Top Recruitment Agencies in Canada for Foreign Workers

Landing a decent job Top Recruitment Agencies in Canada is no easy task, especially in the present global economy. On the flip side, even employers are having a hard time in the recruitment and hiring process.

Even before the entire world’s economy took a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has always been a gap between employers and job seekers.

Like all gaps, this presented a business opportunity that was seized by what is now known as recruitment firms.

This guide showcases the leading recruitment firms in the Great White North.

Read More: Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa

Top Recruitment Agencies in Canada

Top global outsourcing list

Outsource Accelerator is the world’s leading outsourcing marketplace and advisory. Our global directory lists over 4,000+ BPO firms and provides detailed information, price guides, and reviews.

Get 3 free quotes 4,000+ BPO SUPPLIERS Learn more

Whether you are a solopreneur, SME owner, or corporate executive, we can help you find the most suitable outsourcing provider for your business.

Explore our outsourcing directory now. You may also check out our Top recruitment firms lists per country here:

  • Top 20 Recruitment Firms in Australia
  • Top 20 recruitment firms in the UK
  • Top 20 recruitment firms in the US
  • Top 20 recruitment agencies in the Philippines
  • Top 25 recruitment firms in India

What are Recruitment Firms?

Recruitment firms are companies that bridge the gap between employers and job seekers. These companies act as a sort of middleman between employers seeking to fill a vacant position and applicants.

Recruitment firms take over other companies’ end-to-end recruitment processes – from planning, sourcing, and interviewing to role defining.

Despite taking over the hiring process of other companies, recruitment firms still work together with these companies’ human resources departments.

Top 20 Recruitment Firms in Canada

Numerous recruitment firms have sprouted over the years.

The sheer number of choices makes it difficult for other companies to choose which recruitment firm to partner with.

Get the complete toolkit, free Learn more

To help with this situation, we’ve compiled a list of the top recruitment firms in Canada:

