Major Generalist Recruitment Agencies in Sydney
Large multinational firms maintain Sydney offices, mostly in the CBD, and cover several sectors at once. They suit employers who need volume or a broad candidate pool, and candidates who want access to many employers.
- Hays: Covers accounting and finance, construction, IT, legal, engineering and office support, with permanent, contract and temporary placements.
- Randstad: Strong in office support, banking, supply chain and professional services, with a large temporary and contract workforce.
- Robert Half: Focused on accounting, finance, technology and administrative roles, with a specialist contracting division.
- Michael Page and Page Personnel: Michael Page targets mid to senior professional roles, while Page Personnel handles junior and support positions.
- Adecco: A major source of temporary, industrial and clerical staff, including large-scale labour hire.
Specialist Agencies by Industry
Specialist consultants usually have deeper networks within one field and a better grasp of salary benchmarks and skills in demand. Sydney is Australia’s largest market for finance and technology, so these sectors have the most specialist options.
- Technology: Firms such as Talent International, Peoplebank and Paxus place software developers, cyber security staff, data specialists and project managers, with a heavy emphasis on contract roles.
- Finance and banking: Agencies including Hays, Robert Half and Michael Page dominate, alongside boutique firms that focus on funds management and insurance.
- Legal: Firms such as Mahlab and Hays Legal recruit solicitors, paralegals and in-house counsel for law firms and corporate legal teams.
- Healthcare and nursing: Agencies including Healthcare Australia and Nursing Agency Australia supply nurses, allied health workers and aged care staff to hospitals and care facilities.
- Executive search: Boutique and global firms such as Egon Zehnder, Korn Ferry and Spencer Stuart handle board-level and C-suite appointments, typically on a retained basis.
How Recruitment Agency Fees Work
In Australia, the employer pays the agency, and candidates should never be charged to be placed in a job. Fee structures vary by the type of placement.
- Permanent placements: Commonly 15% to 25% of the candidate’s first-year base salary, paid only if the hire proceeds (contingency model).
- Contract and temporary staff: The agency charges the employer a margin on top of the worker’s hourly rate, often built into a single daily or hourly charge-out rate.
- Retained search: Used for senior roles, with fees paid in stages (often a third at engagement, a third at shortlist and a third at placement).
Many agencies offer a replacement guarantee, usually between 3 and 6 months, if a permanent hire leaves early. Confirm the terms in writing.
What to Check Before Choosing an Agent
- Ask how many similar roles the consultant has filled in the past year.
- Check that the agency has a track record in your industry and seniority level.
- Read the terms of business for fee rates, exclusivity periods and guarantee conditions.
- Look for membership of the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA), the industry body that sets a code of conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do recruitment agents in Sydney charge job seekers?
No. Agencies are paid by the hiring employer. A firm asking a candidate for a placement fee is not following standard Australian practice, and you should walk away.
How long does it take to get a job through a recruiter?
Temporary and contract roles can start within days. Permanent roles typically take 3 to 8 weeks from first interview to offer, depending on the employer’s process and the seniority of the position.
Should I register with more than one agency?
Yes, for most professional and temporary roles. Registering with two or three agencies that cover your field widens your exposure. Tell each agent which roles you have already been submitted for, so your CV is not sent to the same employer twice.
