Emma WhiteHave you ever woken up and thought, “Alright, my unemployed era officially ends today”? That was me back in my student days—broke, over-caffeinated, and in desperate need of a paycheck. Blindly applying to jobs felt like tossing darts in the dark, and the rejection emails? Brutal.
Then, I stumbled upon staffing agencies, and suddenly, life didn’t feel like such a scramble. They matched me with jobs that fit my schedule and skills, and I finally got my financial act together (mostly).
So, if you’re done winging it and want a job that fits your skills, preferences, and schedule, a staffing agency can make life so much easier. We’ve reviewed Ottawa’s best to help you get started!
How much do staffing agencies charge in Ottawa?
Staffing agencies in Ottawa typically charge fees between 15% and 25% of a candidate’s yearly salary for permanent jobs. For temporary or contract work, agencies usually increase the employee’s hourly rate by 25% to 100% (employers usually deal with this).
1. LRO Staffing
Address: 601 Bank St Suite 200
Phone: +1 613-566-7048
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
What makes LRO Staffing stand out is its ability to cater to such a broad range of industries. Whether you’re in tech, marketing, law, or even construction, they’re great at finding roles that genuinely suit job seekers.
We like that they’re not just about filling positions but finding meaningful placements—especially for people looking for temporary gigs, like students juggling work and school.
Another strong point is how approachable and supportive their team is. Their team is approachable and supportive, too. They take the time to guide you through the process, which is a lifesaver if you’re new to the workforce or don’t have much experience.
On top of that, the agency’s 94% retention rate speaks volumes about the quality of matches they make between candidates and employers.
The only downside? They’re closed on weekends, which can be a bit tricky if your weekdays are packed.
But honestly, with how professional and dedicated they are, it’s easy to see why LRO Staffing is a go-to option for job seekers in Ottawa.
Instrumental in landing a great role
“I had an excellent experience with Andrew at LRO Staffing. He offered very helpful advice from beginning to end and was instrumental in my landing a great role! The agency was recommended to me and I pass that on unreservedly!”
-Lisa McGlade, Google Review
A job that aligns with my skill set
“Andrew helped me to get a job that perfectly aligns with my skillset. He did all the prep with me and helped me prepare for the interview. He kept me in the loop from start until I joined the company. I highly recommend Andrew and LRO for anyone searching for a new job. You’ll be in great hands!”
-Sobia Sajid, Google Review
2. Express Employment Professionals
Address: 2733 Lancaster Rd Suite 110
Phone: +1 613-565-9777
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
With over four decades of experience, Express Employment Professionals knows how to simplify the job search process. One of the best things about working with them is that there are no fees for job seekers—just a straightforward focus on helping you find the right position.
It’s also reassuring to know that they keep you on their list for future placements as soon as you complete a temporary assignment, keeping your opportunities flowing.
Their extensive job offerings are impressive. From office work to industrial jobs, they cater to people with different skills and experience levels. This flexibility makes them a great resource, whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to switch industries.
Just note that their offices are closed on weekends, which could slow things down if you’re trying to juggle other responsibilities.
Even so, their professional approach and wide-reaching network make Express Employment Professionals a reliable partner for finding work in Ottawa.
Made finding a job stress-free
“I had a great experience with Express Employment in Ottawa. John was incredibly helpful and friendly throughout the process. He guided me every step of the way and made finding a job stress-free. I’m very grateful for their professional service and highly recommend them to anyone looking for work!”
-Kamui, Google Review
Always communicative and touching base
“Great Service from Jen & Krista, Great team and always communicative/touching base in case i have any questions or new offers in my area. Was originally looking for a Day-time position in my area for months ( Limoges, ON ) to cover my missinng hours from a current-part time position and had such a hard time finding anything originally in the last few months, and the team made it comforting and re-assuring to find something to meet my needs and they delivered. Thank you for all the help and continuing support.”
-Seb Soucy, Google Review
3. Randstad Canada
Address: 11 Holland Ave suite 509A
Phone: +1 613-726-0220
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Randstad Canada excels at offering job seekers a diverse range of opportunities across fields like engineering, customer care, and finance.
