General · 18 June 2026
What Does a Staffing Agency Actually Do? A Simple Explanation
A staffing agency (also called a recruitment agency, placement consultancy, manpower consultancy, job consultancy, or HR consultancy) connects companies who need employees with people who need jobs. It sits between the two sides and makes the talent acquisition process faster and more reliable for both.
What they do for employers
When a company has open positions, they share the requirement with a staffing agency. The agency then sources candidates from their database, job portals, referrals, and direct outreach. They screen each person (phone interview, qualification check, salary alignment) and send a shortlist to the company. The company interviews the shortlist and decides who to hire.
This saves the employer time. Instead of reviewing 200 raw applications, they see 5 to 10 pre-qualified candidates. The agency also helps with offer negotiation and follows up after joining.
What they do for job seekers
Job seekers register with the agency (for free at legitimate agencies). When a matching opening comes in from an employer, the agency calls the candidate, explains the role, and schedules an interview. They also provide basic guidance on what to expect and how to prepare.
The benefit for candidates: access to jobs that are not posted publicly, interview preparation support, and someone advocating on their behalf during salary negotiations.
How they earn money
Staffing agencies charge a fee to the employer when a candidate is successfully placed and joins the company. This fee is typically 8 to 16 percent of the candidate's annual salary (for permanent hires). For contract staffing, the agency charges a monthly fee that includes the worker's salary plus a margin. Read our detailed breakdown of recruitment agency pricing in India.
Job seekers never pay. If any agency asks you for money, they are not legitimate.
Types of staffing services
Permanent staffing: full time hires on company payroll. Contract staffing: temporary hires on agency payroll (also called flexi staffing or third party payroll). Bulk hiring: volume recruitment (20+ people at once). Executive search: confidential headhunting for senior leaders. RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing): agency manages your entire hiring function.
Learn which model suits your needs: permanent vs contract staffing comparison.
How to choose the right staffing agency
Look for industry specialization, transparent pricing, a replacement guarantee, and clear timelines. Read our comprehensive guide on how to choose a placement consultancy in Delhi NCR.
One2Infinite is a staffing agency in Ghaziabad serving employers and job seekers across Delhi NCR. Employers start here. Job seekers register here.
Related reading: Why companies outsource recruitment · Top industries hiring in Delhi NCR · How to register with a placement agency
What is a staffing agency?
A staffing agency (also called a recruitment agency, placement consultancy, manpower consultancy, or HR consultancy) connects companies that need employees with qualified job seekers. They handle sourcing, screening, and shortlisting to make the hiring process faster for both sides.
Do staffing agencies charge job seekers?
No. Legitimate staffing agencies earn their fee from employers. Candidates should never pay for registration, placement, or interview scheduling. If an agency asks for money from candidates, they are not genuine.
What is the difference between a staffing agency and a job portal?
A job portal is a platform where you upload your resume and apply to listings. A staffing agency actively matches you to specific openings, screens you before the interview, and advocates on your behalf with the employer. The agency adds human judgment to the matching process.
How do staffing agencies find candidates?
Agencies use a mix of their registered candidate database, job portal searches, LinkedIn outreach, referral networks, WhatsApp groups, and direct headhunting for senior roles. They also run walk-in drives for bulk hiring.
What types of staffing services exist?
Main types are: permanent staffing (full-time hires), contract staffing (temporary workers on agency payroll), bulk hiring (volume recruitment of 20+ people), executive search (confidential senior leadership hiring), and RPO (recruitment process outsourcing where the agency manages your entire hiring function).