Are you looking for a new job and feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of professional opportunities available to you? It can be difficult to find your way around and determine the right path to take! Fortunately, there’s a solution: a guide to the 10 types of staffing agencies.
As a job seeker or employer, you may already have used these agencies, which are designed to facilitate your career path and connect candidates with companies that match their skills and needs.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the different types of agencies that exist, so you can choose the one that best suits your professional goals and expectations. In this article, we’ll explore together the different types of staffing agencies to guide you towards success in your career.
Feel free to refer to the table of contents if you already have an idea of the type of agency that’s right for you!
The role of staffing agencies
Staffing agencies provide a variety of services, including the search and selection of qualified candidates, recruitment, placement, employee orientation and performance evaluation. They also help employers find qualified candidates for specific positions, and reduce the time and effort needed to hire employees.
Visit our complete guide to employment agencies to find out how they work, the recruitment process, the advantages of working with them, and more.
It’s essential to understand the types in order to choose an agency, so they’ll be detailed in the next section.
Types of staffing agencies
Each type of agency offers unique services, tailored to the specific needs of companies and job seekers. Your choice of agency will depend on your needs and your professional situation. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of staffing agencies, including their specialties/sectors, main services and associated jobs. We’ll explore each type in more detail below.
| Agency types | Specialties | Main services | Related jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| General staffing agency | All sectors | Recruitment, selection, placement | All positions, from blue-collar to executive |
| Specialized staffing agency | Specific areas | Specialized recruitment, placement, consulting | Positions specific to the agency’s field of expertise (e.g. IT, healthcare, finance) |
| Temporary employment agency | Temporary work | Recruitment and placement of temporary workers | Temporary positions in various sectors |
| Long-term staffing agency | Long-term work | Recruitment, long-term placement | Long-term positions in various sectors |
| Executive staffing agency | Executives | Executive search and selection, consulting | Executive and high-level positions |
| Online staffing agency | All sectors | Recruitment, selection, placement via digital technologies | All positions, from blue-collar to executive |
| Cross-sector staffing agency | Various fields | Recruitment, selection, placement in various fields | Positions in various sectors |
| International staffing agency | International work | Recruitment, selection, placement and international relocation | Positions abroad in various sectors |
| Student staffing agency | Student work | Student recruitment, selection and placement | Internships, summer jobs, part-time jobs for students |
| Remote staffing agency | Remote working | Teleworker recruitment and placement | Remote or teleworking positions |
Each type of agency offers specific services tailored to your needs and business sector. In the following sections, we’ll go into more detail about each type of agency. Take the time to read and choose the agency that best suits your needs. This will be of great benefit to you!
1. General placement agencies
Brief description
Generalist employment agencies are organizations that provide recruitment, selection and placement services in all sectors of activity. They have a large database of candidates with a wide range of professions and qualifications.
Specialties & Services
- Recruitment and selection: these agencies can help identify the most qualified candidates for a wide range of positions.
- Placement: they can help place candidates in temporary, contract or full-time positions.
- Human resources consulting: some can also offer advice on recruitment strategies, talent management, succession planning and more.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Diversity of candidates: Generalist agencies, among the different types of agencies, have access to a wide range of candidates, which can make it easier to find the right candidate for a job.
- Time-saving: They can help speed up the recruitment process by filtering and pre-selecting candidates.
- Flexibility: Because they recruit for all sectors, they can help companies fill a variety of positions.
Disavowals/Challenges
- Less specialization: Compared to a specialized agency, a generalist agency may lack expertise in specific business sectors.
- Candidate quality: Given their extensive database, candidate quality can vary.
A company example and a case study
Company example:An example of a generalist employment agency is Randstad, an international company offering recruitment services for a variety of sectors.
