How does one go about joining a free company?

[Pat]

do you have to wait til you're lvl 50 to join one.. cause everyone whose in one is lvl 50 from what ive perceived. I just want the benefits of a guild-like group.

[Hansuke]

You do not need to be a level 50 to join one. Anyone can join. It is actually best to join as a low level this way you have people helping you out when needed be. At level 50 people like to be in companies as it is easier to form level 50 full parties. (Full is 8 people.) That and Brayflox runs. It is all just a matter of opinion. It doesn't hurt to join one it only helps in the long run.

[Pat]

right, but is there a way to sign up for a free company? or does someone have to invite you? cause ive been playing for bout a week now with my conjurer bout lvl 30 and havent been invited or anything :S

[Erepio]

usually people shout in the main cities if an FC wants people...Otherway is right-click on some1 from the FC you want to join, click Compnay Profile and then Sumbit Applacation (if they have it open) or just send a tell to some1 from the FC you wonna join and ask for an inv, u can just check lodestone for officers names

[Pat]

ohh okay thanks :D

[The Squig]

if you go to the official ff14 forums you can navigate to the section for your server. Youll find FC recruitment posts there. http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/forums/666-Community

[NeoSaturos123]

And how high a rank one has to be to qualify as an officer? Literally an officer rank, like colonel, major, etc?

[Ehergiz D'Skarr]

If you're thinking of Grand Company, those are a very different thing than Free Company.

Free Companies are player driven, and any officering they do is their decision alone.

Grand Company you'll get told to join roundabouts level 20-25, as part of the main story, and you rank up in those by collecting and turning company seals, and sometimes doing tasks for them.