Categories > Other Services

best-recruitment-agencies-portland-banner

Connect with Skilled Professionals through the Best Recruitment Agencies in Portland

  • Specialization: We looked for agencies that focus on niche industries. Specialized recruiters have a better understanding of the market and can connect you with relevant opportunities.
  • Reputation: We looked into the agency's reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and success stories.
  • Personalized Service: We assessed each agency that tailors its services to individual needs and skills.
  • Network Connections: We considered the agency’s connections within the local job market.
  • Support and Resources: We evaluated the additional services offered, such as resume writing, interview coaching, and career advice.

Navigating the job market in Portland can feel like wandering through a maze—exciting but often overwhelming. 

Imagine polishing your resume and scouring job boards, only to find a sea of listings that seem perfect but lead nowhere. You’re not alone! Many job seekers experience the frustration of endless applications and the ghosting that follows. 

That’s where recruitment agencies step in, acting as a bridge between talent and opportunity. They know the ins and outs of the local job market and can connect you with positions that align with your skills and aspirations. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best recruitment agencies in Portland, Oregon, to help you land that dream job without all the hassle.

1. Boly:Welch

boly-welch-logo

Services: Contract-temporary, direct-hire, job workshops, and more
Address: 920 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 100
Phone: (503) 242-1300
Business hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Website

Google score reviews4.7/5
Yelp score reviews4/5
Total reviews4.8/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Specialization5/5
Reputation4.8/5
Personalized Service4.8/5
Network Connections4.5/5
Support and Resources4.7/5

Boly:Welch has made a name for itself in the legal recruiting world. In our chats with clients and candidates, it was clear just how much they value the variety of services on offer.

We were impressed most by their expertise in HR consulting, accounting, and executive search. They have a solid track record of linking talents with law firms and legal departments. 

Some of the law firms we talked to really loved how well the team understands the legal landscape. They praised them for not just matching candidates based on skills but also ensuring they fit the firm’s culture.

We also really love the resources they provide, like job-seeking webinars and workshops. These can be game-changers for candidates looking to up their employability.

On the flip side, a few clients mentioned waiting longer than expected for job placements. So if you’re in a hurry to fill a position, that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Experienced team
  • Legal and HR Specialization
  • Highly reputed

Cons

  • Potential higher fees
  • Potential delay in job placements

Her advice about interviews and feedback on my resume were invaluable

“Jen was really helpful in my job search! She was always communicative and would respond promptly to emails or texts. Her advice about interviews and feedback on my resume were invaluable. With help from Jen, I was able to get hired at a project assistant role at a law office that I’m really excited about. It was a struggle trying to find entry level legal positions on my own but she made it much easier!”

Eloise Gilbert-Fagen, Google Reviews

Incredibly responsive and always available for questions, interview preparation, or just to lend an ear

“A career change can often be daunting. This was not my experience working with Kelsey. Right from the start, she was so delightful to work with. She listened to my professional needs, goals, and concerns. She was incredibly responsive and always available for questions, interview preparation, or just to lend an ear. I could tell she genuinely cared about making the right match. I am truly grateful to Kelsey for all the hard work she put in and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a positive job search experience.”

Katherine Lubiani, Google Reviews

2. Emerald Staffing

emerald-staffing-logo

Services: Candidate verification, direct hire, specialist recruiting, and more
Address: 5285 Meadows Road, Suite 190 Lake Oswego
Phone: (503) 212-0000
Business hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website

Google score reviews4.3/5
Yelp score reviews2.7/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4/5
Specialization4/5
Reputation4/5
Personalized Service4.2/5
Network Connections4.5/5
Support and Resources4/5

Emerald Staffing is especially known for its focus on healthcare staffing. While many agencies stick to generic office staffing, Emerald provides tailored support to meet the unique needs of each employer.

We reached out to the team for the inside scoop on how they operate. During our conversations, we found out they specialize in filling administrative, clerical, and support roles, especially in the healthcare sector.

