Liam SmithDiving into the world of job hunting without a recruiter is like trying to find a needle in a haystack—while blindfolded. And not in the fun, party-game kind of way, but more like, “Why am I doing this to myself?” kind of way.
Now, to save you from that, I’ve listed out Ottawa’s best recruitment agencies – hey, I know what you’re thinking, “Recruitment agencies? But aren’t they just for people who wear suits and use words like ‘synergy’?”
But, nah, they’re for anyone whose bank account’s main feature is multiplying anxiety. So, if you’re ready to switch from binge-watcher to gainfully employed (because, let’s face it, even your pet is judging your career choices at this point), then read on!
| How much does a recruitment agency in Ottawa cost? In Ottawa, expect to pay between $75 and $125 per hour for recruitment agency consultation services. This rate typically covers the time and expertise of the recruitment consultant. |
How We Chose the Best
LRO Staffing
Address: 601 Bank St Suite 200
Phone: +16135667048
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
So, we’ve been scoping out LRO Staffing, and we kinda dig their vibe. First off, we were all about their reputation for being top-notch.
The word on the street is that they’re not just about filling positions; they really dive deep into what makes a company tick.
Now, what we like most is how they’re all about being clear and honest. None of that murky, wishy-washy stuff, plus their approach is super flexible and tailored.
And, of course, they’re big on support. Like, whenever you’ve got a question, they’ve got answers and provide clear communication every step of the way.
On the flip side, we were a tad taken aback by the high pricing. Also, if you’re looking for super-quick, in-and-out staffing solutions, their thorough process might feel a bit lengthy.
But hey, what’s keeping us positive is the quality of their matches and the ethical way they do business. It might pinch the wallet a bit and test your patience, but when you’re talking about long-term team fit, it feels worth it.
Pros
- Great reputation
- Honesty in dealings
- Tailored approaches
- Thorough question handling
- Direct feedback
Cons
- Costs may be high
- Time-consuming process
Seamless transition, reliable support
“I applied to a government position for a contract job offer from LRO last summer that turned into an indeterminate position.
The team at LRO did the work getting me into the contract. All I had to do was show up for my assigned shifts and do the work.
I always got my pay on time with no issues on their part.
I would recommend this agency as they do care.
Great work to all at LRO Staffing.
P.S I love my new job as a Gov’t Indeterminate employee.”
– K B, Google Review
Exceptional guidance, dream job achieved
“I am happy I got to work with LRO Staffing, it was a great experience. My sincerest gratitude to Andrew McDougall for his professional approach while assisting me in my job search. I got an amazing job with an employer I never dreamt of working with. He was easy to communicate with and available to answer questions during the process. Great follow-up during my temporary to permanent process. Overall an amazing experience with Andrew at LRO. I highly recommend him, he is a great resource while navigating your job search.”
Yinka Aloko, Google Review
Express Employment Professionals
Address: 2733 Lancaster Rd Suite 110
Phone: +16135659777
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
While we were on the lookout for the go-to recruitment agency in Ottawa, Express Employment Professionals kept popping up so we decided to check them out.
Now, we’ve had our share of experiences with recruiters, but Express? They’re playing a different game.
The first thing that grabbed us was how they operate. They have this flexibility and customization approach, which means they understand that not every company or job seeker is the same.
We were even more impressed after learning how they maintain open lines, ensuring everyone’s on the same page. That’s rare, and it’s a big plus in our book.
Plus, they’re clear as day with what’s going on—I mean, no guessing games about what’s happening behind the scenes.
While there’s a lot to rave about, we were disappointed when we saw their rates. It was a bit of a sticker shock for some of us.
Moreover, their thorough process means you’re in it for the long haul before finding that perfect match. But overall, most of us reckon the juice is worth the squeeze.
Pros
- Highly regarded in industry
- Tailored services
- Thorough assistance
- Precise updates
Cons
- Higher cost
- Less flexible in negotiations
Perfect match, supportive team
“I had an excellent experience with Express Employment Professionals at their Lancaster Road location. Krista and John were exceptionally helpful and supportive throughout the process. They took the time to understand my skills and career goals, and matched me with a position that was a perfect fit. Their professionalism and dedication made the job search process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Krista, John, and the entire team at Express Employment Professionals for anyone seeking employment assistance”
– Uzonna Okonkwo, Google Review
Attentive service, career-enhancing opportunities
“I had an amazing experience with this company through all stages of my job search. John and Krista were professional and attentive, setting me up with interviews that suited my needs while matching my strengths. They are determined to uphold a strong level of communication with their clients and never failed to field any questions I had throughout the process. I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone looking to take the next step in their career.”
