Top 20 recruitment firms in Europe
List of recruitment firms in Europe
- Adecco
- Kelly Services
- Gini Talent
- EMEA Recruitment
- Tiger Recruitment
- Reed
- Boyden
- Egon Zehnder
- Pedersen & Partners
- Amrop
- Euro London Appointments
- European Recruitment
- Randstad
- Hays
- Approach People Recruitment
- ManpowerGroup
- Grafton Recruitment
- Experis
- CPL
- Robert Half
Filling job roles remains a significant challenge for many businesses, influenced by a variety of factors. One pressing issue is the ongoing labor shortage in Europe, which continues to impact recruitment efforts across multiple industries.
According to recent data from Eurostat, unemployment rates have dropped to historic lows (5.9%), intensifying competition for skilled talent. This tight labor market makes finding the right candidates more difficult than ever.
To support businesses in overcoming labor shortages, this article highlights 20 of the top recruitment firms in Europe. These firms specialize in connecting companies with qualified professionals, helping to streamline the hiring process and overcome labor market obstacles.
Recruitment Challenges in Europe
Finding the right talent in Europe has become increasingly complex for businesses. Several factors contribute to recruitment difficulties, making it more challenging for companies to fill key positions.
The following highlights why many organizations turn to the top recruitment firms in Europe for guidance and effective hiring solutions:
- Labor shortages. Many sectors struggle to find skilled workers as unemployment rates hit historic lows, shrinking the pool of available candidates.
- Skills mismatch. Rapid technological changes create gaps between the skills employers need and those job seekers possess, complicating hiring efforts.
- Strict labor regulations. Complex employment laws and varying regulations across countries slow down recruitment and add administrative burdens.
- Talent retention. High competition for skilled workers leads to increased turnover, forcing companies to focus on retention strategies alongside recruitment.
- Cultural and language barriers. Multinational hiring often involves navigating diverse cultures and languages, adding complexity to the recruitment process.
Facing these challenges, many businesses rely on the expertise of the top recruitment firms in Europe to access talent efficiently and gain a competitive edge in the labor market.
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Top 20 recruitment firms in Europe
Now, let’s dive into the leading recruitment firms European businesses should consider working with:
1. Adecco
Adecco operates in 60 countries, establishing itself as a global leader in recruitment. The company offers services such as temporary staffing, permanent placements, and career transitions across various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, finance, and technology.
Adecco’s 91% turnover rate in 2022 reflects its effective candidate selection and retention. Through consistent client focus, Adecco has built a reputation as a reliable partner for growing businesses across the European Union.
2. Kelly Services
Kelly Services was established in 1946. For over 70 years, it has built its expertise in the education, technology, and engineering sectors.
This premier recruitment firm adapts to evolving industry demands, connecting businesses with skilled workers across various fields, including accounting, government, manufacturing, and more.
Kelly Services has grown its global network, linking over 450,000 people with job opportunities annually. The company supports both employers and job seekers by delivering flexible workforce solutions tailored to local and international markets.
3. Gini Talent
Gini Talent is another leading global recruitment and staffing company, successfully employing over 10,000 individuals across various countries.
It takes full advantage of proprietary software and active AI, revolutionizing the hiring process. This innovative approach sets new standards in mass recruitment.
Gini Talent’s unmatched ability to process thousands of candidates in hours establishes it as the undisputed leader in large-scale global recruitment.
The firm proudly serves numerous billion-dollar clients and operates talent hubs in emerging markets, solidifying its reputation as a premier partner for worldwide talent solutions.
4. EMEA Recruitment
EMEA Recruitment was founded in 2007. It specializes in professional services talent across Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Nordics, and the wider EMEA region.
The firm focuses on mid to senior-level roles in Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Procurement & Supply Chain, and Operations.
EMEA Recruitment prioritizes a people-first approach. This strategy builds strong relationships, positioning them as a strategic partner for top global businesses and a trusted advisor to in-demand talent.
Its extensive network and commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion make it a leading choice for diverse client needs.