They have a thorough screening process. It includes detailed interviews and specialized skill assessments. They also do personalized counseling, helping job seekers identify their potential career paths in the healthcare sector. 

On top of that, Emerald has solid connections with local healthcare organizations, which gives job seekers an edge with access to exclusive openings like registered nurse or medical officer roles that often go unlisted or are filled through referrals.

This means Emerald can connect candidates with opportunities you won’t find on public job boards. We love that they go the extra mile to ensure clients get top talent while helping job seekers find positions that actually match their skills.

Just a heads up, though, a few clients mentioned that the hiring process can take a bit longer than expected. This might be a hassle if you’re in a hurry to fill positions.

Pros

  • Comprehensive screening process
  • Personalized services
  • Industry reputation
  • Vast staffing solutions

Cons

  • Lengthy hiring process
  • Narrower field of specialization

Consistent about updating me on open positions and recently connected me with a role that matched my preferred hourly rate and distance from my home

“Such a warm and attentive staff. The recruiter I worked with was consistent about updating me on open positions and recently connected me with a role that matched my preferred hourly rate and distance from my home. I’ve had a great experience with Emerald :)”

Carelle Namegabe, Google Reviews

The staff is incredibly helpful, friendly and accommodating

“The staff is incredibly nice and was able to pair me with my dream job first try! I got hired on permanently after about 2 weeks, but I will always be infinitely grateful to Emerald for facilitating this job opportunity. I would absolutely recommend applying here, the staff is incredibly helpful, friendly and accommodating and seems to genuinely care about their employees!”

Avi Starr, Google Reviews

3. Insight Global

insight-global-logo

Services: Contract-to-hire, direct placement, and more
Address: 1300 SW 5th Ave Suite 350
Phone: (855) 485-8853
Business hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website

Google score reviews3.5/5
Yelp score reviews4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4/5
Specialization4.5/5
Reputation4/5
Personalized Service3/5
Network Connections4.5/5
Support and Resources4/5

Insight Global is a staffing agency that effectively connects talent across diverse sectors. We spoke with their staff and learned about their specialization in engineering, construction, and industrial roles.

One impressive feature is their efficiency in the hiring process, often screening candidates within a remarkable 24-48 hours window time. This is perfect for job seekers who need a job fast or businesses in need of immediate staff.

They’ve also made a big impact in the non-profit sector as they actively bridge the gap between organizations and employee candidates eager to contribute to community service.

While their quick screening process is a plus, some candidates might feel a bit overwhelmed by the fast pace. Job seekers really need to come prepared to shine during these speedy evaluations.

Even though Insight Global does a great job connecting talent with opportunities, the fast hiring process might not be for everyone—especially those who like a more in-depth conversation during interviews.

Pros

  • Quick turnaround
  • Positive reputation
  • Specialized expertise
  • Vast staffing solutions

Cons

  • Potential lack of guaranteed work
  • Lesser personalized service

Insight Global is really on the ball and Daniel handles situations with clam charm and sparkling personality.

“Changing careers from Healthcare to IT (in mid-life). I was struggling to get into a role that is related to my new field of work. Daniel Kamin in the Downtown Portland office was FAST and super knowledgeable. An added bonus was Insight Global works with companies I have been trying to affilate myself with for years. Insight Global is really on the ball and Daniel handles situations with clam charm and sparkling personality. This is the first time I have used Insight Global and I simply could not be happier! They will be the first call I make the next time I am ‘looking’.”

Cassandra Johnston, Google Reviews

IG is a very professional and and keeps all employees informed on all situations.

“Cassidy and Jessica from the Portland Oregon office have been wonderful to work with. IG is a very professional and and keeps all employees informed on all situations. I would highly recommend working for this contracting company.”

Debbie Barker, Google Reviews

4. Abbot & Associates, Inc. 

abbot-associates-inc-logo

Services: Contract work, temp work, full-time employment
Address: 401 NE 19th Avenue #200
Phone: (503) 243-4630
Business hours

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Yelp score reviews5/5
Total reviews4.8/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Specialization4.8/5
Reputation4.8/5
Personalized Service4.8/5
Network Connections5/5
Support and Resources4.9/5

Abbott & Associates, Inc. has made a name for itself in Portland, especially in the accounting and finance sectors. 

They place candidates in a variety of roles, from accounting clerks to financial analysts and tax specialists, ensuring businesses can find the right talent for their specific needs.

When our team reached out to them, we found that Abbott’s focus goes beyond just filling roles—they’re committed to matching candidates who not only have the technical skills but are also a cultural fit for each company. 

This balance of skills and personality helps foster long-lasting professional relationships.

Clients we spoke to appreciate their attention to detail, especially when it comes to understanding the unique requirements of each role. 

While the market competition can sometimes make things more challenging for both companies and candidates, Abbott’s personalized approach has helped them maintain their status as a trusted staffing partner.

Pros

  • Strong local reputation
  • Specialization in accounting and finance roles
  • Personalized approach
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • Higher market competition

Have shown unwavering support, professionalism and kindness

“Abbott and Associates has been an invaluable partner in my career over the past 3+ years. Rachel and team have shown unwavering support, professionalism and kindness. From placement to ongoing advocacy, they have been instrumental in my success and growth. Highly recommend!”

Casey Estey, Google Reviews

Friendly, easy to work and hardworking

“Abbott & Associates helped place me with an organization I wanted to work for and I have been with them for 6 years now. I personally referred 2 people to them for placement as well, and know they also had wonderful experiences with not only Abbott & Associates, but with their placements. I can’t say enough good things about the staff at Abbott & Associates- friendly, easy to work and hardworking.”

Sasha Rector, Google Reviews

5. Express Employment Professionals

express-employment-professionals-logo

Services: Temporary work, contract-to-hire, full-time employment
Address: 10011 SE Division St Suite 102
Phone: (503) 254-1200
Business hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website

Google score reviews4.7/5
Yelp score reviews2.3/5
Total reviews4.6/5
Score consistency4.5/5
Specialization4.8/5
Reputation4.6/5
Personalized Service4.7/5
Network Connections4.7/5
Support and Resources4.6/5

Express Employment Professionals has built a solid reputation in Portland for matching local businesses with hardworking candidates, especially in the light industrial sector. 

They’ve connected people to roles like general labor, heavy equipment operators, and food processors—earning major praise from businesses that need quick, reliable staffing.

But Express doesn’t just stick to industrial placements. They branch out, offering recruitment for administrative and skilled trades too. This flexibility is a big plus for employers needing a mix of talent across different roles.

When we talked to clients, we heard a lot of positives about their personalized support. Some job seekers, though, did mention that many roles lean more toward temp work, which might not be ideal for those after long-term gigs. 

Still, folks were happy with how clearly Express communicated throughout the hiring process—building trust and making the job hunt less stressful.

Pros

  • Wide network
  • Friendly staff
  • Various job opportunities
  • Higher volume of temporary position

Cons

  • Limited support after placement
  • Potential mismatch for long-term employment seekers

The staffing manager is kind, compassionate and very genuine.

“The people that work in this office are amazing! The staffing manager is kind, compassionate and very genuine. Last week, the Owner took time out of his own day to drive this man to a job site because the man needed to start working asap. These people visibly go above and beyond for their clients and I wanted to write a review so others know how outstanding these individuals are. I am so honored to be employed by Express!”

Brittany Middleton, Google Reviews

Express welcomed me in and made me feel comfortable and at ease with on-boarding. 

“I walked in expecting the worse due to horrible experience at different Temp agency’s in the past. Express welcomed me in and made me feel comfortable and at ease with on-boarding. I had the pleasure meeting all staff. Very helpful with all types of situations and questions I had. Highly recommend starting here if you are looking for work. I applied today and got the job I WANTED. So grateful.”

Jonathan Murillo, Google Reviews

Related topics