Using recruitment agencies for executive assistants can make your hiring process smoother and faster. These agencies have the expertise and networks to connect you with the most talented and experienced executive assistants.
In this guide, we’ve listed the 13 best agencies to help you hire the perfect executive assistant quickly and efficiently. We will also share strategies for picking the right agency and what you can expect during the hiring process.
13 Top Recruitment Agencies For Executive Assistants
Now, let’s dive into the top 13 recruitment agencies for executive assistants that can help you find the perfect match for your business.
1. Genius
Genius is a top recruitment agency that helps businesses hire the top 1% of executive assistants from the Philippines and Latin America. Our process includes thorough background checks, skill tests, and interviews to ensure candidates are well-qualified. We can fill your needed positions in less than 2 weeks and provide excellent customer support to assist you throughout the hiring process.
At Genius, we offer flexible contracts, letting you choose from part-time, full-time, or project-based hires. Our focus is on delivering high-quality candidates and you can rest assured that we’re committed to finding the best executive assistants for your needs.
Key Services Offered:
- Candidate Vetting
- Quick Placement
- Flexible Hiring Options
Best For:
- Tech Startups
- eCommerce Companies
- Financial Services
Cost: One-time fee of 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary.
2. Robert Half
Robert Half is a renowned recruitment agency with a strong track record in hiring executive assistants. Established in 1948, they have decades of experience connecting employers with highly skilled candidates. They use a comprehensive vetting process, including detailed background checks and skill assessments, to ensure candidates meet high standards.
Their recruitment process is efficient, filling positions within a few weeks. Robert Half provides excellent customer support to guide you through every step of the hiring process. They offer flexible contract options for both short-term and long-term needs, ensuring you find the right fit for your business.
Key Services Offered:
- Candidate Vetting and Placement
- Temporary and Permanent Staffing
- Consulting and Talent Solutions
Best For:
- Legal
- Human Resources
- Administrative
Cost: Customized based on the specific needs and roles required
3. Tandym Group (formerly The Execu|Search Group)
Tandym Group, formerly The Execu|Search Group, is a well-established recruitment agency with over 35 years of experience. They specialize in connecting businesses with highly skilled executive assistants. Their process includes detailed background checks and skill assessments to ensure high-quality candidates.
Tandym Group provides quick placement while offering excellent customer support throughout the hiring process. They offer flexible contract options, including direct hire, contract-to-hire, and temporary staffing.
Key Services Offered:
- Flexible Hiring Options
- Contract and Staff Augmentation
- Workforce Solutions
Best For:
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Technology
- Professional Services
Cost: Customized based on the specific needs and roles required
4. Tiger Recruitment
Tiger Recruitment specializes in private staffing, like personal assistants, executive assistants, and chiefs of staff. Established in 2001, they operate in major cities like New York, London, Dubai, and Zurich. They’re known for their bespoke, client-focused approach, ensuring a perfect match between employers and candidates.
Tiger Recruitment’s process begins with a thorough understanding of your specific needs. They conduct detailed background checks, skill assessments, and interviews to ensure high-quality candidates, whether it’s for a permanent, temporary, or virtual role.
They can usually finalize placements within 3-4 weeks and are known for their outstanding customer support throughout the hiring process.
Key Services Offered:
- Permanent and Temporary Staffing
- Virtual Assistant Recruitment
- Household Staffing
Best For:
- Administrative Support
- Family Offices
- Private Households
Cost: Customized pricing based on client needs.
5. Beacon Hill Staffing Group
Beacon Hill Staffing Group has over 20 years of experience in recruiting executive assistants across various industries. Just last year, they managed to serve more than 2,000 clients, 80% of which are returning customers.
They carefully screen candidates through background checks, skill assessments, and interviews to find the best fit for your needs. This approach helps them consistently match businesses with top-quality candidates.
They move quickly to fill positions fast without compromising on quality. Beacon Hill’s strong customer support team helps make the hiring process smooth and hassle-free. They offer various hiring options like direct hire, contract-to-hire, and temporary placements, making them a reliable choice for finding top executive assistants.
Key Services Offered:
- Professional Staffing and Recruitment
- Workforce Management Services
- Consulting and Solutions
Best For:
- Administrative & Professional
- Legal
- Human Resources
Cost: Customized pricing based on client needs.
