Meet America’s Best Recruitment and Temporary Staffing Companies 2024

At this point, no one should be surprised that the pandemic has ushered in a new way of working, with virtual and hybrid modalities and more flexible schedules. What is less obvious is the fact that the pandemic has also prompted a considerable number of people, even high-level executives, to rethink their careers. “We have the highest CEO turnover rate on record,” says Aileen Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group (DSG), the largest women-founded and led executive search firm in the world. Alexander adds that she also sees professionals taking “more non-linear paths to leadership: crossing sectors, crossing industries, moving from public roles to private equity-backed roles.”

Companies are increasingly using search firms to discover top talent when their own networks can’t find successful candidates, says DeLynn Senna, president of Robert Half’s global executive search operations. But with so many recruitment firms to choose from, it can be difficult for companies to know which one would be best for their organization. Likewise, it can be difficult for job candidates to determine which recruitment company might best meet their employment needs. And that’s where Forbes can help. For the eighth consecutive year, Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to compile rankings of America’s Best Executive Search Firms, America’s Best Professional Staffing Companies And America’s Best Temporary Staffing Companies.

The lists are based primarily on survey responses from more than 9,300 recruiters, HR or recruiting managers, and employees with recent experience working at a recruiting company. Responses from last year’s survey were also included in the analysis with a lower weighting. In the end, the most recommended firms landed on the lists, including 150 firms on the executive search list, 200 on the professional search list, and 175 firms on the temporary work list.

Across all the lists, a handful of companies dominate the top ranks, as they have in years past. On the list of executive search firms, the top five firms were the same this year as in 2023, with Ferry Korn winning first place, followed by Robert Moitie, Spencer Stuart, Heidrick and his struggles And Russell Reynolds Associates, respectively. that of Alexander Diverse research group remained stable at 8th place for the second year in a row. Robert half and Kelly competed for the top ranks on the other two lists. Robert Half landed the top spot for professional recruiting and Kelly came in at No. 2, while Kelly took the top spot on the temporary staffing list with Robert Half at No. 2. Remarkably, the top four companies in the list of temporary staff were the same as last year, with Workforce at No. 3 and Randstad at No. 4.

Nationally, at least 4% of private sector companies advertise vacancies using recruitment firms, according to the latest report. Business survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Manufacturing companies are leading the way by partnering with recruiters to fill open positions. But rapid technological advancements and the impacts of AI are leading companies across various industries to turn to recruiters to fill cybersecurity and strategy roles, Alexander says, as well as to find eager candidates. of technology for more traditional management positions.

To meet these needs, recruiters are now offering more learning and networking opportunities, Alexander says. Case in point: DSG has started offering services that bring leaders together, including a recent AI institute. “Our clients’ changing expectations of executive search firms must be multi-dimensional with the solutions we provide,” says Alexander.

Another constant goal of companies – which recruiters help to meet – is the promotion of greater diversity among employees and leaders, which research has shown to be positive for both work culture and financial results. In fact, McKinsey & Company’s latest diversity report determined that companies located in the top quartile of female representation on executive teams were 39% more likely to financially outperform their bottom quartile counterparts, as were companies located in the top quartile in terms of ethnic diversity. management teams.

“Inclusive leadership leads to innovation, it lends itself to cultural inclusion. It lends itself to growth,” Alexander said.

Take the example of DSG, founded in 1974 by Judith von Seldeneck with the aim of including more women in the workforce. The company, of which Seldeneck is now president, has since expanded its scope and size, including by acquiring five other companies, and it now has private equity partnerships that allow it to operate in 34 countries and more than 60 cities around the world. .

If there is a company that understands its staffing needs, it is a company that has experienced such growth.

For the complete list of America’s Best Executive Search Firms, click here.

For the complete list of America’s Best Professional Staffing Companies, click here.

For the complete list of America’s Best Temporary Staffing Companies, click here.

Methodology

To create our lists of the best recruiting firms in the country, Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to survey more than 9,300 recruiters, HR or recruiting managers, and employees with recent experience working with a recruitment company. Responses from last year’s survey were also included in the analysis with a lower weighting. The companies that have received the most recommendations appear in our ranking. The executive recruiting list includes the top 150 companies specializing in filling positions with salaries of at least $100,000; the professional recruiting list includes the top 200 companies specializing in filling positions with salaries under $100,000; Temporary Staffing List includes top 175 companies that focus on connecting candidates with employers for temporary and contract positions.

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As with everything Forbes lists, businesses pay no fees to participate or be selected. If you have any questions about this list, please contact listdesk (at) forbes.com.