Feeling Overwhelmed: How Can I Start as a Freelance Recruiter and Ensure Payment?

Hi Swarup Bose, I am a data entry operator working in an MNC based in Kolkata full-time. One of our company's policies regarding recruitment is that if you refer a candidate and they get the job and work for a month, you will receive a referral bonus. I have successfully referred some candidates already, and I know there are several other companies that have similar policies.

Freelance Recruitment Venture

I have recently decided to work as a freelance recruiter in addition to my role as a data entry operator. My aim is to supply manpower to these companies and get paid by them. I do not intend to charge the candidates any fees. There are companies looking to hire Telecallers, Data Entry Operators, Sales Executives, and I am familiar with such companies. However, I am unsure about how to approach these companies to become a manpower supplier and how I will receive payment. When I refer a candidate to my current company, I can directly approach the HR for the referral bonus. But, with these other companies, I am confused about how to initiate the process and ensure payment. I am feeling overwhelmed by this new venture.

Thank you.

Dear Swarup Bose,

Whenever a vacancy arises in your company, if you refer a candidate to fill the position in accordance with the "Employee Referral Policy," there is nothing wrong as such. However, over time, you have gained expertise in referring candidates and now wish to capitalize on this expertise by recommending candidates to other companies as well. This could potentially pose a conflict of interest. Therefore, I recommend checking the terms and conditions of your employment as outlined in your appointment letter.

Many companies explicitly state that dual employment is prohibited. While freelancing is not considered direct employment, you will still receive remuneration for your referral services. Your company may view this as conflicting with the terms of your employment. Therefore, I advise you to tread cautiously. Your eagerness to earn a secondary income should not jeopardize your primary source of income.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar