Top 10 Singapore Recruitment Agencies and Executive Search Firms (2024)

Recruitment agencies are an incredible free tool for job seekers.

They’re unfortunately also rather underused in Singapore!

For a little red dot, we have quite a number of headhunting firms though – so many options in fact, that perhaps many job seekers don’t know where to start.

To make things easier for you, we’ve shortlisted 10+ best executive search firms and recruitment agencies in Singapore, based on:

• Industry reputation
• Specialisations (industry sectors covered) and services provided
• Actual job seeker reviews – feedback from candidates that have actually used and/or landed jobs with these agencies, on how they found the process

Whether you’re struggling with your job search, or just starting your hunt, it doesn’t hurt to get some extra help from recruitment agencies and give your job search a boost.

You deserve every advantage.
(why not take advantage of our FREE CV Feedback service from professional resume writers too?)

P.S. Executive Search Firm or Recruitment Agency? Headhunter or Recruiter? If you’re wondering about the difference between all these terms, we explain more at the bottom of this article.

Top 10+ Singapore Recruitment Agencies and Executive Search Firms

1. Randstad
2. JAC Recruitment
3. Michael Page
4. Robert Walters
5. Morgan McKinley
6. Robert Half
7. Kelly Services
8. BGC Group
9. Frazer Jones
10. Page Personnel
11. Phoenix Recuitment

Before you meet with a recruiter, update your resume to best position yourself for success.

Need inspiration for your CV? Download our complete set of 50+ Resume Samples prepared by former headhunters for every industry and most job functions in Singapore.

Randstad

Randstad is a well-established, international recruitment agency with reach in 38 countries, and among the top executive search firms for senior positions in Singapore.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Industries: Accounting and finance, information technology, banking and financial services, life sciences, construction and property, legal, corporate and secretarial support, manufacturing and supply chain, human resources, sales, marketing and communication

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Randstad Singapore’s job candidates raved about their recruiters’ professionalism.

“Friendly and personalised commitment. Fast and efficient in liaising and making arrangement. Clear and precise in communication.”

“Called the landline to speak to a specific Randstad officer. As I couldn’t get through, I started chatting with the chatbot who transferred me to a human colleague. Very smooth sailing and pleasant. That person assured me the person I wanted to reach out to would call me back after taking my number. Very professional interaction so far with all touchpoints.”

Get in touch with Randstad Singapore now.

JAC Recruitment

Well-established in the UK, but with its roots in Japan, JAC Recruitment is an international recruitment firm with a global network spanning 11 countries, including Singapore.

As such, Jac Recruitment Singapore tends to hire for a lot of Japanese speaking roles. So if you’re fluent in Japanese or have experience with Japanese work culture, you’ll have an edge over other job seekers.

Specialisation

• Job levels: Mid-senior level professionals and specialists 
• Industries: Accounting & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing, Healthcare/Pharmaceutical, Human Resources & Office Support, IT & Telecoms, Marketing/Advertising, Sales, SCM, Logistics & Procurement, and Consultancy

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Hear from one of JAC Recruitment Singapore’s satisfied clients.

“Had an excellent experience here. Very polite and friendly staff ensured they listened and were aware of my interests and abilities. Was able to secure a job within a month and we still keep in touch ever since. Will always be grateful for the help and guidance JAC has given me. Thanks you once again Konno san.”

Get in touch with JAC Recruitment Singapore here.

Michael Page

Michael Page is one of the four brands under international recruitment firm PageGroup. Michael Page has a network that spans 36 countries around the world, and specialises across myriad sectors.

In Singapore, the firm offers specialised recruitment services for professionals at middle management to leadership levels, along with highly specialised technical positions and functional disciplines.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Job levels: Middle management to leadership
• Industries: Banking & Financial Services, Construction, Digital, Engineering & Manufacturing, Executive Search, Finance & Accounting, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information technology, Legal, Life Sciences, Marketing, Procurement & Supply Chain, Property, Retail, and Sales

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Candidates have shared fantastic experiences working with Michael Page.

“Great experience working with Michael Page. I have met he consultant Alicia while looking for my new career opportunity with Michael Page. While working with her, she assisted me to successfully secure a new career opportunity in a short time span. I will say that Alicia’s professionalism and knowledge is what makes her successful at what she does. She is always patient to listen and willing to assist. Most importantly she always ensure that her candidate is well prepared for interviews by sharing tips and important Dos and Don’ts before the interview. I am so happy that we met and really appreciated her efforts in helping me securing the new job opportunity. Best of luck to you, Alicia!”