Case study: Let’s take the example of a large company in the distribution field that wants to hire staff for a variety of positions, from customer service to management responsibilities. Instead of using different specialized agencies for each position, the company uses a generalist placement agency like Randstad. Thanks to its vast network of professionals in various fields, Randstad is able to provide a list of qualified candidates for each position to be filled. The company can save time and resources by having a single point of contact for all its recruitment needs.
Summary of previous points
In short, among the different types of agencies, generalist placement agencies are an excellent option for companies looking to recruit in a variety of sectors. They offer a wide variety of candidates and a degree of flexibility. However, they may lack specialization in specific fields, and the quality of candidates may vary.
2. Specialized placement agencies
Brief description
Specialized employment agencies focus on specific areas of the job market. They have in-depth knowledge of their sector and a database of candidates with specialized skills.
Specialties & Services
- Specialized recruitment: among the various types of agency, these focus on recruiting candidates with specific skills.
- Career advice: they can offer candidates advice on their careers in specific sectors.
- Training: some specialized agencies offer training courses to help candidates improve their skills.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Expertise: They have in-depth knowledge of their sector, enabling them to understand the specific needs of companies and candidates.
- Candidate quality: These agencies often have access to highly qualified candidates.
- Time savings: Compared to other types of agencies, they can quickly identify suitable candidates thanks to their specialization,
Disavowals/Challenges
- Less diversity: The choice of candidates may be more limited than with a generalist agency.
- Cost: The services of a specialized agency may be more expensive due to their specific expertise.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Agence First Round is an example of a specialized placement agency. They focus mainly on recruitment in the event industry, stadium personnel and the food & beverage sector.
Case study: Imagine an organization planning a major sporting event requiring a team of temporary employees. Instead of using a generalist agency, she could turn to a specialist agency like First Round. Thanks to its network of event, stadium and food & beverage professionals, First Round can quickly supply qualified candidates for every position required.
Summary of previous points
In short, specialized employment agencies are an excellent option for companies looking for specific skills. They offer sector expertise, quality candidates and significant time savings. However, the choice of candidates may be more limited and costs may be higher than with a generalist agency.
For a more complete list of agencies by sector of activity and associated professions/positions, see our article on specialized employment agencies.
3. Temporary employment agencies
Brief description
Temporary employment agencies focus on recruiting and placing workers for limited-term positions. These positions can be seasonal, contract or temporary replacements.
Specialties & Services
- Temporary recruitment: They specialize in identifying candidates for positions of limited duration.
- Contract management: They manage the contractual aspects of temporary work, including employment contracts, payroll and benefits.
- Transition to permanent employment: Some agencies can also help temporary workers find permanent employment.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Flexibility: They offer the possibility of quickly filling vacant positions or managing work overloads.
- Skills assessment: These enable companies to evaluate the skills and adaptability of workers before offering them a permanent position.
- Cost savings: Companies can save on costs related to employee benefits and long-term contractual obligations.
Disavowals/Challenges
- Instability: For workers, temporary jobs can lack stability and security.
- Commitment: Compared to other types of agency, temporary workers may be less committed to their work and to the company.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Adecco is an example of a temporary employment agency operating on an international scale.
Case study: Let’s imagine a retail company that needs extra employees during the holiday season. Instead of going through the traditional recruitment process, the company uses Adecco to recruit and manage temporary workers. Adecco is able to supply skilled workers quickly for the peak period, enabling the company to manage the increased workload efficiently.
Summary of previous points
In short, temporary employment agencies are an excellent option for companies needing to fill vacancies quickly or manage work overloads. They offer great flexibility and can help reduce costs. However, temporary work can lack stability for workers and can lead to less commitment to the company.
4. Long-term or permanent placement agencies
Brief description
Long-term placement agencies specialize in recruiting and placing candidates for permanent or long-term positions. These agencies aim to build lasting relationships between employers and employees.
Specialties & Services
- Long-term recruitment: They identify and place candidates for permanent or long-term positions.
- In-depth assessment: These agencies generally carry out an in-depth assessment of candidates to ensure long-term compatibility with the company.
