The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Top Employment Agency in Cambridge, ON - HR Insights

Finding the right employment agency can make all the difference in your job search or hiring process, especially in a local market like Cambridge, Ontario. Cambridge is a vibrant part of the Waterloo Region, known for its strong manufacturing base and growing professional sectors. With over 10,000 businesses – including 500+ manufacturers – in Cambridge alone, it’s no surprise that employment agencies play a key role in connecting talent with opportunities. But how do you choose the top employment agency that fits your needs? This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from understanding Cambridge’s job market to the benefits of agencies, and the step-by-step criteria for selecting the best agency for your goals.

Cambridge, ON Job Market Overview

Cambridge’s economy is diverse, but manufacturing is the largest industry, accounting for about one-fifth of the local workforce. Major employers like Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and other industrial firms call Cambridge home. Supporting industries such as engineering, technical consulting, logistics, finance, and healthcare are also well-represented. This means job opportunities range from factory floor and skilled trades to clerical, healthcare, tech, and professional roles.

Such a diverse economy has given rise to many specialized staffing agencies in Cambridge. In fact, you can find agencies focusing on industrial and manufacturing jobs, others specializing in technology and IT, some dedicated to healthcare personnel, and firms that handle finance or clerical placements. This variety is great news – whatever field you’re in, there’s likely a recruiting firm with local expertise in that niche. The challenge is figuring out which one can serve you best.

Why turn to an employment agency in Cambridge? Because they know the local market inside-out. A Cambridge-based agency will have insight into local hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and the specific needs of Cambridge employers. They often have established relationships with major employers in the area, which can give you a foot in the door to unadvertised jobs. Before diving into how to choose one, let’s look at why using an employment agency is a smart move in the first place.

Why Use an Employment Agency?

Partnering with a reputable employment or staffing agency can benefit both job seekers and employers in numerous ways:

Access Hidden Job Opportunities: It’s often said that a large portion of job openings are part of the “hidden job market,” never publicly posted online. In fact, some estimates suggest up to 70% of jobs are not advertised publicly – they’re filled through networking or recruiters. Staffing agencies are key to unlocking these hidden opportunities. They have direct lines to hiring managers and may know about openings that you’d otherwise miss. Rather than throwing your résumé into the online void, working with an agency can get you inside leads on positions before they hit job boards.
Save Time and Effort: Job searching or hiring can be time-consuming. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the average time to fill a position is 42 days. For employers, every day a job stays vacant is lost productivity. Agencies help speed up this process. They maintain pre-vetted talent pools and can quickly match candidates to open roles, drastically cutting down the search time. For job seekers, instead of submitting dozens of applications and waiting, you have recruiters actively matching you to suitable jobs. It’s like having an experienced partner streamline the search on your behalf.
Higher Quality Matches: Top agencies specialize in making quality matches that last. Many recruiters focus on specific industries or job types, so they understand the skills and traits needed for success in those roles. They also often pre-screen and interview candidates extensively, so employers get candidates who are a strong fit, and job seekers are presented for roles that truly suit them. This expertise can increase the hiring quality – the candidate is more likely to thrive and stay long-term. In fact, businesses clearly see the value: about 40% of companies outsource their hiring to recruitment agencies to improve outcomes.
Bridge to Permanent Employment: If you’re considering contract or temporary work, an agency can be a stepping stone to a permanent job. Many people use temporary assignments as a way to get a foot in the door with top employers. Surveys show that nearly one-third of temporary and contract employees were offered permanent positions by the client companies where they worked, and about two-thirds accepted those offers. Moreover, almost 90% of staffing employees say temp work made them more employable by building skills and experience. In Cambridge’s manufacturing and tech sectors, a temp-to-perm path is common – you might start on contract and convert to a full-time role once you’ve proven yourself.
Fill Employment Gaps & Gain Experience: For job seekers, agencies provide opportunities to bridge employment gaps or enter the workforce. In a given year, staffing firms place millions of workers; 64% of these workers say they use staffing to fill the gap between jobs or to land a job. Especially for newcomers to Cambridge or recent graduates, an agency can help you break into the workforce and gain Canadian experience in your field. Even short-term placements can build your résumé, expand your network, and enhance your skills while you search for the ideal permanent role.
Flexibility for Employers and Workers: Employment agencies add flexibility to the job market. Companies can quickly adjust staffing levels to meet project demands or seasonal peaks by using agency talent. For example, a Cambridge logistics company can bring on temporary warehouse staff during holiday rush via an agency, then scale down after. This agility is a competitive edge for businesses. Workers, in turn, often enjoy flexibility – around 20% of staffing employees take on temp work for the schedule flexibility it offers. If you need a job that lets you explore different companies or work on short stints, agencies can offer that variety.
Expert Guidance and Support: A good employment agency does more than just forward your résumé. They often coach candidates on improving résumés and interview skills, provide feedback, and give insights about what local employers are looking for. For companies, agencies offer valuable consulting on market salary rates and hiring trends. Essentially, you gain a partner with recruiting expertise. Small businesses in Cambridge, for instance, may not have a dedicated HR department – a staffing firm can handle the legwork of sourcing and vetting candidates, while providing insight into the local talent market.
Reduced Hiring Risk: For employers, many agencies offer guarantees on their placements. If a new hire doesn’t work out within a certain period, the agency will find a replacement at no charge or refund the fee. This guarantee provides added security that you’re making a safe investment in a new employee. It also signals that the agency is confident in the quality of their candidate matches.