“Michael Page Singapore is very efficient in their sourcing, talent management and fast to response. I’ve partnered with many headhunting agencies, so far Michael Page Singapore is the best and fastest in their response and updates! As a candidate, Michael Page Singapore does not leave you in the dark for a long period of waiting time or silence; as a partner, Michael Page Singapore respects and ensures end to end process are not overlooked. Special thanks to Nick H from Michael Page Singapore, he has been one of the best recruiters I’ve partner with.”

Reach out to Michael Page Singapore directly.

Robert Walters

Robert Walters is a specialist professional recruitment consultancy present in 31 countries. Their clients range from MNCs to start ups and SMEs.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Industries: Accounting & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, General Management, Human Resources, Tech & Transformation, Legal, Marketing, Project & Change Management, Sales, Secretarial & Business Support, Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics, Technical Healthcare

Reach out to Robert Walters Singapore directly, or search for Robert Walters recruiters specialised in your industry.

Morgan McKinley

They help highly qualified professionals find new roles by helping candidates create or rewrite their resumes, meaning they have experience dealing with recruitment and headhunters.

A global professional services recruitment consultancy, Morgan McKinley recruits across multiple industries and disciplines. Morgan McKinley also has global reach, with presence in 9 countries.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Industries: Accounting and Finance, Banking Operations, Compliance, Financial Services Front Office, Healthcare, HR, IT, Marketing, Project & Change Management, Risk Management, Sales, Supply Chain & Procurement

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Morgan McKinley Singapore’s job candidates were pleased with these recruiters’ services.

“I will like to express my sincere thanks to Bella & Hagen for both their help & dedication in facilitating my interviews & job offer. Both are helpful and ready to accommodate to my timing (as I was overseas during the interviews) to ensure the process proceeded smoothly. It was a pleasure working with both of them, many thanks again!”

“I will like to express my sincere thanks & appreciation to Ms Bella Phea for her help & dedication in facilitating my interviews & job offer. She is helpful and ready to accommodate my travel schedule to ensure the interviews proceeded smoothly. It was a pleasure working with her, many thanks again!”

Get in touch with Morgan McKinley Singapore, or reach out to individual Morgan McKinley recruiters.

Robert Half

Robert Half is a pioneer in specialised recruitment services, and offers executive search and recruitment solutions for businesses and finance, accounting, financial services and technology professionals.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Industries: Finance and Accounting, IT and Technology, Financial Services (banking, insurance and fund management), Project Consulting

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Robert Half Singapore has an excellent record of happy candidates.

“Stella Tan was proactive, efficient and encouraging and made things happen very quickly. She listened, made useful suggestions, gave good advice and honest feedback, looked out for me, and rooted for me through the whole process. I can’t say how thankful I am for her tireless efforts on my behalf.

I would also like to thank Elise Tan who was most supportive and empathetic, who listened and gave sound advice when I needed it and who went the extra mile for me.

Thank you both. I’m very grateful.”

“I didn’t get a job from Robert Half
I didn’t get an interview from Robert Half
And this is why they deserved 5 stars rating from me.

I was jobless for a long time and was desperate for a job. And this was the period where I suffered the most from bad recruitment agencies practice. If you see my other reviews on some of the agencies.

Bernice Lim from Robert Half called me. She tried to understand my situation, my background, my desire for career and did a personal counselling session for me during the interview session. She was like a fresh breath of air and gave me some hope because I know I can trust her to help me. There was no hard selling, it is a super comfortable experience.

The first position she got me didn’t work out as my experience gap was quite huge and the client does not want to waste time training the candidate. Without me asking her, she was looking out for a suitable role for me behind the scene.

Within 2 weeks from the last position, I got a call from her on a suitable role and she arranged an interview for me once she got my consent. She came back to me after getting a response from her client on the interview and I had to turn her down because I got a good offer in a very good company at the same time. She did not get upset, she did not behave rudely. From my past experience, this is the point where agents start their reprimanding sessions.

Instead, she congratulated me on my job offer, told me that I did a good job in keeping my hopes up and keep moving on without giving up and now I am in a good company with a good pay.