6. Morgan & Mallet International
Morgan & Mallet International, established in 2015, is a top recruitment agency known for luxury and high-end staffing solutions. This includes finding executive assistants for prestigious clients worldwide. They’ve earned a strong reputation for working with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and VIP clients across various sectors.
Since they started, they’ve registered 200,000 candidates with their 7 global offices. They take the time to truly understand what each client needs before screening candidates using background checks and skill assessments. Whether you need someone permanent, temporary, or just for a project, they are always there to help you every step of the way.
Key Services Offered:
- Temporary and Permanent Staffing
- Specialized Staffing
- Flexible Contracts
Best For:
- Private Households
- Luxury Hotels and Hospitality
- Yacht and Marine Services
Cost: Depends on the specific roles.
7. Maven Recruiting Group
Based in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Maven Recruiting Group specializes in placing executive assistants, administrative, operations, and human resources professionals. They’ve built a strong reputation by serving Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms, and tech startups in Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach.
This company was listed in the Inc 5000 as the fastest-growing private company from 2015 to 2018. They can present fully vetted candidates within days and fill positions in as little as 2 weeks. Maven also offers flexible hiring options, including temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct hire.
Key Services Offered:
- Quick Placement
- Flexible Contract Options
- E-Learning
Best For:
- Executive Search
- Tech Startups
- Venture Capital Firms
Cost: Contact Maven for details.
8. Randstad
Randstad is a global leader in HR services that helps businesses find top executive assistants. Operating in over 39 countries and with 43,000 employees, they combine advanced HR technology with personalized service to connect companies with the right talent.
In 2023 alone, Randstad managed to place more than 280,000 permanent employees and train over 360,000 new talent. They offer flexible options like temporary, contract-to-hire, and permanent placements, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your business.
Key Services Offered:
- Workforce Management
- HR Support
- Flexible to Permanent Staffing
Best For:
- Office & Administrative Support
- HR & Legal
- Finance & Accounting
Cost: Contact Randstad for more details.
9. Kelly Services
Established in 1946, Kelly Services is a trusted recruitment agency with over 75 years of experience. They help companies find top-quality executive assistants through a thorough hiring process that includes background checks, skills assessments, and interviews. Every year they place around 450,000 new talent for over 70,000 hiring managers.
Kelly’s customer support is very responsive and helpful. The company offers flexible contract options like temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct hire, making it easier for businesses to find the right fit for their needs.
Key Services Offered:
- Specialized Searches
- Managed Service Provider (MSPs)
- Flexible Contracts
Best For:
- Professional & Industrial Staffing
- Outsourcing & Consulting
- Education
Cost:
- For hourly contracts: Depends on the role.
- For temporary hires: 10%-20% depending on days worked.
- For direct placements: One-time 20% placement fee.
10. Near
Near recruits top remote executive assistants from Latin America for US companies. They offer 360° staffing service, which means they’ll handle everything from sourcing the candidates to managing monthly salaries. Best of all, they have a fast hiring process, typically filling positions within 21 days.
Near starts with a discovery session to learn about your needs and then use their extensive network to find the best candidates. Their pre-vetted candidates save you time and effort, making the hiring process easier. They offer temporary, contract-to-hire, and permanent placements.
Key Services Offered:
- 360° Staffing Solution
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing
- Job Description & Resume Generator
Best For:
- Customer Support & VAs
- Finance & Accounting
- Marketing
Cost: Flat monthly fee per hire.
11. Office Angels
Office Angels is a UK-based recruitment agency that was founded in 1986 and is known for placing top administrative talent, including executive assistants. Over the years, they’ve become one of the most respected recruitment firms for office roles.
Office Angels leverages its broad network to find candidates who aren’t actively looking for new opportunities. Their customer support ensures a seamless hiring process, and they offer a range of contract options, including temporary, permanent, and contract-to-hire.
Key Services Offered:
- Temporary and Permanent Placements
- Interview, Onboarding, and Retention Tips
- Advice on Local Salaries
Best For:
- Office & Secretarial
- Finance & Accounting
- Human Resources
Cost: One-time placement fee or monthly retainer fee that depends on the specific role.
12. Adecco
Adecco is a globally recognized recruitment and staffing firm with 6 decades of experience in finding executive assistants for businesses of all sizes. They have over 25,000 employees working out of 3,800 offices across 62 countries. They use their vast network to quickly and efficiently match businesses with top-tier talent.
