17 Best Recruitment Agencies Reviewed In 2025
Best Recruitment Agencies Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Recruitment agencies typically manage tasks such as sourcing qualified candidates and ensuring compliance with hiring regulations. By outsourcing these aspects of recruitment, HR teams can redirect their focus to other priorities and reduce the need for in-house expertise. However, selecting the right agency can be difficult, given the numerous choices out there.
Using my experience with HR services and recruitment solutions, I assessed and compared several of the leading recruitment agencies. Then, I compiled my findings into detailed reviews to help you identify the best agency for your specific hiring needs.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.
Best Recruitment Agencies Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for connecting with agencies | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website | |
| 2 | Best for creative talent | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for personalized staffing solutions | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for bilingual and multicultural recruitment | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for industry specialization | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for executive search | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for large enterprises | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for temporary staffing | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for international recruitment expertise | No free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for finance roles | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
-
HiThrive
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Guru
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Recruitment Agencies Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best recruitment agencies that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Deel is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses connect with recruitment agencies to find and hire talent globally. It’s not a recruitment agency itself—instead, Deel gives you access to a vetted network of agencies and manages the entire hiring process from one dashboard.
Why I picked Deel: I picked Deel because it connects you with a global network of vetted recruitment agencies and brings everything into one platform—job postings, candidate submissions, and onboarding. Instead of managing agencies manually, you can track performance metrics like time-to-hire, applicant volume, and spend. Again, while Deel isn't a recruitment agency itself, it brings a unique approach to the table by supporting global recruiting without requiring you to work with separate tools and networks.
Standout Services: Deel includes the ability to define open roles with details like title, job description, location, and compensation to get better-matched candidates from agency partners. Deel also handles full compliance, taking care of worker classification and local labor law requirements. Once you choose a candidate, onboarding happens right in the platform—whether you’re hiring them as a contractor or employee.
Target Industries: Fintech, ed tech, insurance, marketing, IT, and consumer goods.
Specialties: Global talent sourcing, multi-country compliance management, contractor hiring, employee onboarding, recruitment agency coordination, and role-based job requisitioning.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great visibility into recruiter performance
- Helps hire quickly across multiple countries
- Strong compliance support built in
Cons:
- No internal candidate database
- You need to rely entirely on Deel's partner agencies
Aquent Talent specializes in creative and marketing staffing solutions, with a focus on temporary and contract roles. The company serves businesses seeking professionals in design, marketing, and digital media.
Why I picked Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent focuses on creative roles, making sure your team has access to top professionals in design and marketing. They offer flexible staffing solutions for both short-term and long-term needs. This helps your company’s creative projects by connecting you with skilled individuals who understand the industry.
Standout Services: Aquent Talent’s digital marketing services supply your team with marketers who can enhance your online presence and drive engagement. Additionally, their UX design staffing feature provides experts who can improve user experience on your platforms, addressing key challenges in digital interaction.
Target Industries: Design, marketing, advertising, digital media, and technology.
Specialties: Creative talent, digital marketing, UX design staffing, contract roles, and marketing professionals.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on digital skills
- Flexible staffing options
- Specializes in creative roles
Cons:
- Potentially high full-service costs
- Primarily creative-focused services
LaSalle Network provides staffing and recruiting services across multiple sectors, specializing in temporary, temporary-to-permanent, and permanent placements. The company focuses on matching candidates for both short-term and long-term roles to meet various client needs.
Why I picked LaSalle Network: LaSalle Network is known for personalized staffing solutions that match your business needs. Their approach helps you find talent quickly, whether you're looking for temporary support or long-term employees. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changing workforce requirements.
Standout Services: LaSalle Network’s temporary staffing service helps you fill short-term roles to manage workload spikes and seasonal demands. Plus, their direct hire recruitment supports your search for full-time talent, connecting you with candidates who fit your company's culture and needs.
Target Industries: Finance, information technology, healthcare, administrative, and sales.
Specialties: Temporary staffing, permanent placement, temporary-to-permanent placement, executive search, and Midwest market expertise.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad industry coverage
- Experienced recruitment consultants
- Strong Midwest market focus
Cons:
- Complex service options
- May not suit national businesses
Barbachano International offers executive search, executive coaching, and outplacement services, focusing on diverse and multicultural markets. They serve a variety of industries including manufacturing and technology.
Why I picked Barbachano International: Barbachano International stands out for its specialization in bilingual and multicultural recruitment. Their services are tailored to connect companies with candidates who have the cultural and language skills needed for roles in diverse markets. This focus supports your team in finding talent that bridges communication and cultural gaps effectively.