5. Tiger Recruitment
Tiger Recruitment, a UK-headquartered agency, specializes in placing top-tier administrative and HR professionals globally.
The firm excels at recruiting international PAs and executive assistants for roles across Europe, the Middle East, the US, and beyond.
Tiger Private, a division, handles permanent and temporary staffing for private households, sourcing roles like estate managers, chefs, and chiefs of staff. Its HR recruiters also find exceptional staff throughout the UK, Europe, MENA, North America, and Switzerland.
Tiger Recruitment’s extensive network delivers high-caliber candidates without compromising service quality.
6. Reed
Reed has pioneered specialist recruitment across the UK since 1960. Its experts source knowledgeable, skilled professionals for jobs across 20 diverse sectors.
Whether a business needs a head of finance or urgent supply teachers, Reed provides support. Clients gain access to a network of local recruitment specialists, helping them develop and grow their operations.
With over 60 years of experience, dedicated consultants find talented professionals. Reed acts as an industry-leading partner, effectively bridging the gap between employers and qualified candidates.
7. Boyden
Established in 1946, Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with a global reach. This “Global Boutique” approach combines local expertise with worldwide capabilities, serving client needs wherever they operate.
Boyden connects great companies with exceptional leaders through executive search, interim management, and leadership consulting. Specializing in technology, finance, and healthcare, their European branch offers expert executive recruitment services.
Boyden works closely with clients, finding leaders who drive impactful change and meet organizational goals.
8. Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder stands as the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm, blending vast industry expertise with diverse insights.
The company offers specialized executive search services, focusing on leadership advisory and board consulting.
It partners with organizations to identify top executives who drive strategic leadership and deliver long-term value. With a strong reputation for excellence, Egon Zehnder serves as a trusted global executive search firm.
It expertly navigates the technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors, consistently finding leaders who make a tangible impact.
9. Pedersen & Partners
Pedersen & Partners is an Executive Search & Leadership Consulting firm, operating 56 offices across 50 countries.
Founded by Poul Pedersen in 2001, the company’s offices worldwide are 100% owned by full-time working partners. This structure promotes a cohesive and unified approach to client service.
The firm excels in cross-border executive search, helping companies identify leadership talent that precisely aligns with international growth strategies. Its deep industry knowledge and extensive global reach establish them as a reliable partner for executive recruitment worldwide.
10. Amrop
Amrop is another top-tier global executive search firm, specializing in sustainable leadership for dynamic organizations. Partner-owned worldwide, the company invests personally in delivering tailored leadership solutions.
Amrop helps businesses find executives who align both culturally and strategically, fostering long-term success. Its services span executive search, leadership advisory, and board consulting across diverse sectors like automotive, energy, financial services, and healthcare.
Amrop’s diversity-driven approach distinguishes it in the competitive executive search market, providing strong leaders for unique business needs.
11. Euro London Appointments
Euro London Appointments was founded in 1990 and functions as an independent, language-oriented recruitment consultancy across five major European countries.
With over 30 years of experience, their impressive expertise in the multilingual field positions them among Europe’s top recruitment agencies.
This recruitment firm connects candidates seeking roles that utilize their language skills with companies seeking fluent, skilled professionals.
Euro London Appointments excels at bridging linguistic gaps in the workforce, consistently delivering specialist talent for diverse business needs.
12. European Recruitment
European Recruitment excels in tech recruitment, leveraging over 15 years of industry leadership. It identifies optimal teams that drive business forward, staying ahead of evolving technical requirements.
The firm possesses a deep understanding of specialized roles, prioritizing not just skills but also cultural fit and attitude for every placement, an approach that sets them apart from others.
European Recruitment partners with firms and prospects across Europe, focusing on emerging technologies and leading roles within the IT sector. This niche specialization delivers precise, high-value talent solutions.
13. Randstad
Randstad pioneers the recruitment landscape, recognized for its ‘tech and touch’ strategy. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the firm operates in 39 markets, employing approximately 40,000 people.
