several things to keep in mind.
First, it is important to have a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions.
This could be a separate room in your home or a co-working space. Additionally, it is important to have reliable technology, such as a fast internet connection and a reliable computer.
In conclusion, the debate about whether or not freelance recruiters can work remotely is ongoing.
While there are certainly arguments for both sides, it is ultimately up to you to determine what works best for you.
Whether you choose to work in an office or remotely, it is important to stay motivated, focused, and connected with your candidates and clients.
Photo by Anton Shuvalov on Unsplash