- Relationship management: They can help manage the relationship between employer and employee after the placement to ensure successful integration.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Stability: Compared to other types of agency, they offer stable, long-term employment opportunities for candidates.
- Efficiency: They enable companies to save time and resources on recruitment, by pre-selecting and thoroughly evaluating candidates.
- Quality of candidates: Candidates are generally highly qualified and willing to make a long-term commitment.
Disadvantages/Challenges
- Longer recruitment process: Finding the perfect candidate for a permanent position can take longer than for a temporary position.
- Cost: The service can be more expensive due to the long-term commitment compared to other types of placement agencies.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Hays is an example of a long-term employment agency. They offer recruitment services in a wide range of sectors.
Case study: Imagine a technology company looking to hire a project manager for a long-term project. Instead of going through the internal recruitment process, the company calls on Hays to find the ideal candidate. Hays carries out an in-depth assessment of potential candidates and proposes a candidate perfectly suited to the company’s needs.
Summary of previous points
In short, long-term placement agencies are ideal for companies seeking candidates for permanent positions. They offer highly qualified candidates ready to make a long-term commitment, and help save time and resources on recruitment. However, the recruitment process can be longer and more costly than with temporary employment agencies.
5. Executive placement agencies
Brief description
Executive placement agencies specialize in the search and selection of senior executives and managers. They often also provide consulting services to help companies attract, retain and develop top talent.
Specialties & Services
- Executive search: They identify and recruit candidates for management positions.
- Executive assessment: They carry out a thorough evaluation of potential candidates to ensure their suitability for management roles.
- Leadership consulting: They offer consulting services to help companies develop their leadership talents.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Access to top-level talent: Compared to other types of agency, they often have access to a network of experienced management talent.
- Expertise in executive selection: They have in-depth knowledge of what it takes to succeed in a management role.
- Consulting services: They can help companies improve their leadership strategies.
Disadvantages/Challenges
- Cost: The services of an executive placement agency can be more expensive due to the specialized nature of their work.
- Accessibility: Due to their specialization, these agencies may not be accessible to all companies.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Spencer Stuart is a leading company in the field of executive placement.
Case study: Suppose a multinational company is looking for a new CEO. The company hires Spencer Stuart to identify and recruit potential candidates. Thanks to its extensive network and expertise, Spencer Stuart identifies many highly qualified candidates that the company would not have been able to find on its own.
Summary of previous points
In short, executive placement agencies specialize in executive search and selection. They offer access to top talent and expertise in executive selection. However, their services can be more expensive and less accessible for some companies. They are ideal for companies looking to recruit talent for high-level management positions.
6. Online employment agencies
Brief description
Online employment agencies use digital technologies to offer recruitment, selection and placement services. They operate mainly via the Internet, enabling them to reach a wide audience and simplify the recruitment process. Unlike other types of agency, this is a more autonomous method.
Specialties & Services
- Online recruitment: They publish job offers and receive applications via digital platforms.
- Automated pre-selection: They can use AI tools to sort and pre-select candidates.
- Candidate matching: They can use algorithms to match candidates’ skills with job requirements.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Accessibility: Services are easily accessible for candidates and employers, wherever they are.
- Efficiency: The recruitment process can be fast and efficient thanks to automation.
- Wide reach: They have the ability to reach a large audience.
Disadvantages/Challenges
- Limited personalization: Services can lack personalization, as much of the process is automated.
- Technological dependence: Compared to other types of agency, they are highly dependent on technology, which can pose challenges in the event of technical problems.
A company example and a case study
Company example: LinkedIn is an example of an online job placement platform. It enables employers to post job vacancies and candidates to apply directly via the platform.
Case study: Suppose a start-up is looking to recruit a web developer. The start-up publishes a job offer on LinkedIn. Interested candidates apply directly via the platform. LinkedIn then uses AI tools to shortlist candidates based on job requirements.
