In the medieval era, what kind of person would join a mercenary company? What was the recruitment process?

by Kegaha

I asked this question a first time a few months ago, but since it didn't get any answer, I reposted it. I believe it doesn't go against the rules, but please tell me if I am mistaken.

DanKensington

Worry not; if you didn't get any answers last time, it's entirely acceptable to repost. After all, it's entirely possible that your question might not have been seen by the person who could provide an answer, or it was just a bad time for them, or any of a dozen Things That Go Off that are part and parcel of everyday life.

Anyways, onto your question specifically, you're in luck - I'm deep-diving for additions to my Medieval Armies Compilation, and I have for you a whole bunch of posts specifically related to mercenaries of the Medieval era. As always, should anyone have a proper post to make that answers OP's question, don't let me stop you!

u/AlviseFalier is the standout here, with four! posts on Medieval mercenaries, with special reference to Italy:

For a late Medieval look, one cannot overlook the German Landsknechte, examined in detail here by u/sunagainstgold and u/hborrgg.