I was so surprised by her. It is been over a year now I believe and I still remember her. She is a perfect idea of a talent acquisitor, rare and I have not come across anyone like her. I would like to say thank you. And candidates under her, have faith in her.”

Get in touch directly with Robert Half.

Kelly Services

Kelly Services is part of the PERSOLKELLY group, which provides a wide range of HR services ranging from executive search to permanent placement and temporary staffing.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Industries: Banking & Finance, Contact Centre, Engineering, Exhibition & Promotions, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Human Resources, Information Technology, Sales & Marketing

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Some candidates have shared their positive experiences with Kelly Services Singapore and affiliated firm Capita.

“Spoke to Andreas and was very impressed with his dedication on bringing my profile to the hiring manager. He is very dedicated and ensures that he follows up with the hiring manager and also updates me.”

“Applied for a temporary job through Capita last December. I would like to thank Kate Foo for being thorough in explaining the job scope and caring to call and ask me on my first day at work .She kept to her word and pay came in time. Tried applying for a job at Capita again, but I decided to turn down the offer. Agent Cassandra was prompt in messaging me and she was kind to understand.”

Get in touch with Kelly Services Singapore here.

BGC Group

A global recruitment agency BGC Group (not to be confused with BCG!) also covers a broad spectrum of industries and roles.

BGC Group specialises in field including Banking & Financial Services, Finance & Accounting, Insurance & Language Specialty.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Contract / Temporary
• Job levels: Generally entry level to manager roles
• Industries: Accounting, Administration, Call Center/Telemarketing, Customer Service, Design, Education/Training, Engineering, Events, Finance, Healthcare, HR, IT, Logistics/Warehouse, Retail, Marketing, Social Research, Sales/Business Development, Science & Technology

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Here are some positive notes job seekers have left about their experience with BGC Group.

“It’s been an extremely trying period to get a job now but I’m very thankful for my consultant, Ms Shirley Tey! I initially applied for one of the jobs offered but she found out that I might be much more suited for another one and now I’m just days away from being in an ideal workplace. She’s also very friendly, approachable and helpful. Thank you!”

“Hannah Ong is very helpful and patience. Such a genuine person. She was very detailed in explaining the job scopes and descriptions to me to make sure the job suits me. Very happy with my current job. She’s also very fast in responding to enquiries from me.  Overall, a great experience having her as my recruit agent. ????”

You can upload your CV on their BGC Group’s website, and check out available jobs here.

Frazer Jones

If you work in HR, you’ve probably heard of this one. Frazer Jones is the largest, independent specialist recruitment agency for the HR industry globally.

The firm’s been operating globally for over 20 years with a network of 11 international offices including their Singapore office, which serves South East Asia.

They cover a full spectrum of HR specialities, and recruit for roles across a wide range of industries – both in Singapore and internationally.

Besides in-house HR positions, they also source candidates for consulting firms, including HR, change, transformation and reward/global mobility consultants.

Specialisation

• Positions: Full spectrum of HR roles, on an interim, fixed term contract and permanent basis
• Job levels: Entry level to Senior Executive level
• Industries: Across finance, logistics, travel, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, retail, pharmaceuticals, biotech, oil & gas, chemical, and luxury goods sectors.

You can register as a candidate or explore their HR job listings.

Page Personnel

Also a recruitment agency under PageGroup, Page Personnel specialises in recruitment services for professionals in professional support through to middle management.

Page Personnel Singapore specialises in the same disciplines as Michael Page Singapore.

Specialisation

• Positions: Permanent / Temporary / Contract
• Job levels: Professional support to middle management
• Industries: Contracting, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Sales, Secretarial and Office Support

Job Seeker Reviews (Google / Facebook):

Candidates have had great experiences with Page Personnel too. Here’s what they had to say.

“I had a very unique and wonderful experience with Page Personnel. I need to give the full credit to Ms. Nelly and Ms. Taniya on their professional services. The recruitment process was arranged as per normal. It was a long journey but with Ms. Nelly’s assistance and advise, it went very smooth and I have landed with my new employer. Her commitment and dedication makes this process unique and wonderful. I highly recommend their services and highly commended their work ethics and professionalism.”

