08/18/2026
[for full post, view it on LinkedIn due to character limitations here]
After assessing resources and other factors [July post], you decide you need a recruiting agency partner to assist you and your team to meet (a) critical hiring need(s). How do you choose one that matches your need(s) from among dozens, even hundreds, of choices in a $200B+/year U.S. industry*?
Here is a Top 13 list of Agency Selection Criteria to consider:
1-Specialization: Multi-Sector, Niche-Sector
2-Size: Sole Proprietor, Boutique, Mid-Size, Large
3-Geography: Local, Regional, National, Global
4-Target Hire Type: Executive, Perm, Temp-to-Perm, Temp/Contract
5-Target Hire Number: One or Large Team Ramp Up
6-Network: Existing Relationships in Pipelines of Talent
7-Expertise: Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities of Key Partner Contact/Team
8-Results: Reputation, Track Record
9-Quality of Hire: Assessments, Retention Rates
10-Speed: Urgency of Hire Needed
11-Fee Agreement: Contingency, Retainer, Hourly
12-Other Services: Salary Benchmarking, Market Intel, Consulting, RPO
13-Style: Partnership & Client Services Relationship
After deciding you need an agency partner and narrowing down your top criteria, choose the WHO. Ask your network for referrals of agencies they partner(ed) with or research agencies on your own. Then schedule Introductory Meetings and choose one (or more) that best fits.
It is important to choose a partner that cares and knows about your business almost or just as much as you do.
Overall, the biggest keys to success and a Win-Win for your company and the agency are building a partnership of trust and respecting each other’s roles in the process.
*source: SIA
Note: list not in a particular order
![[for full post, view it on LinkedIn due to character limitations here]After assessing resources and other factors [July ...](https://img4.businesses10.com/412/563/1680006684125639.jpg)