Overall, using an employment agency, especially one with local Cambridge knowledge, can accelerate your success – whether that’s landing a job faster or finding the right hire more efficiently. Now, the key is choosing the right agency for your particular needs. Below, we outline a step-by-step guide to picking a top employment agency in Cambridge, ON.

How to Choose a Top Employment Agency in Cambridge

Not all agencies are created equal. Cambridge has branch offices of large national staffing companies as well as smaller boutique firms. The best choice for you will depend on your career field, whether you’re seeking temporary or permanent work, and the level of service you expect. Use the following steps and criteria to evaluate and choose a top employment agency:

1. Define Your Goals and Needs

Start by clearly identifying what you are looking for. This will narrow down the type of agency that suits you:

Job Seekers: What kind of position do you want – permanent or temporary? Full-time or part-time? Are you open to contract work or only interested in direct hire roles? Also consider your industry and role: are you an engineer, an administrative assistant, a healthcare worker, etc.? The more specific you are, the easier it is to find an agency that specializes in your area. For example, if you seek office admin work, a general clerical staffing firm might be ideal, whereas an IT professional might target a tech recruiter. Cambridge’s job market spans many sectors, so pinpointing your field (e.g. manufacturing, IT, healthcare) will immediately direct you to agencies active in that space.
Employers: Clarify your hiring needs. Are you looking to fill one executive role or do you need 20 temporary laborers for peak season? Different agencies focus on different scales and job types. Also decide if you need a staffing agency for temp/contract workers or a recruitment agency for permanent placements or executive search. Many top agencies provide both, but some specialize. Knowing your exact needs (skill set required, duration of employment, timeline to hire, etc.) will help in choosing an agency with the right service mix.

By defining your needs first, you can approach agencies with a clear picture. As one recruitment expert advises, “explicitly outlining your requirements is a vital first step to selecting the right recruiting firm”. This ensures you target agencies that truly have the capacity and focus for what you want.

2. Research Local Agencies and Their Specializations

Once you know your direction, make a list of Cambridge agencies that fit the bill. A quick search will reveal many options, from big names to local players. For each agency, note their specialties, reputation, and presence in Cambridge:

Industry Specialty: Check the agency’s website or profile to see the types of jobs they fill. In Cambridge, for instance, Liberty Staffing Services and PeopleReady are known for industrial and light manufacturing staffing, whereas an agency like Caring Hearts Healthcare Group targets healthcare roles. Express Employment Professionals has a branch in Cambridge that handles a broad range including office, skilled trades, and industrial positions. If you are in a niche field (say accounting or IT), look for agencies that explicitly mention expertise in that sector. ClearlyRated, a staffing directory, shows that Cambridge has top-rated firms covering technology, healthcare, commercial/industrial, accounting and more. Choosing an agency that focuses on your industry means they likely have relevant client connections and a pipeline of opportunities in that field.
Local Market Experience: How long has the agency operated in Cambridge or the broader Waterloo Region? An established local agency may have deeper relationships with Cambridge’s major employers. For example, an agency with years of presence might be the go-to recruiter for companies at the Cambridge business parks or industrial estates. They’ll understand the local commute patterns, the typical pay rates in the area, and the skill supply in the community. Ask about their local track record – have they placed people at well-known Cambridge companies like Toyota, ATS Automation, or Cambridge Memorial Hospital? An agency ingrained in the community can often negotiate better and find roles that fit your location preferences (e.g., if you rely on public transit, they might know employers on bus routes).
Reputation and Reviews: A top agency will have a solid reputation. Look up online reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites. Cambridge job seekers often share feedback about agencies – were they treated professionally? Did the agency find them jobs quickly? High ratings are a good sign, but read the comments for insight. Additionally, check if the agency has earned any awards or recognitions. For instance, some Cambridge agencies have won the “Best of Staffing” award, which is given to firms with exceptionally high client and candidate satisfaction (measured by Net Promoter Score). Such accolades indicate quality service. Word-of-mouth is powerful too – don’t hesitate to ask friends or colleagues in Cambridge if they’ve had good experiences with a particular recruiter.
Size and Scope: Consider whether you prefer a large national agency or a smaller boutique firm. Large agencies (like Adecco, Randstad, or Robert Half, which serve Ontario broadly) may have more resources, larger client networks, and perhaps more openings at any given time. A smaller local firm might offer more personalized service and deep specialization. For example, a boutique IT recruiter might only have a handful of clients but deep insight into each. There’s no right or wrong – it depends on your comfort. You might even register with one of each to see who delivers better results. The market is fairly spread out among many agencies – in Canada there are over 5,000 employment agencies, with no single firm dominating more than ~11% of the market share. This means you have many options, and competition among agencies can work in your favor as a job seeker or employer.

Make use of resources like the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce directory or CambridgeToday listings, which often list local employment services. Create a shortlist of agencies that seem well-aligned with your field and needs.

3. Verify Credentials and Legitimacy

Before engaging deeply, verify that the agency is legitimate and abides by professional standards. Unfortunately, in any industry, there can be less reputable operators, so do a quick credibility check:

Proper Licensing: In Ontario, as of 2024, all recruitment agencies and temporary help agencies must hold a provincial license to operate. It’s illegal for an agency to operate without this license. The Ontario government provides a public online database of licensed agencies – you can search a company’s name to confirm they are licensed and in good standing. Using a licensed agency is important for your protection, as the province has imposed security bonds and regulations to prevent abuses (like wage theft or mistreatment). If an agency isn’t on the list, steer clear.
No Fees for Job Seekers: Reputable employment agencies do not charge job seekers any placement fees. In Canada, the common practice (and legal requirement in many cases) is that the employer pays the agency for finding a candidate, not the candidate. If an agency asks you for money upfront – whether for “registration,” training, or guaranteed placement – consider that a major red flag. The only exceptions might be if you opt for optional services like professional résumé writing or courses, but those should be clearly optional and for tangible products, not a fee for getting a job. The bottom line: you should never have to pay to get a job through an agency. Top agencies earn their commission from employers once you’re successfully hired.
Professional Affiliations: Check if the agency is a member of industry associations like the Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS). ACSESS members adhere to a code of ethics and industry best practices. While membership isn’t mandatory, it’s a positive sign. Also, some recruiters hold certifications (like Certified Personnel Consultant, CPC). An agency that invests in professional development demonstrates commitment to high standards. Additionally, see if they have any complaints lodged (you could search the Better Business Bureau or simply Google “[Agency Name] complaints Cambridge”). A top agency will usually have a clean record or will have addressed any issues transparently.
Transparency and Clarity: When you first contact the agency, pay attention to how transparent they are about their process. Do they readily explain how they work, what the steps are, and how they get paid? You should feel comfortable that everything is above board. For employers, a reputable staffing firm will gladly outline their fee structure, replacement guarantee policy, and terms in writing. For candidates, they should clearly explain whether a given job is temp-to-hire vs direct hire, who you’ll be technically employed by, and what the pay rate and any benefits are. Clarity at the outset is a hallmark of a top agency.

Verifying these points will weed out any shady outfits. Cambridge’s recruitment scene is generally very professional, but it’s always wise to do your due diligence before handing over your résumé or workforce needs.