Standout Services: Barbachano International’s bilingual talent acquisition service helps you hire candidates fluent in multiple languages, crucial for roles that require communication across borders. Additionally, the executive search service focuses on finding top leaders with experience in Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, addressing your need for leadership that understands these specific business environments.
Target Industries: Manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, technology, and consumer goods.
Specialties: Executive search, leadership advisory, executive coaching, outplacement, and multicultural markets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Diverse industry coverage
- Bilingual and multicultural expertise
- Strong focus on Latin America
Cons:
- Primarily focused on executive roles
- Complex service offerings
MRINetwork provides recruitment services specializing in executive search and talent acquisition. The company serves multiple industries and focuses on filling mid-to-senior level open positions for a diverse range of clients.
Why I picked MRINetwork: MRINetwork focuses on industry-specific recruitment, offering solutions for sectors like finance and healthcare. Their industry knowledge helps you find the right talent for specialized roles, ensuring your team gets candidates with the specific skills needed for success.
Standout Services: MRINetwork’s franchise model allows your organization to leverage local expertise and build strong networks in specific regions. Plus, with talent advisory services, MRINetwork guides your hiring strategy to align with evolving market trends, addressing your core business challenges effectively.
Target Industries: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods.
Specialties: Executive search, talent acquisition, franchise model, talent advisory, and industry-specific recruitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored recruitment strategies
- Local market expertise
- Extensive network of professionals
Cons:
- May not suit small businesses
- Limited international presence
Korn Ferry provides services in organizational strategy, talent acquisition, and leadership development. They support essential business functions and work with industries such as consumer markets, financial services, and healthcare.
Why I picked Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry specializes in executive search and offers talent acquisition solutions that align with leadership development. They help your team find leaders who fit your strategy and can drive growth and change. Ultimately, their focus is on boosting your organization's performance by aligning the best talent with your needs.
Standout Services: Korn Ferry's leadership development programs equip your team with skills to foster growth and drive change within your organization. Additionally, their organizational strategy services help align operations and talent to enhance overall performance, addressing core business challenges effectively.
Target Industries: Consumer markets, financial services, healthcare, technology, and government.
Specialties: Organizational strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, cybersecurity, and human resources.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on leadership development
- Global presence
- Strong industry expertise
Cons:
- May not fit small businesses
- Complex service structure
ManpowerGroup offers staffing solutions and workforce management services, specializing in temporary, permanent, and contract roles. The company serves large enterprises across various industries, providing customized solutions for complex hiring requirements.
Why I picked ManpowerGroup: ManpowerGroup specializes in helping large enterprises handle extensive hiring needs. They offer workforce management solutions that help your team deal with market changes and keep up productivity. This support makes it easier to adjust to shifting workforce demands.
Standout Services: ManpowerGroup’s workforce management services provide strategic support to optimize your staffing needs, ensuring alignment with your business objectives. Plus, with talent resourcing, ManpowerGroup helps you access a vast network of skilled professionals, addressing critical skill gaps and enhancing operational efficiency.
Target Industries: Manufacturing, finance, healthcare, technology, and retail.
Specialties: Temporary staffing, permanent placement, workforce management, talent resourcing, and contract roles.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on large enterprises
- Flexible staffing solutions
- Extensive global network
Cons:
- May not suit small businesses
- Limited trial offerings
Kelly Services provides staffing agency solutions across multiple sectors, focusing on both temporary and permanent placements. The company serves industries including education, engineering, and healthcare, meeting a range of client needs.
Why I picked Kelly Services: Kelly Services focuses on temporary staffing solutions, making them a good fit for businesses with changing workforce needs. Their skill in matching candidates to roles helps your team stay productive without long-term commitments. This flexibility makes it easier to handle seasonal or project-based demands.
Standout Services: Kelly Services’ outsourcing and consulting services assist your organization in improving workforce efficiency by handling HR processes and strategic planning. Plus, with education staffing, Kelly Services provides qualified educators to meet short-term and long-term needs in schools and educational institutions.
Target Industries: Education, engineering, healthcare, IT, and finance.
Specialties: Temporary staffing, permanent placement, outsourcing, consulting, and education staffing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories
- Experienced recruitment specialists
- Flexible hiring solutions
Cons:
- Potentially high service fees
- Complex service options
Goldbeck Recruiting provides recruitment and staffing solutions, specializing in executive search and international talent placement. They support various business needs, serving a diverse client base across industries.