Adecco thoroughly vets candidates through background checks and skill assessments, presenting only the best candidates who fit the role and also align with your company culture. Adecco offers temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct placements.
Key Services Offered:
- Permanent Recruitment
- Flexible Placement
- RPO/BPO/HR Outsourcing
Best For:
- Office & Administrative
- Professional & Technical
- Healthcare
Cost: Contact for details.
13. Caldwell Partners
Caldwell Partners is a top executive search firm with over 40 years of experience in finding high-level talent, including executive assistants. They’re also the only Canadian-owned search firm to make it into the Forbes’ 2024 Best Executive Recruitment Firms in America.
Caldwell Partners starts their process by getting a clear understanding of what you need, then carefully screening candidates to find the best fit. They usually fill positions in less than a month. Their personalized service and commitment to excellence make them stand out in the industry.
Key Services Offered:
- Candidate Research & Sourcing
- Permanent Recruitment
- Business Consulting
Best For:
- Financial Services
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Technology and Digital Transformation
Cost: Placement fee equivalent to a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary.
What To Expect In The Executive Assistant Hiring Process
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect when working with an agency to hire an executive assistant.
A. Initial Consultation
The first step would be to discuss your specific requirements and expectations for the executive assistant role. Be prepared to clearly outline your needs, including key responsibilities, desired skills, and cultural fit. Share insights into your company’s goals and how the EA will help achieve them.
Let’s say your company is experiencing rapid growth and you need someone to help you manage things more efficiently. In this case, you should mention that the ideal EA for you can thrive in dynamic environments and adapt to shifting priorities. Letting the agency know your expectations for the role makes the rest of the selection process more efficient and effective.
B. Needs Assessment
Next, you’ll work closely with the hiring team to further refine the job description and identify must-have qualifications. Expect to discuss the day-to-day tasks and long-term objectives for the EA role.
Your input here is important for matching the candidate profile with your operational needs. The more detailed you are, the better the hiring team can tailor their search to find the ideal candidate.
C. Candidate Sourcing
The hiring team will actively search for potential EA candidates who meet your criteria. In this stage, you’ll review candidate profiles and provide feedback on them to ensure the search is on track.
For example, if you receive profiles with too much or too little experience, communicate this immediately. Clear feedback helps refine the search and ensures that the hiring team will only consider the most suitable candidates.
D. Screening & Vetting
After creating a shortlist of the candidates, the hiring team will assess their qualifications more thoroughly using interviews, skill tests, and background checks. You’ll receive summaries of their findings with each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.
Your job now is to review these summaries and decide which candidates should move forward. If a candidate has strong technical skills but lacks cultural fit, for instance, flag it. When Being proactive in this step helps them narrow down the pool to the most qualified and compatible candidates for you.
E. Interview Coordination
Here, you’ll schedule and prepare for interviews with selected candidates. Most recruitment agencies for executive assistants will handle logistics themselves.
Still, you should be availabile to help them with scheduling. You can also tell them if there are specific questions or formats you want to include in the interviews. For example, some employers prefer a panel interview or want to include a task-based assessment. If you have a similar requirement in mind, communicate that before moving forward.
F. Final Selection
At this point, you’ll be asked to review the top candidates and make your decision. You’ll weigh their qualifications, interview performance, and fit with your company culture.
This is a very important stage because it’s where you’ll choose the candidate. If you think 2 candidates are equally qualified, consider who better matches your company’s values. At the end of the day, the best candidate is someone who’s capable of handling tasks and will thrive and grow in your environment.
G. Onboarding Support
Some recruitment firms offer onboarding support. If this is the case for yours, the last step would be to work with them to ensure a smooth transition for your new EA. They can guide you on how to set up training, introductions, and initial tasks. Your main job here is to facilitate this process and make the new hire feel welcome and prepared.
How To Pick The Right EA Recruitment Agency To Work With
Finding the right recruitment agency for executive assistants is key to hiring top talent quickly and effectively, but how exactly can you do that? Here are some tips.
1. Check Agency Reputation
Start by looking into the agency’s reputation. Find out how long they’ve been in business and what kind of companies they worked with. A good agency will have a solid history of successful placements, often highlighted on their website or through industry recognition.
For example, if the agency has placed EAs at well-known companies, it’s a good sign they’re reliable. Be cautious of agencies with little online presence or few client testimonials.