In 2024, Randstad supported over 1.7 million individuals, generating €24.1 billion in revenue. Through four specializations—Operational, Professional, Digital, and Enterprise—Randstad provides clients with high-quality, agile workforces.
The company helps people find meaningful roles, develop skills, and discover purpose, committing to a sustainable future for all through its impactful work.
14. Hays
Hays is a well-regarded global recruitment agency with over 50 years of experience in the industry. It is recognized for its specialized and tailored services.
The firm serves a wide array of sectors, including construction, IT, finance, and life sciences.
Hays goes beyond staffing, offering valuable market insights, talent management solutions, and HR consultancy. In 2022, the agency successfully filled over 77,000 roles, demonstrating its ability to meet diverse client needs.
Its global workforce spans 33 countries, building lifelong partnerships that empower individuals and businesses alike.
15. Approach People Recruitment
Approach People Recruitment has been a top-tier European recruitment partner since 2000, trusted by companies like Apple and Nestlé.
Its network of expert consultants across Europe specializes in various industries, providing tailored advice.
Utilizing a centralized European database and global job board partnerships, consultants efficiently identify top talent. They then thoroughly assess candidates, presenting only the most exceptional profiles to clients.
The firm excels at connecting experts with companies continent-wide, demonstrating a strong understanding of the cross-cultural nuances prevalent in the European job market.
16. ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup stands as a global leader in contingent staffing and permanent recruitment. The firm excels in talent resourcing and workforce management, providing rapid access to highly qualified candidates.
Leveraging over 70 years of experience, ManpowerGroup connects top talent to organizations better and faster through its global reach and optimized multi-channel approach.
The company serves 100,000 clients worldwide, empowering over 600,000 associates on assignment daily.
17. Grafton Recruitment
Grafton Recruitment, headquartered in the Czech Republic, has grown into a prominent name across European recruitment circles. The agency serves diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and construction.
This recruitment solutions provider prides itself on a deep understanding of the job market and proficiency in pairing clients with ideal candidates. Grafton Recruitment boasts a 90% success rate, consistently delivering on client expectations.
Its client-centric approach, extensive network, and commitment to quality service continue to strengthen its market position.
18. Experis
Experis is a division of the global ManpowerGroup. It excels in professional resourcing and project-based workforce solutions. The firm fills over 130,000 jobs annually across vital sectors including IT, Engineering, and Finance.
Experis leverages deep industry insights, a vast global network, and innovative solutions to deliver high-quality outcomes for diverse client needs.
Their comprehensive services and proven track record establish them as a reliable partner for businesses throughout the EU, helping organizations acquire the specialized talent they require.
19. CPL
Cpl is among Ireland’s largest talent solutions providers that is part of the global Outsourcing Inc. headquartered in Dublin. This company delivers specialist recruitment, managed services, and strategic talent advisory worldwide.
CPL employs over 13,800 people and operates 45 offices across 12 countries, including Ireland, the UK, and various EU nations. With a 94% client satisfaction rate, it consistently provides quality recruitment solutions.
This prominent recruitment agency’s deep industry knowledge and comprehensive offerings make it a preferred partner for businesses seeking robust talent strategies.
20. Robert Half
Robert Half specializes in staffing for the finance, technology, and administration sectors. The agency employs a consultative approach, understanding client requirements to identify the ideal candidate fit.
Beyond recruitment, they offer valuable industry research and salary guides. Its impressive 93% client satisfaction rate confirms their expert matching of candidate skills with employer needs.
These comprehensive recruitment solutions solidify their reputation as a reliable staffing partner.
Fulfill your hiring needs: Partner with the top recruitment firms in Europe
Partnering with leading recruitment firms gives businesses access to top talent, industry insights, and tailored hiring solutions. These firms augment the recruitment process, reduce time-to-hire, and strengthen workforce quality.
Working with experienced partners helps companies gain a strategic advantage in today’s competitive labor market across Europe’s diverse industries and regions.
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