Summary of previous points
In short, online employment agencies are efficient and accessible, able to reach a wide audience and speed up the recruitment process through automation. However, they can lack personalization and depend heavily on technology. They are ideal for companies looking to recruit quickly and on a large scale.
7. Cross-sector placement agencies
Brief description
Cross-industry employment agencies offer recruitment, selection and placement services across a wide range of sectors. They have expertise in several fields, enabling them to serve a wide range of customers with different needs.
Specialties & Services
- Multi-section recruitment: They are able to recruit candidates for jobs in a variety of sectors.
- Cross-industry consulting: They can provide advice on recruitment trends in different sectors.
- Cross-sector placement: They can place candidates in jobs in different sectors.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Versatility: They are able to serve a variety of customers in different sectors.
- Large candidate base: They have access to a large candidate base with different skills and experience.
- Diversified advice: They can provide advice on recruitment trends in different sectors.
Disadvantages/Challenges
- Lack of specialization: They may lack sector-specific expertise.
- Management complexity: Managing the recruitment needs of several sectors can be complex.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Adecco is an example of a cross-industry employment agency. It offers recruitment services in a variety of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare and more.
Case study: Suppose a company in the healthcare sector is looking to recruit a CFO. She calls on Adecco for this position. Thanks to its diverse candidate base and expertise in finance and healthcare, Adecco is able to find a candidate with both finance experience and knowledge of the healthcare sector.
Summary of previous points
In short, among the different types of agencies, cross-sector placement agencies are versatile and have a broad candidate base. They can provide recruitment services in a variety of sectors. However, they may lack sector-specific expertise, and managing several sectors can be complex. They are ideal for companies operating in several sectors or looking for candidates with diversified skills.
8. International placement agencies
Brief description
International placement agencies offer recruitment, selection, placement and international relocation services. They help companies hire talent from all over the world and support candidates in their migration to work.
Specialties & Services
- International recruitment: We can recruit candidates from all over the world.
- International placement: They can place candidates in jobs in different countries.
- Relocation services: They can help candidates relocate for work, providing advice on visas, housing, and more.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Access to global talent: They give companies access to a wide variety of talent from all over the world.
- Relocation assistance: They help candidates in their migration process for work.
- Immigration expertise: They can help navigate the immigration and labor laws of different countries.
Disavowals/Challenges
- Complexity: International recruitment can be complex due to differences in legislation and culture.
- Costs: Relocation costs can be high, both for the company and the candidate.
A company example and a case study
Company example: Hays is an example of an international employment agency. They offer recruitment services in many countries and sectors.
Case study: Suppose a US-based company is looking to recruit an engineer specializing in a very specific technology, and can’t find the right candidate locally. She called on Hays, which, thanks to its international network, found the ideal candidate based in Germany. Hays then helps facilitate the visa and relocation process so that the engineer can work in the United States.
Summary of previous points
In short, international placement agencies can provide access to global talent and help relocate candidates. However, international recruitment can be complex and costly. They are ideal for companies looking for specific talents they can’t find locally, or seeking to diversify their workforce.
9. Student placement agencies
Brief description
Student placement agencies focus on student-specific recruitment, selection and placement. They work closely with educational establishments and companies to provide students with employment and internship opportunities.
Specialties & Services
- Student placements: They focus on placing students in internships or part-time jobs.
- Career advice: They offer advice on career planning and job preparation.
- Partnerships with educational institutions: They work closely with universities and colleges to identify job opportunities for students.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Access to student-specific opportunities: They can provide student-specific employment opportunities, such as internships and part-time jobs.
- Career planning support: They can help students plan their careers and prepare for the world of work.
- Connections with educational institutions: They have close links with educational institutions, which can help facilitate student placement.
Disavowals/Challenges
- Limited opportunities: Available opportunities may be limited to internships or part-time jobs.
- High competition: There may be intense competition for available opportunities.