“Hattie from Page has truly went the extra mile. She is always friendly, listens and provides her honest opinions. She found me a company which matches what I was looking for. When I was being uncertain, she took the time to meet with me and listened to my concerns and addressed them accordingly. Thank you so much Hattie! Your personal service makes you stand out amongst your competitors!”

Reach out to Page Personnel Singapore directly, or search for individual Page Personnel recruiters right here.

Phoenix Recruitment

Searching for work in the Construction and Real Estate sectors, such as Construction, Civil Infrastructure, Architecture and Design? Here’s the right recruitment agency for you – Phoenix Recruitment. These fields are among Phoenix Recruitment’s areas of specialisation.

[Editor’s note: The recruitment team behind 3C Synergy has moved to Phoenix Recruitment. 3C Synergy now operates in the training & development space, and no longer handles recruitment activities.]

Specialisation

• Industries: Built Environment, Construction, Civil Infrastructure, Architecture & Design, Real Estate
• Companies: Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Engineering Consultants, PM/QS Consultants, Developers, Architects, Interior Designers, Fit-Out Contractors, Data Centres, Building Service Providers & Government Agencies

Job Seeker Reviews (LinkedIn):

Phoenix Recruitment has a number of satisfied job seeker clients across Asia.

“I first worked with Babs in 2009 when starting a new venture in Singapore and I can safely say that those early candidates that Babs screened and introduced which we went on to employ formed the solid foundation for what was and continues to be a successful business. Babs was able to immediately grasp the essence of what calibre of personnel was required and unlike many others in the recruitment business would always ensure that what was presented as possible candidates had been carefully reviewed/interviewed and considered so that for both myself as the prospective employer and the candidate being interviewed we knew exactly what to expect and everyone’s expectations were in line.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Babs to fulfill your recruitment requirements whether it be singular requirements to replace and or enhance an existing team or the whole team from a standing start. Outstanding service from start to finish!”

You can reach out to their recruitment consultants for a chat.

What is C Suite Recruiting Firms?

What is a C-level recruiter?

C Suite recruitment or better known as executive search companies hiring is far different from typical hiring and is a lot more involved process.

The stakes are significantly higher than when hiring for lower-level positions because it looks for the highest-ranking individuals in your organisation who will manage your team and influence essential business choices.

The roles that make up a company’s senior executive team or C-suite are:

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
• COO (Chief Operating Officer)
• CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
• CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer)
• CSO (Chief Security Officer)
• CIO (Chief Information Officer)
• CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
• CDO (Chief Digital Officer)
• CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)

What is the difference between Executive Search Companies and Recruitment Agency?

Recruitment is a much broader term and scope than executive search. The Executive search process is more specialised.

Positions and Job Levels:

• Executive Search Companies: They typically focus on filling management to senior leadership positions for their clients.
• Recruitment Agencies: May cover an entire spectrum of positions and job levels – whether that’s permanent/contract/temporary roles, from entry level all the way up to senior leadership roles.

Time and Resources:

• Executive Search Companies: Invest more time in thorough vetting, reference checks, and in-depth interviews, providing a smaller pool of highly qualified prospects.
• Recruitment Agencies: Use technology for candidate filtering, resulting in a larger candidate pool with varying competence levels.

Customisation:

• Executive Search Companies: Tailor the search process to meet each client’s unique needs, considering corporate culture and job requirements.
• Recruitment Agencies: Often follow standardised procedures with predetermined fees, limiting customisation.

Targeted Research:

• Executive Search Companies: Focus on passive candidates, leveraging networks and market expertise for targeted searches.
• Recruitment Agencies: Use databases, job ads, and social media to find actively seeking candidates.

Quantity vs Quality:

• Executive Search Companies: Locate ideal candidates, whether actively job-seeking or not, often referred to as “head-hunters.”
• Recruitment Agencies: Present multiple candidates for interviews, often sourcing from active job seekers.

These are some other common terms you might hear:

• Executive Search Consultants: These recruitment professionals typically source candidates for management to senior executive positions.
• Recruiters: These recruitment professionals look out for candidates to fill various positions, ranging from entry level to senior roles, permanent or contract roles, etc.

Recruitment agencies or companies may also offer executive search as one of their specialisations, along with other HR-related services.

Sometimes these terms can be used interchangeably, so it makes sense to ensure you’re dealing with the right person. But typically, a recruiter may deal with all levels of candidate, whereas those dealing with executive talent deal with managerial and senior positions.

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