4. Evaluate Their Expertise and Network

The next step is to really assess the agency’s capability to help you. A top employment agency should demonstrate expertise and have a strong network of connections:

Client Companies and Placements: Inquire about which employers the agency has worked with, especially in Cambridge or nearby. Many agencies will list client logos on their website or share success stories. If you’re a job seeker, you might ask, “What are some companies in the area where you’ve placed candidates in my field recently?” If they routinely fill roles at, say, Cambridge’s major manufacturing firms or tech startups in Kitchener-Waterloo, that’s a great sign they can open doors for you. For employers, ask for examples of similar roles they’ve successfully filled and possibly a reference from a past client. An agency that has done a lot of placements in your industry will hit the ground running.
Talent Pool Quality: Good agencies continuously build a talent pool of candidates. If you’re an employer, you want to know that the recruiter isn’t starting from scratch to find candidates. Do they have a database of vetted local professionals? According to recruitment research, agencies often have a ready pipeline – one reason companies can fill a job faster with agencies is because the talent pool is already built and being matched, not searched from zero. If you’re a job seeker, this matters less upfront, but it’s useful to gauge if the agency already has many candidates like you. If they do, it means they frequently get jobs in your niche (though it also means competition; on the flip side, if you’re unique in their database, will they prioritize you? A balance is ideal).
Recruiter Knowledge and Attitude: The recruiters or staff at the agency should impress you with their knowledge and professionalism. When you speak to an agent, do they seem genuinely interested in understanding your skills and career goals? Are they familiar with the specific job requirements of your industry? For instance, a recruiter placing machinists in Cambridge should know what CNC machining involves; an IT recruiter should know the difference between Java and JavaScript. Test the waters by asking a few industry-related questions. A top agency’s recruiters are often specialists themselves or receive training in the sectors they recruit for. Also, consider their communication: are they responsive and courteous? First impressions count. If an agency is slow to return your calls or seems disorganized, that might reflect on their service. You want a team that is engaged, proactive, and honest (e.g., they’ll give you constructive feedback rather than leaving you in the dark).
Additional Services: Some agencies go above and beyond basic placement. They might offer resume reviews, interview coaching, skills training workshops, or career counseling for candidates. Others may provide market salary data or onboarding support for employers. These value-add services can be a tiebreaker when choosing between two good agencies. For example, if you’re a job seeker who hasn’t interviewed in years, an agency that offers mock interviews or free training (and many do) can significantly boost your confidence and employability. From an employer perspective, an agency that helps arrange background checks, skills tests, or handles payroll for temp staff can save you a lot of hassle. Assess what extras you might need and see if the agency provides them. Even simple things like regular check-ins or newsletters with job market updates are signs of a robust, helpful agency culture.

In this evaluation phase, don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting or phone call with the agency. Treat it like an interview – after all, you are essentially “hiring” them to represent you or your company. Prepare a few questions to gauge their expertise. A top employment agency will be happy to discuss their approach and success stories, and this interaction will tell you a lot about whether they are a fit for you.

5. Consider the Agency’s Placement Process and Terms

Before you commit to working with an agency (or a shortlist of agencies), make sure you understand how their process works and the terms of engagement:

For Job Seekers: Clarify what will happen once you sign up. Will you have to take any skill assessments? (Many clerical staffing agencies, for example, test your typing speed or software knowledge – which is normal.) Will you have a one-on-one interview with a recruiter first? The best agencies usually conduct a thorough intake interview to understand your background. Ask how they will market your candidacy – do they proactively present you to employers, or will they only notify you when you match a job opening? Top agencies often actively pitch strong candidates to their client companies (even if no job is posted) because they know a great candidate can create opportunity. It’s also fair to ask about typical wait times – how long do candidates usually take to land something? While no agency can guarantee a timeline, experienced ones might say, “On average, our candidates find a placement within X weeks”. Understanding the process helps set your expectations. Also inquire if they require exclusivity (generally not for temp agencies; you can be on multiple lists). Remember, you can engage with multiple agencies; many job seekers apply through various recruiters to improve their chances, and that’s common practice – just keep track of where your résumé has gone to avoid duplicate submissions.
For Employers: Discuss the agency’s fee structure and guarantees upfront. Most permanent placement recruiters charge a fee based on a percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year salary (commonly 15-25% in Canada, depending on role level). Temp agencies typically bill an hourly rate that includes the worker’s pay plus a markup. Make sure you’re clear on how billing works. Importantly, look at any guarantee period: for permanent hires, it’s standard that if the hire quits or is let go within e.g. 3 months, the agency will replace them at no cost or refund the fee. Top agencies will have this in writing. Also clarify terms like a “temp-to-perm” conversion fee (if you hire a temp worker full-time, is there an extra fee or is it waived after a certain period?). Knowing the fine print will prevent surprises later. Lastly, understand their candidate vetting process – do they do background checks, reference checks, etc., and is that included?
Communication and Reporting: Set expectations on how and how often the agency will communicate with you. Job seekers should ask if they will get regular updates or only when there’s an interview request. A good agency doesn’t leave candidates hanging – even if there’s no news, they might touch base weekly. Employers might want updates on search progress: will the recruiter send you weekly reports or a slate of candidates by a certain date? Top agencies are generally very communicative; if they are evasive, that’s a red flag.