Why I picked Goldbeck Recruiting: Goldbeck Recruiting is known for its strong focus on international recruitment, helping you access talent across borders. They offer both temporary and permanent placement services, giving your team flexibility for different hiring needs. This expertise supports your global hiring strategy and ensures candidates meet specific role requirements.
Standout Services: Goldbeck Recruiting’s executive search service helps you find top-level talent with experience in international markets, which is essential for strategic roles. Additionally, its international staffing solutions make it easier for you to hire qualified candidates from different countries, addressing global recruitment needs efficiently.
Target Industries: Manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, technology, and construction.
Specialties: Executive search, cross-border recruitment, technical recruitment, talent acquisition, and leadership roles.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Experienced consultants
- Skilled technical recruitment
- Cross-border recruitment options
Cons:
- Complex service options
- Primarily Canadian-focused services
Robert Half provides staffing solutions and consulting services, specializing in finance, accounting, and IT roles. The company serves a wide range of businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations.
Why I picked Robert Half: Robert Half specializes in finance roles, making it a good fit for businesses needing accounting and financial professionals. They offer both temporary and full-time placement options, helping your team stay flexible in changing market conditions. This expertise helps you maintain financial accuracy and compliance.
Standout Services: Robert Half’s project consulting services help your business tackle specific challenges by providing experts in finance and IT who can offer immediate solutions. Plus, with temporary staffing, Robert Half allows you to manage short-term needs efficiently, keeping your operations smooth without long-term commitments.
Target Industries: Finance, accounting, IT, legal, and administrative.
Specialties: Finance roles, temporary staffing, project consulting, IT staffing, and executive search.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible staffing solutions
- Extensive network of professionals
- Offers temporary and permanent placements
Cons:
- May not suit all business sizes
- Primarily focused on finance industries
Other Recruitment Agencies
Here are some additional recruitment agencies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Alliance Recruitment Agency
For global reach
- Bridge Technical Talent
For IT recruitment
- Airswift
For global energy sector
- Motion Recruitment
For tech industry roles
- Teema
For flexible staffing solutions
- Aerotek
For manufacturing staffing
- A+ Staffing
For event staffing
What Do Recruitment Agencies Typically Offer?
Recruitment agencies and recruiting firms are organizations that help businesses find suitable candidates for job search openings. They might offer things like:
- Temporary and permanent staffing
- Executive search and placement
- Candidate screening and interviews
- Industry-specific recruitment services
Businesses of all sizes, especially those in HR, IT, and finance, often seek recruitment agencies to address hiring challenges. These agencies help fill roles quickly and efficiently, ensuring the right fit for both the position and company culture.
Recruitment Agencies Selection Criteria
When selecting the best recruitment agencies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like reducing time-to-hire and managing recruitment costs. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Temporary and permanent staffing
- Executive search and placement
- Candidate screening and interviews
- Industry-specific recruitment
- Talent acquisition strategy
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Global recruitment capabilities
- Specialized diversity hiring programs
- Workforce analytics and insights
- Employer branding services
- Customized training programs
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Number of years in business
- Specific industry expertise
- Track record with similar clients
- Knowledge of market trends
- Success stories and case studies
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Speed of integration
- Clarity of onboarding materials
- Personalized support during onboarding
- Availability of training sessions
- Ease of communication with support team
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support channels
- Response time to inquiries
- Quality of assistance provided
- Proactive communication
- Client relationship management
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency in pricing
- Competitive pricing structure
- Flexibility in service packages
- ROI potential for services offered
- Discounts or incentives available
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency in positive feedback
- Highlighted strengths and weaknesses
- Resolution of negative feedback
- Satisfaction with results achieved
- Quality of ongoing support
How to Choose Recruitment Agencies
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Align agency services with your goals. If you're expanding, focus on agencies with a proven track record in scaling teams. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Check the range of services offered and their SLAs. Ensure they cover your needs, whether it’s temporary staffing or executive search. |
| Support Availability | Ensure the agency offers timely support tailored to your business hours and needs. Look for 24/7 support if you have global operations. |
| Cost and Pricing Structure | Evaluate if pricing is transparent and fits your budget. Understand all fees, including hidden ones, to avoid surprises. |
| Communication and Reporting | Choose agencies that offer clear communication and regular reports, so you’re always informed about recruitment progress. |
| Industry Expertise | Select an agency with expertise in your industry to ensure they understand your specific hiring challenges and requirements |
| Geographic Reach | Consider agencies with a presence in your target regions if you're hiring internationally to ensure they navigate local markets effectively. |
| Reputation and Reviews | Research agency reputation through reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback from businesses similar to yours can indicate a reliable partnership. |
Recruitment Agencies Key Services
When selecting a recruitment agency, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Temporary Staffing: Provides flexible workforce solutions to manage peak workloads and project-based needs.