  1. Insight Global
    • Founded: 2001
    • Location: Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada; multiple locations in the US.
    • Specialty industries: IT, Engineering, Government, Healthcare, Sales, Accounting and Finance, Outsourcing
    Insight Global is a leading Canadian recruitment firm serving a wide range of industries.From its early beginnings as an entrepreneurial start-up in 2001, Insight Global has grown into a large purpose-driven company operating in over 60 offices across the US and Canada.More than just supplying other companies with potential hires, Insight Global builds genuine relationships across its clients and consultants.
  2. Randstad
    • Founded: 1997 (Staffing division, Randstad Engineering itself was founded in 1975)
    • Location: Multiple locations in Canada and the US
    • Specialty industries: IT, Accounting and Finance, Call Center, Human Resources, Engineering, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Industrial, Marketing, Legal, Office & Administration
    Randstad is the world’s premier staffing firm with reported total revenue of USD 21.84 billion in 2020.Its position as a global leader in the recruitment field is a testament to Randstad’s high-quality service, recruitment effectiveness, and selection process.Whether the vacant position is permanent, temporary, or a mixture of both, Randstad assures its clients that it will provide the talent they need.
  3. Aerotek
    • Founded: 1983
    • Location: Multiple locations in Canada, Europe, the US, and the Asia Pacific
    • Specialty industries: Consumer and Industrial Products, E-commerce and Distribution, Government Services, Life Sciences, Transportation, Energy, Construction, Healthcare
    Aerotek has been a leading staffing solutions provider across various industries for over 30 years.Regardless of the sector it presently serves, this staffing industry stalwart always aims to partner top talents with outstanding firms and vice versa.As a testament to Aerotek’s excellent service, ClearyRated has awarded this firm with its Best of Staffing Diamond Award for both client and talent satisfaction criteria for five consecutive years.
  4. Creative Circle
    • Founded: 2001
    • Location: Multiple locations in the US and Canada
    • Specialty industries: Digital Marketing, Creative, Managed Services, In-house Studio Development
    As gleaned from its name, Creative Circle is a staffing firm that values creativity and individual diversity and talents.This recruitment firm has been serving clients – from boutique businesses and budding startups to Fortune 500 companies – for over 20 years and still counting.
  5. AppleOne
    • Founded: 1964
    • Location: Multiple locations in the US and Canada
    • Specialty industries: Finance, other industries in general
    AppleOne’s motto is “keeping the humanity in human resources and hiring made human.”Thus, this staffing firm’s recruitment methods ensure that the employees it provides for its clients are vetted through a rigorous process that still enables connecting with them on a personal level.With AppleOne, employees are matched with companies that align with their career goals, and companies are given employees that fit their talent and skills requirements.
  6. Motion Recruitment
    • Founded: 1989
    • Locations: Toronto, Canada, and multiple locations in the US
    • Specialty Industries: IT
    Motion Recruitment is a trusted name at the forefront of the IT recruitment industry.As of January 2022, it has also acquired MATRIX, another well-known name in IT recruitment.As an established name in the IT industry, Motion Recruitment offers its clients staffing, managed staffing, direct hire, and VP-level or C-suite position search solutions.
  7. USTECH Solutions
    • Founded: 2000
    • Location: Quebec, and Toronto, Canada; Multiple locations in the US and Asia; Dublin, Ireland; Gordon, Australia; London, United Kingdom
    • Specialty Industries: Aerospace and Defense, Financial Services, Manufacturing and Engineering, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, IT, Retail and Distribution, Telecommunications, Public Sector
    USTECH Solutions is a global diversity supplier utilizing a combination of technology, talent, and a relentless commitment to success to deliver staffing solutions to its clients.This Minority Business Enterprise-certified company proudly embraces diversity as a core part of its company culture.Moreover, Diversity Business has rated USTECH Solutions as The Top Business in the US since 2011.This multi-industry talent provider also counts 20% of Fortune 500 companies among its clientele.
  8. DevsData
    • Founded: 2015
    • Location: Vancouver, Canada; New York, US; London, UK; Warsaw, Poland
    • Specialty Industries: IT
    DevsData is a boutique software agency that also provides IT staffing solutions through its vast network of over 20,000 pre-vetted software engineers.Since its founding in 2015, DevsData has satisfied more than 50 clients across the globe.Besides its top-notch software engineering talents, this tech firm also offers talent acquisition solutions for machine learning engineers, big data engineers, data scientists, Javascript engineers, UX/UI designers, and product managers.
  9. ARES Staffing Solutions
    • Founded: 1996
    • Location: Toronto, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: IT, Cabling, Security, Fire and Life Safety, Mechanical, Human Resources, Sales and Business Development, Accounting and Finance, Legal Services
    ARES is one of Canada’s leading staffing solutions providers with a vast network of contractors, temporary, and full-time professionals.It offers quality staffing solutions that can fit your budget, remain regulations-compliant, and delivered in a timely manner.Among the areas ARES services are contract staffing, direct hires, back office staffing, government staffing, and executive search.
  10. Sunset Staffing Agency
    • Founded: 2004
    • Location: Toronto, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: General Labor, Office Administration, Factory and Manufacturing, Warehouse Level
    SUNSET STAFFING is one of the go-to staffing agencies for businesses operating in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.This recruitment firm applies its over ten years of experience to provide clients with top talents in general labor, office administration, factory and manufacturing, and warehouse positions.
  11. KPM Staffing Inc.
    • Founded: 2007
    • Location: Edmonton, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Legal Services, Office Administration, Government, Accounting, Finance