2. Look At Industry Experience
Consider how much experience the agency has in your specific industry. An agency familiar with your field will better grasp what makes a good EA for your business. They’ll know what skills and traits are most valuable for success in your sector.
If you work in tech, for instance, an agency that frequently places EAs in tech companies will likely have a better sense of what you need than one that specializes in household staffing.
3. Assess Candidate Quality
Find out how the agency evaluates candidates before presenting them to you. Ask about their screening process, including how they interview, check references, and assess candidate skills.
An agency that presents candidates with strong, relevant backgrounds can save you time and increase your chances of finding the right fit. So, you want an agency that knows how to carefully select the most suitable candidates.
4. Compare Cost and Fees
Understand how the agency charges for their services. Costs can vary, so it’s important to know what you’re paying for. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, picking a quality agency pays off in the long run by delivering high-quality candidates and reducing turnover.
5. Check Geographical Coverage
If you’re hiring EAs for multiple locations, check if the agency can source candidates from those areas. A recruitment agency with a broad reach can connect you with a wider range of talent.
6. Consider Specialization
Look for agencies that focus on recruiting EAs or administrative roles. These agencies will be more familiar with the specific needs of the role and can better identify candidates who have the right skill set.
A specialized agency will be more effective in finding candidates with strong organizational and communication skills that are crucial for an EA role.
7. Read Client Reviews & Testimonials
Check out what past clients have to say about the agency. Reviews and testimonials can give you a good sense of how well the agency works with clients and the quality of candidates they provide. Look for consistent feedback that speaks to the agency’s strengths.
8. Evaluate Time to Fill Positions
Ask how quickly the agency usually fills positions. Speed matters, especially if you need someone right away. An agency that can find quality candidates quickly – ideally within a month – can be a huge asset.
If you’re in a hurry to fill a position, finding an agency that typically fills roles within 2 weeks, like Genius, could be a game-changer.
9. Look for Customization & Flexibility
See if the agency can tailor their services to your specific needs. A flexible agency will adjust its search and approach based on your feedback, helping you find the best match for your company.
For instance, if you need an EA with specific skills, the agency should be open to customizing their search to find the right candidate for you. Let’s say you’re looking for a marketing EA – the agency should know to look for candidates who are proficient in commonly used tools like HubSpot and Marketo.
10. Check Customer Support & Communication
Pay attention to how the agency communicates with you throughout the process. A recruitment agency that gives you regular updates and is easy to reach will make the whole process from pre-hiring to post-hiring much easier and more efficient for you.
So, choose an agency that has reasonable response times and keeps you in the loop. Good communication can make the hiring process smoother and less stressful.
Conclusion
Choosing the right recruitment agencies for executive assistants can make all the difference in finding the best talent to support your business. Remember, a reliable agency saves you valuable time and resources that you can use elsewhere.
If you’re looking for such dependable agency, look no further than Genius. We provide you access to the top 1% talent at 80% less cost, with no monthly charges and only a one-time fee of 25%. Plus, with our 6-month talent guarantee and free interviews, we make hiring your next executive assistant not just easy, but also cost-effective. Try Genius today!
FAQs
What should I ask a recruitment agency before hiring them?
Before hiring a recruitment agency, ask about their experience in recruiting executive assistants, their screening process, the average time to fill a position, and their success rate. You can also request references from past clients. We also suggest asking them if they have guarantees, like replacement options if a hire doesn’t work out.
How long does it typically take to find an executive assistant through an agency?
The timeline can vary, but it usually takes 2-6 weeks at a minimum. Some factors that can affect the timeline are the agency’s network, how specific your requirements are, and the availability of top candidates in your industry.
How much does it cost to hire an executive assistant through a recruitment agency?
The cost of hiring an executive assistant through a recruitment agency can vary. Some agencies charge a monthly fee, while others charge a percentage of the hire’s annual salary. Some agencies like Genius charge a one-time fee instead. Always clarify the fee structure upfront, including any guarantees or additional costs.
What should I look for in a recruitment agency’s contract?
Before signing a contract with a recruitment agency, carefully review the terms and conditions, including the fee structure, payment schedule, and any guarantees or refund policies. Look for clauses related to candidate replacement if the hire doesn’t work out. You should also clarify the agency’s responsibilities in the hiring process.