Their access to unadvertised job openings is a real game-changer, especially if you’re looking to tap into roles that aren’t widely available. This gives candidates a competitive edge in finding meaningful placements, whether temporary or permanent.
We also love their perks for temporary employees, like health and dental benefits under the Randstad Advantage program. Let’s face it – not many temp agencies offer that level of care.
Plus, working with their recruiters is free, so there’s no harm in giving them a shot.
That said, we’ve noticed some complaints about delayed responses from their team, which can be frustrating if you’re waiting for updates. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind.
Nonetheless, their benefits and access to hidden jobs make them a strong choice for those seeking flexible work options.
Always ready to help
“I have had a wonderful experience working with Lisa H. She is brilliant recruiter, always professional and helpful. Whenever I had questions or concerns, she was always ready to help! Throughout the years, she has greatly supported my professional journey. If you are looking for career opportunities, I would without a doubt recommend Lisa for assistance!”
-Alcy Family, Google Review
Incredibly kind, responsive, and supportive
“Had the great pleasure of working with Lisa H. as I was making the switch between companies. From the start of the process and all the way through to the end, Lisa was incredibly kind, responsive, and supportive.”
-Ziyad E, Google Review
4. Adecco
Address: 1 Nicholas St Suite 1502
Phone: +1 613-244-0241
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Adecco is a great option if you’re looking for variety and support. They offer placements across industries like healthcare, finance, and even construction.
But what caught our attention is their Aspire Academy, where you can upskill for free. With over 3,000 courses available, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to sharpen their skills and qualify for better jobs.
Their personalized career counselling is also a big plus. It’s refreshing to work with recruiters who get to know you and can share insider tips about the job market.
Best of all, Adecco’s services are entirely free for job seekers, so you get resume help, interview prep, and career coaching without spending a dime.
However, we feel a bit iffy after hearing complaints from some candidates who felt left in the dark after interviews, which can be frustrating when you’re eager to move forward. Still, their free resources and commitment to skill-building make them a valuable ally in your job search.
Wonderful experience
“I had a wonderful experience with Adecco. Yicela was a pleasure to speak with. She was very knowledgable and and had some very valuable pointers. I highly recommend her at Adecco.”
-Marrium Zaid, Google Review
Exceptional professionalism
“I recently applied for the position of Software Developer and had my first interview with Yicela Escobar. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the process. At all times, I felt supported and motivated by her, which made for a positive and encouraging experience. Yicela is an excellent professional, and I greatly appreciate her assistance.”
-Sonia Castillo, Google Review
5. Local Staffing
Address: 2280 Walkley Rd #212
Phone: +1 613-680-5757
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Local Staffing feels like it’s made for Ottawa job seekers. They focus entirely on the local market, which means they understand the industries and opportunities in the area.
We’re especially impressed by how they handle temp placements—they genuinely consider candidates’ situations rather than just making matches for the sake of it.
For instance, a student job seeker shared how the team listened to his concerns and found him a job with flexible hours that worked perfectly with his schedule.
Their speed is also impressive. With established relationships with local employers, they can connect you with openings much faster than if you were searching on your own.
One drawback, though, is that they don’t offer any clear employee benefits, and they’re closed on weekends, which limits when you can get in touch.
But if you’re looking for a personalized and efficient staffing agency that knows Ottawa inside out, Local Staffing is worth considering.
Very efficient
“I’ve been with Local Staffing for 6 months, and my experience has been phenomenal! They are very efficient, so being with them spares the hassle of job search, an excruciating experience. I work with Jasmine here. She is great at her job. Perfect, from what to expect from a great recruiter. I got a summer position and a part time position for the fall here, both with great pays.
It has been truly memorable. Glad I found them.”
-Benjamin Obeng-Apori, Google Review
Get jobs that work around your schedule
“This is the best staffing agency in Ottawa area. They genuinely care about you and get you jobs that work around your schedule. The staff working here are nicest people. I would like to thank everybody, especially Sameer for his continuous support for me, always checking up on me and making sure everything is fine.”
-Raheel Ahmed, Google Review