    KPM Staffing is an Alberta-based recruitment firm that prides itself on its ability to connect invested and talented individuals with trusted organizations in Alberta, Canada.Over a decade of operations, this staffing firm has assisted in placing over a thousand employees for various businesses in Alberta.
  12. Resolve Recruit Inc
    • Founded: 1999
    • Location: Mississauga, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Insurance, Warehouse and Logistics, Finance and Banking, Accounting and Administrative, Call Center
    Resolve Recruit Inc is a trusted recruitment agency in Mississauga and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area.While it originally started as a call center recruitment agency, the firm has grown into a full-fledged recruiting company. It offers various industries a wide range of permanent, temporary, and contract placement solutions.
  13. Groom & Associates
    • Founded: 1999
    • Location: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: IT, AI, Construction, Engineering, Finance and Operations, Payrolling Service, Science and Pharmaceutical, Marketing and Sales
    Groom and Associates is a privately held Canadian recruitment firm headquartered in Montreal.This premier Canadian staffing agency is a member of ENEX, a global Executive Search Partner. As such, Groom can provide its clients with top talents no matter where they are located through ENEX’s vast global network.
  14. SummitSearch Group
    • Founded: 2003
    • Location: Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Accounting and Finance, Agriculture, Business Products and Services, Construction, Environmental, Insurance and Financial Services, Industrial and Manufacturing, Medical and Healthcare, Oil & Gas and Mining & Energy, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Professional Services, Public Sector and Not-for-profit, Real Estate, Retail and Consumer Goods, Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain
    Summit Search Group is an inclusive recruitment firm and a member of the prestigious 30% Club, as well as Canada and Manitoba’s respective LGBT+ Chambers of Commerce.It is also an Employer Partner with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, giving the firm numerous benefits that support its journey toward inclusion and diversity.
  15. Impact Recruitment
    • Founded: 2009
    • Location: Vancouver and Toronto, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Accounting and Finance, HR and Administration, Development and Construction Management, Insurance, Legal, Marketing, Operations, Property and Facilities Management, Trade Contractors
    Impact Recruitment is a Canadian staffing agency striving to become the best in North America.Since its establishment in 2009, Impact Recruitment has been the recipient of multiple awards. These include The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business’s Top Growing Companies for 2020 and 2021 and Canadian Business’s Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies award from 2016 to 2020.Impact’s high-quality service has resulted in a 98% client repeat rate for the firm.
  16. Hays Canada
    • Founded: 2001
    • Location: Multiple locations in Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Accounting and Finance, Banking and Financial Services, Construction and Property, Human Resources, Technology, Legal, Logistics, Manufacturing, Marketing and Digital, Office Professionals, Procurement and Supply Chain, Resources and Mining, Sales and Marketing, Tax
    This leading staffing firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hays PLC, a British multinational recruitment industry giant.Hays Canada provides contract, temporary, and permanent staffing services at all levels and helps fill more than 2,500 (and still growing) positions annually.
  17. Global Hire
    • Founded: 2006
    • Location: Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, Canada; multiple locations worldwide
    • Specialty Industries: Food Service, Customer Service & Hospitality, Construction, General Labor & Trade, Trucking Services, Welding & Industrial Services, Manufacturing, Other Skilled Markets
    Global Hire is a staffing firm specializing in local, national, and international recruitment for Canadian employers and other global affiliates.As a global recruitment firm, it offers its services in various languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Croatian, Serbian, Tagalog, Hindi, and Urdu.While it is a for-profit organization, Global Hire remains committed to providing excellent immigration services in a humane, caring, and professional manner.
  18. Canadian Staffing Consultants
    • Founded: —-
    • Location: Markham, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Customer Service, Call Center, IT, Accounting, Help Desk, Manufacturing, Office Support, Renovation, Clerical & Administrative, Warehouse & Distribution, Banking
    Canadian Staffing Consultants provides cost-effective full-time, part-time, contractual, and temporary staffing solutions to its clients.This recruitment firm serves small and medium-sized businesses alongside Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.Canadian Staffing assures its clients that it will never fill their vacancies with candidates that haven’t successfully completed their thorough assessment process.
  19. Pinnacle Canada
    • Founded: 2002
    • Location: Winnipeg, Canada
    • Specialty Industries: Engineering & Technical, Sales & Marketing, Logistics & Procurement, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Insurance, Manufacturing & Operations, Construction, Restaurant & Hospitality, Office Support & Customer Service, Industrial & Skilled Labor, IT
    Pinnacle is a people-focused recruitment agency that believes great companies are built with great people who strive to make a difference.Since its founding in 2002, Pinnacle has grown to become the largest recruitment firm in Manitoba.Pinnacle’s guiding principles – thinking big, believing in its people, thriving on competition, welcoming opportunities, and nurturing growth – are the primary drivers behind this firm’s success.
  20. Robert Half
    • Founded: 1948
    • Location: Multiple locations globally
    • Specialty Industries: Finance & Accounting, Administrative & Customer Support, Technology, Marketing & Creative, Legal
    Robert Half is one of the global leaders in recruitment – trailing just a few places behind Randstad – and the oldest specialist firm in the world.This industry household name has bagged several awards in its decades-long history, including the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies in 2022, Forbes World’s Best Employer in 2021, and Canadian HR Reporter Best Recruitment Agencies in 2022.

