Top Recruiters for Tech Startups in 2023 [Ranked & Reviewed]

By Shanzae Solangi · Updated January 17, 2023

It might not be the most cheerful thing you will read today, but the truth is that 90% of all startups fail.

The reasons for such a vast number are plentiful and usually quite obvious. One common factor, however can be attributed towards an inadequate team.

Finding skilled employees in the early years of a tech startup is not easy. You don't have the funding to match the competitive salary packages. Nor do you have a name to attract enough motivated and talented individuals. Not yet, at least.

The recruiting process requires time and resources. Instead of going through this time-consuming task, startups can hire top recruiters to do it for them, saving valuable time and resources in the process. Startups can then use the saved time and resources to streamline their workforce's productivity.

There are thousands of potential top recruiters for tech startups to choose from. Thankfully, we know a thing or two about this process and have cherry-picked 12 of the most suitable firms best suited for tech startup recruitment.

Top 12 Recruitment Agencies for Tech Startups

Salt Digital Recruitment

Overview

Bio: Salt Digital Recruitment is a customer-centric digital search, recruitment, and advisory agency. It helps fish out the best individual or commercial talent. Suppose that's not enough, head to their Awards and Achievements page. It's where they've presented all their shiny medals.

Services Offered

Contract Based: Best for startups needing remote freelancers or in-house support.
Permanent: Best for quick hiring. Covers the entire process from A to Z.
Executive Search: Help find senior-level, highly skilled talent. Moreover, it helps develop your startup's executive employee value proposition (EVP).
Salt:X: Best for hiring lots of people. Includes Digital Recruitment Outsourcing (DRO) for permanent staff and Digital Managed Service (DMS) for contract hire.

Expertise: Consulting, Creative, HR, Marketing, Sales, and Technology roles

Years in Business: Since 2003

Location: They have offices in various areas, including Brussels, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, and London.

Overall Rating:

3.9/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

TEKsystems

Overview

Bio: TEKsystems is an all-rounder recruiting agency that places professionals in startups. They connect you to the right individual, which could help your business scale up.

Services Offered

Maximize Technology ROI: This includes,
1. Optimizing your enterprise with smart cloud modernization
2. Building world-class platforms on the cloud
3. Building a data-driven culture
4. Application innovation
5. AI, ML & automation
Agile transformation
Drive Business Growth: This includes,
1. Business modernization
2. Technology operations management
Elevate Customer Experience: This includes,
1. Puts together a digital brand strategy and elegant design with the help of their digital agency called One North
2. Promote growth by understanding and predicting customer needs.
3. Transformation of business with a frictionless, secured digital work experience
Mobilize Talent: Source, place, and develop top talent specialized in cloud, data, digital, DevOps, security, and more.

Expertise: Telecommunication, Healthcare, Financial Services, Technology, Public Sector, Consumer & Industrial Products, and Entertainment.

Years in Business: Since 1994.

Location: TEKsystems has over 100 offices throughout Asia, North America, and Europe.

Overall Rating:

4.1/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Michael Page

Overview

Bio: When it comes to recruiting agencies, you probably would have heard of the name 'Michael Page.' It's one of the leading recruiting agencies that are known for picking out talent that can prove to be a great asset to a startup.

They have worked with many top clients, including Universum and FlightSafety International. These clients swear by their recruitment services!

Services Offered

Attraction and Recruitment: Recruitment expertise in various industries
Development and Retention of Employees
Salary Guide: Comprehensive skill and salary guides for different roles
Help with the Induction of Employees

Expertise: Legal, Financial, Oil and Gas, IT, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Marketing, and HRM.

Years in Business: Since 1976

Location: Michael Page has offices across various countries and regions.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Korn Ferry

Overview

Bio: Korn Ferry was started by Lester B. Korn and Richard M. Ferry from a small office with one assistant, a phone, and card catalogs. But today, it has become one of the biggest recruiting firms.
Korn Ferry helps design the optimal roles, responsibilities, and organization structures. This way, they help startups find the right talent for their business. It is the market's top executive search firm with an impeccable reputation.

Services Offered

Business Transformation: Help design and build a diverse organization and increase customer experience. It also includes Sales Effectiveness, Workforce Transformation, Career Transition, and People Cost Optimization.
Organization Strategy: Help build a strong executive team and design an organizational structure that can motivate the startup to reach its aim and objective.
Total Rewards: Helps set up rewards and compensation
Assessment & Succession: Helps conduct assessments
Talent Acquisition: Help fill your roles with the right individual. It includes Professional Search, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, and Executive Search
Leadership & Professional Development: Help develop and enhance talent through Professional Development, Training & Certifications, and Leadership Development
Intelligence Cloud:
1. Korn Ferry Architect; Streamlines job design, work measurement, and related talent processes
2. Korn Ferry Assess; Help assess your organization's workforce. This helps predict if it can deliver on its future strategy.
3. Korn Ferry Listen; Identify potential gaps in the employee experience, and it gives you the tools to close them.
4. Korn Ferry Pay; Help define your employee compensation strategy
5. Korn Ferry Sell; Accelerate sales performance

Expertise: Korn Ferry has expertise in the following industries,

Consumer Markets: Media & Entertainment, Retail, Sports, Travel, and Hospitality & Leisure
Financial Services: Financial Services, Banking / Global Markets, Insurance, Private Equity, and Real Estate
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Industrial: Aerospace & Defense, Agribusiness, Automotive, Aviation, Chemicals & Materials, Energy & Natural Resources, etc.
Technology: High Technology & Semiconductors, Professional Services, Software & Platforms, and Telecommunications
Specialties: Government and Public Sector

Years in Business: Since 1969

Location: Korn Ferry has offices in more than 50 countries.

Overall Rating:

4.2/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Bridge Technical Talent

Overview

Bio: According to Bridge Technical Talent, people are the best investments. This technology solution-focused firm provides its clients with diverse and talented technical experts. They are committed to increasing their workforce productivity.

Services Offered

Short-term Contracts: Best for startups looking to fill roles for small projects.
Long-term Contracts: Best for text startups looking to fill specialized positions.
Permanent Hire: For startups looking to hire the best candidate for challenging roles.

Expertise: Data Management, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Management, Digital Transformation, Agile, and Machine Learning.

Years in Business: Since 2002

Location: Their offices are in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York City.

Overall Rating:

4.1/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Adecco

Overview

Bio: Addeco is a Fortune Global 500 company. It was formed due to a merger of the two top staffing brands, Adia and Ecco, back in 1996. Adecco has the largest talent pool and is full of individuals with great skill sets than any other employment agency.

Services Offered

Master Vendor Program: For startups wanting to maximize the effectiveness of their workforce. MVP helps optimize service delivery, contract compliance, strategic planning and data management, etc.
Managed Service Provider: Best for startups looking to outsource services.
Temporary Staffing: Looking to save time and money while raising productivity? This is best for startups looking to hire the right people right away!
Direct Hire: Help find the right individual from entry-level to executive-level roles.
Onsite Management: Best for startups looking for associates for part-time or full-time positions.
On Demand with Adia: Best for startups needing non-skilled hourly workers, adding dynamic on-demand coverage to their workforces.

Expertise: Addeco has experience in Automotive, Diversified Services, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Medical & Science. It has expertise in Finance & Insurance, Retail & Consumer Products, Technology, and Creative & Marketing.

Years in Business: Since 1996

Location: Addeco has over 4000 branches in more than 60 countries. Their headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Overall Rating:

4.3/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Robert Half

Overview

Bio: Robert Half helps companies gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. It is recommended by 9 out of 10 clients. It started with a small operation and has become the world's largest specialized staffing firm.

Services Offered

Remote Talent: Best for startups looking for quick hires while boosting agility
Contract Talent: Hire for,
1. Remote work
5. Short and Long-Term Assignments
3. Full-Time Engagement Professionals
4. Contract-to-Hire
Permanent Placement: Best for startups looking to hire for more permanent roles. Includes,
1. Specialized Local Recruiters
2. Robert Half Direct; access to skilled talent with an online hiring platform
3. Executive Search

Expertise: Finance & Accounting, Administrative & Customer Support, Technology, Marketing & Creative, and Legal.

Years in Business: Since 1948

Location: Robert Half has over 325 staffing locations in various locations.

Overall Rating:

4.6/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Manpower

Overview

Bio: Manpower is a Fortune 500 American multinational corporation. It has been providing employment and development approaches for more than 60 years. It fills your roles with the appropriate level of skill and experience of candidates.

Services Offered

Staffing Solutions: Includes,
1. Flexible Staffing
2. Project Staffing
3. Onsite Management
4. Direct Hire
5. Work Ready
Engineering Solutions: Includes,
1. Consultant Resources
2. Integrated Services
3. Direct Hire
Manpower Skilled Technical: Includes,
Staffing solutions for the next evolution of your manufacturing workforce
Manufacturing Solutions: It includes,
1. Recruiting Personas
2. Career Pathways
3. Employability Programs
4. Employer Value Proposition
5. Success Profiles
6. Workforce Innovation

Expertise: Aerospace, Defense, Hospitality, Marketing, Manufacturing, Logistics Finance, Government, Healthcare, Telecommunications, and Technology.

Years in Business: 1948

Location: Anaheim, Annapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, and Phoenix

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Aerotek

Overview

Bio: Aerotek is a member of Allegis Group. It is one of the world's largest, privately-held staffing companies, and the leading recruitment agency for seasonal tech jobs.

Services Offered

Staffing Services: Help find top-quality talent when and where you need them.
Vendor On-Premise: Analyze business and implement an On-Premise solution. Helps to meet a startup's contract workforce needs.
Managed Resources: Best for tech firms looking to overcome recruiting problems. This includes headcount constraints, maximizing workforce output, and boosting management capacity.
Workforce Management & Solutions: Includes
1. Helps businesses close talent gap through Upskilling
2. Keeps contractors and businesses safe by consulting on evolving safety regulations.
3. Fulfill entire contingent workforce needs with high-quality labor while overseeing program performance.
4. Builds custom contingent workforce from the ground up with their Implementation team.

Expertise: Healthcare, Construction, Transportation, E-commerce & Distribution, Technology, Life Sciences, and Consumer & Industrial Products.

Years in Business: Since 1983

Location: Aerotek has offices throughout North America, Europe & Asia Pacific.

Overall Rating:

4.2/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Diversant

Overview

Bio: As the new kids on the block, Diversant has quickly grown into the largest diversity-owned staffing firm in the US. It offers a wide range of scalable IT staffing and full-stack finest java developers, and it serves businesses of all sizes across many industries.

Services Offered

IT Solutions: Includes,
1. Exemplary IT Staffing Services
2. Direct Hire
3. Creative Services Division; through Freelancing, Direct Placement, or Contract to Hire
Managed Solutions: Includes the following services,
1. Application Services
2. Digital Transformation
3. Infrastructure Services
4. Competency Model; it is a proprietary, industry-proven framework. It ensures a technical, behavioral, and cultural fit with your current team.
5. Agile Transformation

Expertise: Worked with clients from the following industries; Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Healthcare. It specializes in Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Years in Business: Since 2005

Location: Diversant has offices more than 10 US states.

Overall Rating:

4/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

Insight Global

Overview

Bio: Strong relationships lead to the success of a startup. Insight Global is an agency having this core belief. It helps their staff grow personally and professionally. Also, ensuring that their clients get a one-of-a-kind experience.

Services Offered

Short-Term Contracts: Best for startups looking to hire quickly or for a small project.
Long-Term Contracts: Helps find the right talent according to what the startup is looking for in job seekers.
Permanent Hire: Best for startups looking for permanent hire for any role.

Expertise: Government, Healthcare, Education, Engineering, Finance, and IT.

Years in Business: Since 2001

Location: It has branches all over the US and Canada, with its headquarters in Atlanta.

Overall Rating:

4.1/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

RightStone

Overview

Bio: RightStone is amongst the top tech recruitment platforms helping tech startups build successful businesses by providing qualified IT professionals. The platform has specialized recruiters and hirers dedicated solely to the tech industry. Moreover, it also has a job board where startups can create job posts. It has won the Best of Staffing Client Diamond Award for five consecutive years.

Services Offered

IT Staffing: For tech startups looking to hire IT professionals on a contract, long-term or permanent basis.
Screening: Help the startup process during the screening process of potential candidates.
On-Boarding: Help startups in the onboarding process of new hires.
Billing: Help make the perfect package based on the candidate's and startup's preference.
Legal: Help define policies and procedures. Ensures that work practices show a thorough understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
Quality Control: Help monitor the performance of the employees and assure work quality.
Benchmarking: Help startups evaluate employees' productivity and help to improve it.

Expertise: Information Technology

Years in Business: Since 1996

Location: It is located in Dallas, Texas

Overall Rating:

3.9/5 stars

Years in Service:

Services Offered:

Geographic Locations:

4 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Recruiting Agency

Recruiting agencies are very much in demand. So as demand rises, so does the saturation. Today the marketplace is filled with recruiting agencies claiming to offer ‘quality services. This raises an important question. How can startups choose the right recruiting agency to help scale their business? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a staffing company,

1. Agency Reputation

The best staffing agencies have an outstanding reputation, which means they will have plenty of rewards, testimonials, and achievements. Salt Digital Recruitment is one of many agencies that have gathered a whole bunch of them from our list.
When visiting an agency’s website, look for their case studies or testimonial webpage.

2. Transparency

If a recruitment agency shares its process for hiring employees, you’ll know that you can trust them. Today in the market, staffing agencies only tell you what you want to hear. In this regard, transparency is essential.

3. Industry Experience

Suppose an agency has 60 years of experience. But how many years of experience does it have working in your industry? This is an important question to ask a recruitment agency.
You have two options. You want to choose an agency that specializes in several industries. Or choose one that only works in one. RightStone is a recruitment agency that provides IT professionals.

4. Ensure It’s Within Budget

When an agency has ticked everything off your checklist, check if the services are fair. Being a startup, you need to be careful about how you use your budget. After you’ve checked out the recruitment agency, talk to them about their prices. Recruiting agencies charge fees based on:

Type of job position
Number of candidates needed
Type of industry
Type of job hire (full-time, part-time, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do startups use recruiters?

Startups must recruit competent people who can drive company success early on. To help with this critical task, startups often use a recruiting agency, and this helps them to fill their roles with the right talent. Some tech startups prefer using tech job boards. But where they can help attract talent, it can also become time-consuming.

What do tech recruiters recruit for?

Technical recruiters are responsible for sourcing, screening, and recruiting candidates for tech roles. Tech recruiters fill software engineer, data analyst, technical writer, and many other roles.

How do I get tech talent for my startup?

Here are some tips for finding the right tech talent for your startup,

State your requirements clearly. Knowing what skills you want to fill the role appropriately is essential.
Make a concise job post in which you make your startup look like an appealing prospect.
Focus on the skill set more than the degree.
Offer incentives.

What is the average fee recruiting agencies charge?

Agency fees depend on a number of factors, including volume of hires and engagement with the agency
Generally, recruiting agencies charge between 15% to 25% of the employee’s first-year annual salary. So if you’re looking for suitable employees to fill a role with a salary package of $50,000/year, you can expect to pay the agency somewhere between $7000 to $12000.

What happens if an employee leaves after a couple of months? Should I still need to pay the agency fee?

How this scenario will play out depends on your contract with the recruitment agency. Recruitment agencies have various approaches to handling employees who resign or are terminated within a specified time after hiring. In terms of only resignation from the employee, the agency can do the following,

If the employee resigns within the specified time for the ‘Refund Window,’ the company can ask for a refund. The Refund Window is approximate 30 to 90 days.
Agencies may also choose the ‘Pro Rata Portion’ of the refund of the fee based on how long the employee was employed. Suppose the employee worked 20 days and the refund window is 90 days. The refund would equal 20/90th of the fee paid.

Conclusion

Tech startups face many challenges when hiring staff. It's like finding the right puzzle to fit the right gap, and your hiring choices can greatly affect the chances of success or failure. By handing this rather serious responsibility over to any of the recruitment platforms in this article, you can focus on improving your tech startup's core strengths and, in turn, improve your chances of success.

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