By fully understanding the agency’s process and terms, you can avoid misunderstandings. You want a partnership that is transparent and comfortable. Trust your instincts here – if anything feels off in the process, question it or consider looking elsewhere. When everything checks out, you’re ready for the final (and most rewarding) step.

6. Engage and Monitor Results

After selecting a promising agency (or a few), it’s time to work together and see the results. Even at this stage, continue to keep an eye on the quality of the partnership:

For Job Seekers: Provide any information the recruiter needs (a polished resume, work preferences, references) promptly to set things in motion. Then, stay active in communication. If weeks go by with no leads and little contact, reach out to your recruiter. A top agency recruiter will be honest about what’s going on – maybe the market is slow or they’re awaiting feedback from employers. If you feel you’re not getting enough attention, it’s okay to let them know you’re eager and also continue your independent job search or engage another agency. You are not bound to any one agency, and you should do what’s best for your career. When the agency does line up opportunities, treat each interview or placement professionally (it reflects on you and the agency). Give feedback afterward. The first few interactions will tell you if this agency truly delivers. Success stories speak loudest: if within a short time you’re landing interviews for roles that excite you, that agency was a great choice.
For Employers: Once you give the green light on a search, monitor how well the agency understands your needs by the candidates they send. Did they present candidates with the right qualifications? Are they coming in a timely manner? A top employment agency should send you a shortlist of well-matched candidates relatively quickly, often within days for temp roles or a couple of weeks for permanent roles (depending on complexity). Quality is more important than quantity; it’s better to get 3 excellent resumes than 10 mediocre ones. Provide prompt and candid feedback on those candidates – this helps the recruiter refine their search. If the first round isn’t hitting the mark, a good recruiter will recalibrate and try again. Pay attention to their persistence and adaptability. Also, assess how the candidates feel about the agency; if you end up hiring someone, ask them how the agency treated them. Top agencies treat their candidates well, which means your new hire likely had a positive experience – a great reflection on your company, too. Finally, measure results: did the agency save you significant time? Did the hire meet or exceed expectations? These outcomes will confirm you chose the right partner.

Remember, the relationship with an employment agency can be ongoing. If you find one that excels, you can rely on them for future job changes or hires, making life much easier down the road. Cambridge’s community feel means building a long-term partnership with a local top agency can continually benefit your career or business.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What does an employment agency do, and how can it help me?
A: An employment agency (or staffing/recruitment firm) acts as a matchmaker between job seekers and employers. They help candidates find jobs – whether temporary assignments, contract work, or permanent positions – and assist companies in finding suitable talent. A good agency in Cambridge will have connections with local employers and knowledge of the job market, effectively giving you access to more opportunities. They handle tasks like screening resumes, interviewing candidates, and even negotiating job offers. In short, they streamline the hiring process for employers and open doors for job hunters. According to the American Staffing Association, these agencies provide a wide range of services, including temporary and contract placements as well as direct hire roles. If you’re a job seeker, an agency can significantly broaden your job search beyond the vacancies you see posted online. If you’re an employer, an agency saves you time by presenting vetted candidates, and often those candidates wouldn’t be reachable through ordinary job ads.

Q2: Do I have to pay any fees to use an employment agency as a job seeker?
A: No. In Canada (including Ontario), legitimate employment agencies do not charge fees to job seekers for finding a job. Their business model is that they get paid by the hiring employer. You should be able to use their services – resume submission, interviews, placement assistance – completely free of charge. Be cautious: if any agency asks you to pay upfront registration fees or promises a job in exchange for money, that’s a huge red flag. This practice is generally illegal and against industry ethics. The only time you might ever pay something is if you opt-in for extra services like a training course or special coaching program (and even those are often provided free by the agency or subsidized). In summary, as a candidate you should never pay – the employer is the one who compensates the agency once you’re hired. Agencies that abide by Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and regulations will not charge candidates any placement fee.