Choosing Which Recruitment Firm in Canada to Work With

When selecting from the top recruitment firms in Canada, it’s crucial to consider factors such as:

  • Industry expertise
  • Track record of success
  • Client testimonials
  • The firm’s approach to candidate sourcing and placement

Carefully evaluate these aspects and align them with your organization’s needs and goals. Doing so will help you make an informed decision that leads to successful partnerships and impactful hiring outcomes.

Canada’s leading recruitment agencies play a crucial role in streamlining the recruitment process for both employers and job seekers.

By partnering with top recruitment agencies, candidates can navigate the job search process more efficiently while companies gain access to top talent that meets their specific needs.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, the power to hire right can often mean the difference between success and stagnation.

As per a report by Deloitte, almost 56% of small and medium businesses in Canada find it challenging to find the right talent.

To combat this, a growing number of these companies are turning to recruitment agencies.

These agencies, equipped with their extensive networks, market insights, and hiring expertise, can be the secret weapon that startups and SMBs need to outpace their competition in the race for top-tier talent.

Yet, the benefits of working with recruitment agencies can be amplified further when combined with intelligent hiring tools, such as GoHire, that centralizes and simplifies your entire hiring process.

Now, let’s dive into the top 9 recruitment agencies in Canada, which stand out for their excellence in serving startups and SMBs.

Try GoHire Free Today 🚀

GoHire is the ultimate solution for startups and SMBs to simplify hiring and hire the best people, fast.