A company example and a case study
Company example: StudentJob is a student placement agency offering employment and internship opportunities to students in Europe.
Case study: Suppose a computer science student is looking for a summer internship. He registered with StudentJob and, thanks to their network, found a summer internship with a major technology company. This internship gives her valuable experience that will help her land a full-time job after graduation.
Summary of previous points
In short, student placement agencies offer students specific opportunities and career planning support. However, opportunities may be limited and competition intense. They are ideal for students looking for internships or part-time jobs to gain experience in their field of study.
10. Remote placement agencies
Brief description
Remote placement agencies specialize in recruiting and placing teleworkers. They meet the needs of an increasingly globalized and mobile workforce, where workers can perform their tasks from any location.
Specialties & Services
- Remote recruitment: They specialize in identifying qualified candidates for remote work.
- Remote placement: They help companies to effectively integrate remote workers.
- Remote work consulting: They offer advice on how to manage remote work effectively.
Advantages/Opportunities
- Access to a broad talent pool: They give companies access to a large pool of talent without being limited to a specific geographic area.
- Flexibility: They offer great flexibility for workers and employers.
- Reduced costs: Remote working can reduce costs for companies.
Disadvantages/Challenges
- Communication: Communicating with remote workers can be a challenge.
- Remote management: Effective management of remote workers may require specific skills and tools.
A company example and a case study
Company example: FlexJobs is a remote placement agency that helps workers find remote work opportunities.
Case study: Suppose a technology company is looking to hire a software developer, but is unable to find qualified candidates in its geographical area. Using FlexJobs, they are able to find a qualified developer based in another country who is willing to work remotely.
Summary of previous points
In summary, among the different types of agencies, remote placement agencies provide access to a large talent pool, offer great flexibility and can help reduce costs. However, remote communication and management can be a challenge. They are ideal for companies looking to leverage remote working to attract talent from all over the world.
Other types of staffing agencies
Of course, there are other types of employment agencies besides the 10 mentioned above. Although these are the main types, the others are just as important:
- Placement agencies for disabled workers: These agencies focus on placing workers with physical or mental disabilities. They can offer specific services to help these workers overcome barriers to employment.
- Placement agencies for former military personnel: These agencies specialize in placing military veterans in civilian jobs. They can help former military personnel translate their military skills and experience into terms that will be understood by civilian employers.
- Placement agencies for older workers: These agencies focus on placing older workers, who may have difficulty finding work due to ageism in the workplace.
- Refugee employment agencies: These agencies help refugees, who have often fled their home country because of war or persecution, to find work in their new country.
- Placement agencies for self-employed workers: These agencies focus on placing independent professionals on short- or long-term contracts. They can help manage the administrative details of self-employment, such as contracts and payments.
- Placement agencies for seasonal workers: These agencies focus on placing workers for jobs that are only available at certain times of the year, such as in agriculture or tourism.
- Placement agencies for retired workers: These agencies help workers who have retired but wish to continue working on a part-time or contract basis. They can help these workers find opportunities that match their lifestyle and post-retirement interests.
- Employment agencies for ex-prisoners: These agencies specialize in helping ex-prisoners find jobs after their release. They recognize the particular difficulties these individuals may face when trying to re-enter the workforce, and often provide additional services such as career advice, training and support to help overcome the obstacles associated with a criminal record.
- And more!
If you’d like to know more about any of these other types of agencies, please let us know in the comments and we’ll be happy to provide you with more information!
Conclusion
So you see, choosing the right placement agency is essential to finding the job that’s right for you.
Whether it’s a general or specialized agency, temporary or permanent, it’s up to you to decide. What are you looking for and what skills do you have? If you haven’t already answered these questions, these answers are essential to help you choose among the many types of staffing agencies.
Use the competition to your advantage, and don’t hesitate to compare offers to find the one that’s just right for you!
If you’re still not sure which of these agency types to choose, don’t hesitate to share your questions with us in the comments!