Q3: How can I verify if an employment agency is reputable and legal?
A: There are a few steps to vet an agency’s credibility:

Check for Ontario Licensing: As of July 2024, Ontario requires all temp agencies and recruiters to have a provincial license. You can search the Ontario government’s public database of licensed agencies to ensure the one you’re considering is listed and authorized. If it’s not there, don’t use them.
Look for Professional Memberships: Reputable agencies often belong to industry bodies like ACSESS. Membership implies they follow a code of conduct. You can search ACSESS’s member directory for the agency name.
Review Their Website & Address: A legitimate agency will have a professional website listing a physical address (in Cambridge or nearby) and contact info. You can even visit their office – having a local office is a good sign in a community-driven place like Cambridge.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: As mentioned, check online reviews. Consistent positive feedback about successful job placements or good client service is reassuring. Conversely, multiple complaints about lack of payment or unkept promises are warning signs.
Speak to a Recruiter: Give them a call or meet. Do they conduct themselves professionally? A knowledgeable, transparent conversation (e.g., they freely explain their process and answer your questions) indicates a trustworthy firm.
Red Flags: Be wary if the agency guarantees you a job (no one can honestly do that), uses high-pressure tactics to get you to sign something, or, as above, asks for money. A top agency will treat you with respect, not as a commodity. Trust your gut feeling as well after initial interactions.

Q4: Are there specific industries in Cambridge where agencies are especially useful?
A: Yes, employment agencies are very active in several key Cambridge industries:

Manufacturing and Industrial: Given that manufacturing is Cambridge’s largest sector (about 20% of the workforce), many agencies specialize in industrial staffing. They fill roles like machine operators, assemblers, forklift drivers, general labourers, and skilled trades for local factories. If you’re job hunting in manufacturing or warehousing, agencies are a primary hiring channel here.
Office Administration and Clerical: With lots of businesses in Cambridge, there’s steady demand for office staff (receptionists, admin assistants, customer service). Agencies often help companies quickly find temp cover for administrative roles and also place permanent office staff.
Skilled Trades and Technical: Cambridge’s industrial base means tradespeople (millwrights, electricians, CNC machinists) are in high demand. Specialized agencies or divisions of larger firms focus on skilled trades recruitment. They also staff technical roles in engineering support, quality control, etc., often for the region’s hi-tech manufacturing firms.
Healthcare: There are agencies like Caring Hearts Healthcare that cater to healthcare positions – from personal support workers and RNs to lab technicians – serving hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities in the Waterloo region.
IT and Professional Services: With Cambridge being part of Canada’s “Technology Triangle”, some agencies (or local branches of big firms like Robert Half, Randstad Technologies, etc.) place IT professionals and engineers. Also, finance/accounting recruiters (e.g., Elby Professional Recruitment in the area) serve the accounting and finance sector.

Agencies in Cambridge often advertise their specialties. ClearlyRated’s directory shows Cambridge staffing firms with focuses in industrial, technical, healthcare, finance, and more. Essentially, if an industry is significant in Cambridge, there’s likely an agency serving it. Utilizing one can be especially useful in fields that have a talent shortage or high turnover, as agencies have pipelines of candidates ready.

Q5: Do employment agencies only offer temporary jobs, or do they also handle permanent placements?
A: They handle both. Most employment agencies in Cambridge (and generally) fill a mix of temporary/contract roles and permanent positions. For example, a single staffing firm might help a company find a temporary employee for a 3-month project and also help another company recruit a permanent full-time manager. According to industry data, staffing companies offer services including temporary staffing, temp-to-hire (where a temp role can become permanent), and direct permanent placement recruiting. Some agencies lean more one way or the other – “temp agencies” historically focus on short-term placements, while “executive search firms” focus on permanent hires at the senior level. But many modern agencies are full-service. When you approach an agency, you can specify your preference (e.g., “I’m only interested in permanent roles” or “I’m open to contract work”). They will then match you accordingly. For job seekers, being open to temporary work can sometimes lead to permanent jobs (as discussed, many temp roles convert to permanent). For employers, using temp-to-hire is a way to try out a candidate. In Cambridge, you’ll find agencies like Express Employment or Randstad filling both temp and perm, whereas some specialized headhunters might do perm only. Always clarify with the agency, but rest assured, agencies are not just for “temp” jobs – they’re involved in hiring at all levels and durations.

