Types of Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies supply a pool of candidates to fill employment vacancies. There are many types of recruitment agencies, but they all function on the behalf of employers and job seekers. They place job listings in newspapers and on websites to attract applicants. They read resumés, administer work skills tests, check references and screen applicants.
Generalist Recruiting Companies
Generalist recruiting find job candidates for a wide variety of companies and institutions. These agencies usually operate on a contingency basis. They send several candidates to companies as potential hires for entry or mid-level jobs. If the company extends an offer of employment to any of the candidates, the company pays the recruiting agency a referral fee. Generalist agencies may assign recruiters to specific industries, such as vocational trades or service sector. They may have recruiters fill specific positions in education or nursing, etc.
Niche Recruiting Agencies
Niche recruiting agencies find job candidates for employers in specific industries, such as engineering or defense. Niche recruiting agencies usually operate as search firms. They find potential hires for higher level positions, such as administration or management. Companies and institutions pay fees and expenses whether the candidate is hired or not. Niche recruiting agencies hold an advantage over generalists recruiting agencies in that they offer recruiting expertise in a particular field.
Temporary Staffing Agencies
Temporary staffing agencies find skilled workers to fill seasonal jobs and complete contract work. Temporary staffing agencies maintain a pool of clerical, customer service or vocational workers. The agencies assign temporary workers to positions with companies who request workers for specified period of time, for example, to fill in for permanent employees on maternity leave or vacation. Temporary staffing agencies manage the human resource and payroll records for the businesses that request temporary workers.