Where to Find the Best Recruiters

Get Hired in 30 Days! Bonus: Working With Recruiters Where to Find the Best Recruiters

While working with a reputable recruiting firm will give your job search a major boost, not all of them are created equal. They work in specific industries or locations, and connecting with recruiters with an excellent reputation and high standards is essential. In this lesson, I’ll introduce three reliable sources for locating the top-rated recruiting firms and staffing agencies.

ClearlyRated

ClearlyRated is a platform that features ratings and reviews of staffing firms based on data-driven client and candidate feedback. Their Best of Staffing lists, searchable by industry and geography, highlight the highest-performing recruiting firms based on satisfaction ratings.

Value for job seekers
ClearlyRated is especially valuable because it provides transparent reviews. When you’re looking for a recruiter, knowing what other job seekers and companies think about the firm gives you a clear sense of how those with first-hand experience perceive them.

Don’t

Don’t just look at the overall ratings—browse the individual reviews. This will give you more insight into how recruiters handle communication, job placement, and ongoing support.

American Staffing Association Member Directory

The American Staffing Association (ASA) Member Directory is another excellent resource for finding top-tier firms. ASA is the oldest and largest national organization representing the staffing and recruiting industry in the U.S.

Value for job seekers
ASA’s member firms adhere to a strict code of ethics, including a high professional and service standard. ASA’s directory is a great place to start, whether you’re looking for a recruiter in your local area or seeking out industry-specific experts.

Don’t

Don’t overlook smaller, regional firms listed in ASA’s directory—they often have deep relationships with local companies and can be just as (if not more) effective as larger national firms.

Insider Tip

Use the filters in ASA’s directory to find agencies that align closely with your industry. Focusing on niche recruiters can connect you with professionals who truly understand the job market in your field.

Forbes: America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms (2024)

Forbes releases an annual list of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms. It’s based on surveys and recommendations from industry professionals and is a trusted source for finding top recruiters nationwide. The 2024 edition highlights firms that have consistently excelled in matching candidates with high-quality job opportunities.

Value for job seekers
Forbes’ comprehensive list provides rankings based on peer recommendations, offering a uniquely meaningful endorsement of the firms’ reputations. Many companies on the list operate nationally, but region-specific firms are also included, giving you a range of options.

Insider Tip

Use Forbes’ list to identify the top firms in your industry or region, and then reach out directly. Mention that you discovered them through Forbes—this can signal to the recruiter that you’re serious about your job search and knowledgeable about the industry.

Key Takeaways

ClearlyRated provides candidate and client reviews to help you find the best recruiters based on satisfaction and performance. Use it to get real-world feedback on potential recruiting partners.
The American Staffing Association’s Directory is an excellent resource for finding ethical, industry-specific, and regional recruiters. Their strict code of conduct ensures you’ll work with a professional team.
Forbes’ America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms list offers a collection of the country’s elite agencies based on peer reviews and expert recommendations.

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