  1. Robert Half Canada One of the leading names globally in recruitment, Robert Half Canada, is particularly acclaimed for its specialization in finance, accounting, and technology sectors.Their deep understanding of the Canadian market, complemented by an extensive network of professionals, makes them a reliable partner for SMBs.Robert Half’s tailored service and expertise in various sectors have helped them maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, testifying to their high client satisfaction.The company has a candidate database of over 100,000, ensuring a broad choice of talent for businesses.
  2. David Aplin Group David Aplin Group stands as one of Canada’s most prestigious recruiting firms, their expertise spanning across sectors like accounting & finance, IT, engineering, and more.Their firm commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs and their consultative approach makes them an ideal choice for diverse SMBs.Their client-centric approach is evident in their high Net Promoter Score of 71% in a survey conducted by ClearlyRated.This score significantly surpasses the industry average of 28%, demonstrating their dedication to customer satisfaction.
  3. Hays Recruitment Canada Hays Recruitment Canada is a globally recognised leader in recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people across various industries.They boast in-depth market knowledge and a worldwide network of contacts.In their 2020 Salary Guide, Hays revealed that 49% of employers felt the agency had assisted them in achieving their business objectives, underscoring Hays’ positive impact on their client’s success.
  4. Randstad Canada As one of the largest recruitment agencies in the country, Randstad Canada excels in sectors like IT, engineering, finance, and more.They strike the perfect balance between human interaction and technology to provide clients with the best fits.Recognising their commitment to quality, Staffing Industry Analysts awarded Randstad the “Best Staffing Firm to Temp For” in 2020.This title signifies their robust talent pool, providing a broad range of choices for businesses.
  5. Express Employment Professionals Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in Canada.They help SMBs find quality talent across administrative, commercial, and professional job sectors.According to their annual report, Express employed more than 552,000 people in 2020 and aims to help a million people find jobs annually.This highlights their wide reach in the job market, providing ample opportunities for businesses to find their perfect fit.
  6. TEKsystems TEKsystems is a specialist in IT staffing and services.With over 100 locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, they boast a vast network.Their 2020 Impact Report revealed that TEKsystems supported over 80% of Fortune 500 companies, indicating their significant influence in the IT industry and showcasing their ability to match companies with top-notch IT talent.
  7. Kelly Services Kelly Services offers a wide range of services, from temporary staffing to full-time hiring, in fields like IT, engineering, and finance.They have a significant presence in Canada with an extensive network of potential candidates.A recent survey indicated that 91% of employees were satisfied with Kelly’s services, highlighting the company’s commitment to creating a positive work environment and their aptitude for matching candidates with suitable employers.
  8. Adecco Canada As part of the global Adecco Group, Adecco Canada is one of the leading HR solutions providers. They offer a range of services from temporary and contract staffing to permanent recruitment and talent management.With a presence in 60 countries and a portfolio boasting 100,000 organisations worldwide, Adecco Canada underscores their global reputation and reliability.
  9. Michael Page Canada Part of the global recruitment firm Michael Page International, Michael Page Canada recruits on a permanent, temporary, contract, and interim basis across sectors such as finance, engineering, and technology.In the fiscal year 2020, Michael Page placed candidates into over 30,000 jobs worldwide.This fact underlines their global footprint and efficiency in matching the right candidates with the right roles.
Let’s Wrap Up the Top 9 Recruitment Agencies in Canada

Navigating the intricate hiring business is no easy task, particularly for startups and SMBs eager to grow and scale at a rapid pace.

A trusted recruitment agency can help ease this burden by offering in-depth industry knowledge, extensive networks, and expert guidance.

The top 9 recruitment agencies in Canada listed in this guide have demonstrated consistent delivery of exceptional services.

However, in today’s digital era, enhancing your recruitment process doesn’t end with finding the right recruitment agency.

Integration of advanced hiring tools, like GoHire, can supercharge your hiring strategy.

GoHire has become a vital asset for businesses seeking a streamlined, efficient approach to sourcing and securing talent by offering a centralized platform for all recruitment needs.

By partnering with these top-performing agencies and adopting advanced hiring solutions like GoHire, startups and SMBs can expect a more streamlined, effective, and successful recruitment process.

Conclusion

Recruitment firms play a vital role in the hiring process, offering expertise, extensive networks, and efficient solutions. By understanding the FAQs related to recruitment firms, you can make informed decisions about partnering with these agencies to meet your hiring needs effectively. Whether you are looking for permanent, temporary, or specialized staffing solutions, recruitment firms can help you navigate the complexities of the job market and find the best talent for your organization.

Read More: Top Recruitment Agencies in Canada

FAQs:

Q: What are recruitment firms?

A: Recruitment firms are companies that bridge the gap between employers and job seekers. They act as a middleman between employers seeking to fill a vacant position and applicants, taking over the end-to-end recruitment processes from planning and sourcing to interviewing and role defining.

Q: Why should I use a recruitment firm?

A: Using a recruitment firm can save time and resources by leveraging their expertise and extensive networks. They can help you find the best talent quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Q: How do recruitment firms charge for their services? A: Recruitment firms typically charge a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary as their fee. This can vary depending on the firm and the level of the position being filled.