- Permanent Placement: Helps fill long-term roles with candidates who align with company culture and goals.
- Executive Search: Targets top-level management positions to secure leadership that drives growth and innovation.
- Candidate Screening: Streamlines the hiring process by conducting initial interviews and assessments.
- Industry-Specific Recruitment: Focuses on finding talent with specialized skills for specific sectors.
- Global Recruitment: Expands talent search across international markets to fill roles with diverse candidates.
- Workforce Management: Offers strategies to optimize staffing needs and align them with business objectives.
- Diversity Hiring Programs: Promotes inclusive hiring practices to build a diverse workforce.
- Employer Branding: Enhances a company's reputation as an employer of choice to attract top talent.
- Talent Analytics: Provides insights into workforce trends and performance to improve recruitment strategies.
Benefits of Recruitment Agencies
Partnering with a recruitment agency offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time-Saving: Recruitment agencies handle candidate screening and interviews, freeing up your team's time for other tasks.
- Access to Talent: They provide access to a vast network of candidates, including those not actively seeking new roles.
- Expertise in Hiring: Agencies specialize in various industries, ensuring you get candidates with the right skills and experience.
- Flexible Staffing Options: With services like temporary staffing, you can quickly adapt to changing business needs.
- Improved Candidate Fit: Agencies focus on matching candidates to your company culture, reducing turnover rates.
- Diverse Talent Pool: Diversity hiring programs help you create a more inclusive workplace.
- Market Insights: Talent analytics and market trends provide valuable data to refine your recruitment strategies.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Contingency Fee: Payment is made only when a candidate is successfully hired.
- Retainer Fee: A fixed fee is paid upfront for ongoing recruitment services.
- Percentage of Salary: Fees are calculated as a percentage of the hired candidate's salary.
- Flat Fee: A fixed amount is charged for each recruitment project or service.
- Hourly Rate: Charges are based on the time spent on recruitment activities.
Key Factors That Influence Recruitment Agencies Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of recruitment agencies:
- Industry Specialization: Niche industries may require more specialized recruitment efforts, affecting costs.
- Geographic Location: Recruiting in high-demand or remote areas can increase expenses.
- Candidate Level: Executive and specialized roles typically incur higher fees due to the complexity of the search.
- Volume of Hires: The number of positions to be filled can impact the overall cost.
- Customization Needs: Tailoring services to fit specific company requirements can add to the price.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Recruitment Agencies: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about recruitment agencies:
How do recruitment agencies find candidates?
Recruitment agencies use a variety of methods to find candidates, including job opportunity boards, social media, and professional networks. They also maintain a database of potential candidates and may reach out to passive job seekers who aren’t actively looking. By leveraging their industry connections, agencies can quickly identify and contact qualified candidates for your job openings.
What should I expect during the recruitment process?
When you partner with a recruitment agency, expect an initial consultation to discuss your hiring needs and goals. The agency will then source and screen candidates, providing you with a shortlist of the best fits for your roles. You’ll have the opportunity to interview selected candidates, and the agency will facilitate communication and negotiation throughout the process.
How long does it take to fill a position?
The time it takes to fill a position varies based on factors like the role’s complexity and the current job market. However, recruitment agencies often reduce the time-to-hire by quickly sourcing and screening candidates. They aim to present you with suitable candidates within a few weeks, though more specialized roles may take longer.
Can recruitment agencies help with temporary staffing?
Yes, recruitment agencies often provide temporary staffing solutions to meet short-term or project-based needs. They have a pool of qualified temporary workers ready to fill roles quickly, allowing your team to maintain productivity without long-term commitments. Temporary staffing companies can be particularly useful during peak seasons or for covering employee absences.
What industries do recruitment agencies serve?
Recruitment agencies typically serve a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Some agencies specialize in niche markets, offering expertise in specific sectors. It’s important to choose an agency with experience in your industry to ensure they understand your unique hiring needs and challenges.
How do fees work with recruitment agencies?
Fees for recruitment agencies can vary based on the pricing model used, such as contingency fees or retainers. Typically, fees are based on a percentage of the new hire’s salary or a flat fee per placement. It’s important to discuss and understand the fee structure upfront to ensure it aligns with your budget and hiring needs.
What’s Next?
To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers.