A staffing agency, also known as a temp agency or employment agency, is a company that helps match job-seeking candidates with companies that need workers. Staffing agencies may specialize in certain industries or job types, and they can provide temporary, temp-to-perm, or direct hire employment opportunities. They screen and interview candidates, perform background checks, and generally handle the hiring process on behalf of the employer. Staffing agencies are often used by companies to quickly find qualified workers, and by job seekers to find employment opportunities.

Staffing agencies work by connecting job-seeking candidates with companies that are looking to fill open positions. The agency acts as an intermediary, handling the recruitment process and pre-employment screening, such as background checks or drug tests. Typically, candidates will submit their resumes or job applications to the staffing agency, which will then evaluate their qualifications and match them with available jobs. The agency may also conduct interviews and skills assessments to determine the candidate’s suitability for the role. Once a candidate is selected for a job, the staffing agency will facilitate the hiring process and may negotiate the terms and conditions of employment, such as salary and benefits. The agency may also provide ongoing support to the employee and the employer, such as resolving any issues that arise during the employment period. In exchange for their services, staffing agencies typically charge a fee to the employer, either as a percentage of the employee’s salary or as a one-time placement fee.

Advantages to using a recruitment agency for hiring employees include access to a larger pool of qualified candidates, time savings (agencies usually handle the initial screening and interviewing of job candidates, which can save an employer time and resources), expertise (agencies are experts in the hiring process and can offer advice on job listings, candidate requirements, and other aspects of the hiring process), cost savings (hiring through a recruitment agency can be cost-effective, as the agency may have already screened and pre-qualified candidates, making the hiring process more efficient), and specific industry or niche knowledge (some agencies, like Pro Hire, specialize in certain industries or niches, which can be helpful for finding candidates with the specific skills and experience needed for a particular job or industry).

Direct hire (or direct placement) refers to the process of hiring an employee for a full-time, permanent position within a company.