– Thomas Lamarre, Google Review
Adecco
Address: 1 Nicholas St Suite 1502
Phone: +16132440241
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
The buzz around Adecco about their excellence is totally justified. We’ve been poking around and talking to people, and yeah, they’re solid!
What’s really cool is how they’re all about being upfront and playing it straight. They tailor their approach like a bespoke suit; it’s not just a one-size-fits-all deal over there.
Another thing that their previous clients rave about is their way of supporting them and how the communication they provide is on point. It’s like they’ve got your back 24/7, and they make sure you’re never out of the loop.
On the downside, when we got to talking dollars and cents, some eyebrows on our team definitely went up. Pricing can make you pause, and when it comes to wiggle room on those numbers, well, it’s a bit of a tight squeeze.
Nevertheless, most folks we chatted up said that the value you get makes those dollar signs easier to swallow. And what’s keeping us leaning positive is seeing the difference they make for job seekers and businesses alike.
Pros
- Strong industry standing
- Integrity in processes
- Personalized service approach
- Reliable help and guidance
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited pricing flexibility
Human-centric approach, professional excellence
“I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Yicela Escobar Palomino, Senior Lead Recruitment Consultant at Adecco Canada. I Strongly recommend the services of this company. Through a humane and professional process, they guide candidates in their professional development to achieve success in the hiring process. The selection process was excellent, and Yisela’s work was outstanding”
– Juan David Gallego, Google Review
Informative guidance, confidence-inspiring
“I had the opportunity to meet with Yicela, a recruitment consultant, today. She was not only very nice but also incredibly informative. She explains things in detail, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the process and expectations. Her approach made me feel well-informed and confident.”
– Shatha Sulaiman, Google Review
Keynote Search Ottawa
Address: Executive Recruiters – 135 Rideau St #300
Phone: +16137658509
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 5 PM
We were curious about Keynote because of their popularity so we did some digging and chatted with a few people—the works.
What jumped out immediately was just how much everyone respects their game. They’re not just about filling positions; they actually get into the nitty-gritty, making sure they’re pairing the right people with the right spots.
And honestly, their approach feels genuine because they don’t just shove a one-size-fits-all solution at you. From what we’ve observed, they listen, adapt, and tailor their strategy to fit what each client needs.
Now, feedback from clients and candidates alike is super positive. Everyone mentioned feeling like they were in capable hands, what with the constant updates and all. This made the whole process seem less like a black box.
The rates, however, made us gulp as they’re not the cheapest option out of the gate. But if you’re willing to invest in top-notch matchmaking, we can say that Keynote’s worth every penny.
Pros
- Respected by clients
- Personal interest in success
- Adapts to needs
- Consistent positive feedback
- Active engagement
Cons
- High cost
Exceptional team-building support
“Absolutely love working with The Keynote Group. Working with them to build my executive team and they are exceptional. Highly recommend.”
– Chris Baylis, Google Review
Cultural fit expertise, transformative recruitment
“Keynote has been instrumental in supporting our recruitment initiatives. They have a real eye for talent. Beyond finding skill sets, they take the time to understand our company culture and find personalities that fit and elevate our company as a whole. We are grateful to have them on our team. Thank you for helping us find rockstar leaders setting us up for success as we grow!”
– Gifford Carr, Google Review
Local Staffing
Address: 2280 Walkley Rd #212
Phone: +16136805757
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
The first thing we noticed, and honestly appreciated the most, was Local Staffing’s stellar reputation. People just can’t stop talking about how ethical and transparent they are.
We got even more hooked when we saw how they tailored their services. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all deal with them, and they really dig into what you need and make it happen.
Plus, their support is something else, like they’re all about having communication from start to finish.
Now, if we had to nitpick, the prices made us pause for a sec, since they’re not exactly the cheapest around. And while we’re all about investing in quality, it’s something to keep in mind.
Most of us think that if you’re serious about getting the right fit for your team, they’re your go-to guys. Despite the wallet check at the beginning, we’re pretty upbeat about the value they provide.
It’s one of those “you get what you pay for” scenes, and with local staffing, it seems you’re really getting the best shot at nailing your recruitment goals.
Pros
- Practices honesty in dealings
- Adapts to client needs
- Extensive assistance
- Direct feedback
Cons
- Pricing concerns
Unwavering dedication, impactful service
“Dedicated and devoted! Local Staffing hasn’t done anything but favors for me….
I brag about them to anyone that’ll listen!
Thank you Sameer and Sheh!”
– Joel Cunningham, Google Review
Rapid, compassionate assistance
“I was in desperate need of a job and they blessed me real fast. Kindest people ever to work with. I would highly recommend going to them.”
– Barry Allan, Google Review
