What does a self employed individual say to a Recruiter?
What does a self employed say?
1) Is it fine to say he/she is self employed to the Recruiter?
2) How does he/she justify the reasons for him/her to seek employment?
3) What does one say on the CV for the period of self employment?
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Jul 16, 2015
There is nothing wrong with being self-employed but just be ready for questions about it. The questions can be asked in several different ways (below) but they are really trying to find out why with different approaches:
1) Why aren't you still self-employed?
2) What made you want to make a change?
3) Why did you become self-employed?
Questions 1,2 and 3 are basically all the same. There is no shame in stating the truth on the resume, just be ready for questions.
Mar 20, 2014
I have to agree with most of the other comments. As a resume writer and career expert, I am getting more and more clients returning to the work force from self employment (primarily due to the economy). What you share with the recruiter may be dependent upon your relationship with him or her. However you proceed, be consistent and comfortable in the information you present to anyone while looking for work.
Mar 13, 2014
Tell them!
We understand and we get it! Contractors a.k.a the Self Employed make more money working independently. It makes complete sense. Just show your projects, clients, etc on your resume and provide any references if possible.
Mar 10, 2014
Megh,
It is absolutely fine to tell a recruiter that you are self employed, being able to give references for your work while self employed is always a big key so they know the type of work you are doing. Being self employed is no different than being employed by a company full time as you are still working. Be truthful on the reasoning why you are seeking other employment, if it is because work is slow or because you are wanting stability do not be afraid to mention that.
On your resume make sure you put the name of the company you have your clients write your check to and put "consultant". Under that you want to lay out each of your clients and what you did for them just like if they were any other job.
Mar 7, 2014
1) Yes, it is much more common today. Individual might be consulting, having started a small business in retail, etc.
2) Do not have to justify reasons for seeking employment...that would be seen as defensive. Should point out reasons such as "seeking more stability, better opportunity, position that will use your skills used in self-employment, as well as previous skills, accomplishments and experience in corporate America, etc."
3) Point out acccomplishments; consulting assignments (if consulting) with results of how you improved operations/sales/profits, etc. for your clients. Much better to state the names of the companies you assisted rather than just saying consulted in certain areas. But do not lie, do not make up something you did which you did not do. That can be easily checked.
Mar 6, 2014
This is a great question. 15 years ago, going from Self-Employed back to a W-2 working position was seen as a negative. However, today, it is actually viewed by many employers as a positive. Job candidates that have self-employment experience bring a level of expertise to a position that very few people can. Their perspective of business development, operation, staffing, marketing, branding, advertising, design,etc. is beyond the scope of a typical employee. Today, many people have an "online" business. So you are seen as a multi-faceted and talented employee. Bringing much greater depth and experience to a position than a typical job candidate.
On the cover letter, you can say something like this: "Being the (job title), my history of success and experience both as an employee and business owner in this area will prove to have a direct and immediate impact on (company name). When I sit across the desk from a client, I have a perspective that will be unique in having been self employed that will give immediate credibility to the client.
Justification? No need to justify going from self-employed to seeking employment. It is only an issue if you make it an issue. Having a small business, being a consultant, running an eCommerce site is very standard in today's market.
If you would like a professional opinion for your resume, you can get a free resume analysis here http://getmymomajob.com/free-resume-analysis
Mar 6, 2014
I'm a recruiter and I am self employed. i don't feel the need to justify the fact I own my own business nor should you. In my business I can document my track record of success and back it with references. You can do the same thing. Say the same things on your resume for your time in your own business you would working for another person. List your accomplishments and results of your labors. ACTION WORDS AND RESULTS will get the hiring authority's attention. It's no different than working for another, but you must not embellish the facts. That would be obvious and send up a red flag. Once the flag goes up your resume gets shifted to the bottom of the pile.
Mar 6, 2014
I often get this exact question for people when I provide informational interviews.
1. Yes, it is always good to be honest on your resume. To be self-employed is seen as a good thing because it shows that you are not afraid of a challenge. You are also a strong multi-tasker which is a very good attribute.
2. The economy isn't what it use to be so most employers will understand the change. Or you could be seeking an new and different challenge.
3. Please be honest....as long as it makes sense. You may want to try something new or you've reached a place in your career you may need further guidance.
One thing I'd like for you to consider is to be ready to show proof of income. That's the kicker for self-employed folks-- they tend to feel they can shoot out a number and hope it lands....be prepared to have financial documentation because there's no way around it.
Mar 6, 2014
This is a great question - as I know people going through this myself.
Here's some suggestions:
Have a sound reasons why you want to go back into an employee relationship. This could look like:
- been in business for xx years and achieved or built xx
- now its time for a change, so I can make a contribution to someone else's business
- I developed a strong network in xx and skills doing xx - so I would be an assett for xx type of organisation.
1. Yes of course its fine to say you have been self employed - this shows strong capability, persistence, determination and creativitiy (along with all the skills you need to succeed in business)
2. In terms of justifying reasons to seek employment - see my initial comments above.
3. Principal of xxx business, from xx to present
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Jacquie
Job Boot Camp
Mar 6, 2014
Self-employment is no a scarlet letter as it once was. The talent pool has been disseminated by the exodus of 78 mm baby-boomers and only 37 mm gen-Xrs. This Talent Gap has caused many recruiters, third-party and corporate to increase the willingness to hire those with a self-employment history.To represent self-employment to a recruiter is best done by showing quantified accomplishments versus creative descriptions. Most of all, be upfront. If a period of self-employment was actually unemployment, be truthful. As a veteran search consultant, I am happy to work with any totally forthcoming candidate. I run the other way if I see any level or form of misrepresentation.
On your CV/resume, clearly show what you did during a period of self-employment even when it is not directly related to other career experience. The massive reductions and lay-offs since 2001 forced many folks to gain an income from various forms of self-employment. Any references you could quote in your CV or resume about such a period is very helpful at overcoming any objections.
Finally, seeking out a potential employer by picking up the phone and contacting hiring managers is always more effective than the passive avenues offered today by technology.
Thanks Joshua