Q6: Is it okay to register with or use multiple agencies at the same time?
A: Yes, as a job seeker, you can engage with multiple agencies. Many candidates will send their résumé to a few different recruiting firms to broaden their opportunities – this is common and generally expected. There’s no rule against it. Each agency may have access to different job openings, so registering with say two or three (especially if they each have different industry focuses) can increase your chances of finding the right match. However, it’s wise to keep your recruiters informed if you’re working with others, to avoid confusion like duplicate submissions of your résumé to the same employer. Maintaining transparency can usually prevent any issues. Recruiters understand you want to maximize your job search; they are paid by employers when you get placed, so they know it’s not exclusive.

For employers, it’s a bit different: you might choose to engage multiple agencies for a hard-to-fill vacancy, but note that if not managed well, it can get chaotic (e.g., duplicate candidate submissions). Some companies do a “managed” multiple-agency approach by either notifying all participating agencies or giving the role to one agency for a period, then another, etc. If you do use multiple, establish ground rules to keep the process orderly. But for job seekers, casting a wider net with several top agencies is generally a smart strategy – just stay organized on who’s sending you where.

Conclusion

Choosing a top employment agency in Cambridge, ON is a worthwhile effort that can pay off with a smoother job search or hiring process and better outcomes. By understanding Cambridge’s local job landscape and following these steps – clarifying your needs, researching and vetting agencies, and evaluating their expertise and service – you’ll be well on your way to forming a partnership with a recruiter who has your best interests at heart. Remember that the relationship with an agency is two-way: the more they understand your goals and the more responsive and prepared you are, the more they can help.

Cambridge’s thriving industries and tight-knit community mean that the right agency can open doors to the region’s top employers or talent. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to break into the tech sector, a skilled tradesperson seeking your next gig at a manufacturing plant, or a business owner needing to staff up quickly, there’s an agency out there with the connections and know-how to assist. Use this guide as a roadmap, and you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect match.

In the end, a top employment agency should feel like an extension of your own effort – a partner dedicated to your success. Take the time to choose wisely, and it could become one of the most impactful decisions in achieving your career or hiring objectives in Cambridge.
Divino Business Solutions can help you with these and we are just one call away. Check out how to simplify recruitment or The Bias of Interviews: Are You Just Hiring a Smile?

References:

Cambridge Economic Development. Major Employers – Cambridge ON (Manufacturing as largest industry, 1/5 workforce, 10,000+ businesses)investcambridge.ca.
ClearlyRated. Best Staffing Agencies in Cambridge, Ontario (Specialties of Cambridge agencies: tech, healthcare, industrial, etc.)clearlyrated.com.
Recruiter.com. Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Right Recruitment Agency (SHRM average time-to-fill 42 days; 40% businesses outsource hiring; steps to evaluate agencies)recruiter.com recruiter.com recruiter.com.
Priority Placements Group Blog. The Hidden Job Market (Up to 70% of jobs never advertised; staffing agencies key to access hidden jobs)priorityplacementsgroup.com.
American Staffing Association (ASA). Staffing Industry Statistics (64% of staffing employees use agencies to land a job or fill gaps; 20% for flexibility)americanstaffing.net.
American Staffing Association (ASA). A Vital Workforce: Introduction (Temp work as bridge: 50% say way to get permanent job; one-third of temps got permanent offers; ~90% say temp work improved employability)americanstaffing.net.
LawNow Magazine. Regulation of Employment Agencies (Canada: workers cannot be charged fees for job placement; ethical/legal standards)lawnow.org lawnow.org.
Reddit – r/recruiting. Job seekers with multiple recruiters (Common practice to use multiple agencies; recruiters are paid by employers, not candidates)reddit.com reddit.com.
Workers’ Action Centre. Ontario’s New Temp Agency Laws (2024) (Ontario requires agencies/recruiters to be licensed; public database to verify licenses; illegal to charge recruitment fees to workers)workersactioncentre.org.
American Staffing Association. Staffing FAQs (Staffing firms offer temporary, long-term, and permanent placements to job seekers)americanstaffing.net.