Q: What industries do recruitment firms specialize in?

A: Recruitment firms specialize in a wide range of industries, including IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, sales, and more. Some firms are generalists, while others focus on specific sectors.

Q: How do recruitment firms find candidates?

A: Recruitment firms use various methods to find candidates, including job boards, social media, networking events, referrals, and their own databases of pre-vetted candidates.

Q: What is the process of working with a recruitment firm?

A: The process typically involves an initial consultation to understand your needs, followed by candidate sourcing, screening, and interviewing. The firm will then present you with a shortlist of suitable candidates for final selection.

Q: How long does it take to fill a position through a recruitment firm?

A: The time it takes to fill a position can vary depending on the role and the market conditions. However, recruitment firms aim to fill positions as quickly as possible, often within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Q: What happens if the candidate doesn’t work out?

A: Many recruitment firms offer a guarantee period during which they will replace the candidate at no additional cost if the hire doesn’t work out. This period can range from a few weeks to a few months.

Q: Can recruitment firms help with temporary staffing?

A: Yes, many recruitment firms offer temporary staffing solutions in addition to permanent placements. They can provide temporary workers for short-term projects or to cover staff absences.

Q: How do recruitment firms ensure the quality of candidates?

A: Recruitment firms use rigorous screening processes, including background checks, reference checks, and skill assessments, to ensure the quality of candidates. They also conduct in-depth interviews to assess cultural fit and suitability for the role.

Q: What is the difference between a recruitment firm and a headhunter?

A: A recruitment firm typically works with a broader range of candidates and positions, while a headhunter specializes in finding and placing high-level executives and senior management positions.

Q: Can recruitment firms help with international hiring?

A: Yes, many recruitment firms have global networks and can assist with international hiring. They can help with visa requirements, relocation, and other aspects of international recruitment.

Q: How do recruitment firms handle confidential searches?

A: Recruitment firms handle confidential searches with the utmost discretion. They ensure that the identity of the hiring company and the details of the position are kept confidential until the appropriate stage in the recruitment process.

Q: What is the role of technology in recruitment firms?

A: Technology plays a crucial role in recruitment firms, enabling them to use advanced tools for candidate sourcing, screening, and tracking. This includes AI-driven platforms, applicant tracking systems, and video interviewing tools.

Q: How do recruitment firms stay updated with industry trends?

A: Recruitment firms stay updated with industry trends through continuous market research, attending industry conferences and events, and maintaining strong networks within their specialized sectors.

Q: Can recruitment firms help with diversity and inclusion initiatives?

A: Yes, many recruitment firms have expertise in diversity and inclusion initiatives. They can help companies attract and hire a diverse workforce by using inclusive recruitment practices and tapping into diverse talent pools.

Q: What is the success rate of recruitment firms?

A: The success rate of recruitment firms can vary, but many firms have high placement rates and client satisfaction scores. They often track their success through metrics such as time to fill, retention rates, and client feedback.

Q: How do recruitment firms handle candidate feedback?

A: Recruitment firms handle candidate feedback by collecting it through surveys, follow-up calls, and interviews. They use this feedback to improve their services and ensure a positive candidate experience.

Q: Can recruitment firms help with salary negotiations?

A: Yes, recruitment firms can assist with salary negotiations by providing market insights, salary benchmarks, and negotiating on behalf of both the employer and the candidate to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Q: What is the benefit of using a specialized recruitment firm?

A: Using a specialized recruitment firm can provide access to a deeper talent pool and industry-specific expertise. They understand the unique requirements and challenges of the industry, which can lead to more successful placements.

Q: How do recruitment firms ensure compliance with labor laws?

A: Recruitment firms ensure compliance with labor laws by staying updated with the latest regulations, conducting thorough background checks, and ensuring that all hiring practices adhere to legal standards.

Leave a Comment