The 7 Best Employment Agencies in Chicago

Finding the right job in a bustling city like Chicago can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, partnering with a top-notch employment agency can make all the difference. In this guide, we explore the 7 best employment agencies in Chicago, offering you a glimpse into the resources and expertise they provide to help you land your dream job.

Employment agencies offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of job seekers and employers. Here are some key services and aspects to consider when choosing an agency:

Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Crafting professional documents to stand out to employers.
Interview Coaching: Preparing candidates with essential skills and confidence for interviews.
Job Placement Services: Matching candidates with suitable job openings in various industries.
Temporary and Permanent Staffing: Offering both short-term and long-term employment opportunities.
Career Counseling: Providing guidance and advice for career development and transitions.
Salary Negotiation: Assisting with negotiating competitive salaries and benefits packages.
Industry-Specific Expertise: Specialized knowledge in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and more.
Networking Opportunities: Connecting candidates with industry professionals and employers.
Online Job Portals: Access to exclusive job listings and application tracking systems.

Consider factors such as the agency’s reputation, industry focus, and the cost of services, which can range from no fee for job seekers to a percentage of the first-year salary paid by employers. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right agency and move forward in your career with confidence.

1. Lasalle Network
2. Sharp Staff Inc
3. Michael Page

4. Medix
5. Illinois Department of Employment Security
6. Surestaff
7. Atlas Employment Services

Number of companies

1971

Verified reviews

3,63

Average rating

(312)4191700

1. Lasalle Network

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,5/5

200 N La Salle St #2500, 60601.0, Chicago

Recruiter
Employment agency
Temp agency

Why we chose them

LaSalle Network stands out as a premier choice in the recruitment industry, offering specialized services as a recruiter, employment agency, and temp agency. Renowned for connecting top talent with companies across various industries, they have carved a niche in providing personalized and effective staffing solutions. Their expertise in matching candidates with roles that suit their skills and career goals makes them a trusted partner for both job seekers and employers looking to fill temporary or permanent positions.

Despite temporary access restrictions on their website, LaSalle Network continues to maintain a strong presence in the recruitment field. Their commitment to security, as evidenced by the use of advanced tools like Wordfence, underscores their dedication to protecting client and candidate information. This focus on security and excellence in service delivery has solidified their reputation as a reliable and innovative leader in the staffing industry.

(773)3098781

2. Sharp Staff Inc

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

5023 W Armitage Ave, 60639.0, Chicago

Employment agency
Recruiter
Temp agency

Why we chose them

Sharp Staff Inc., established in 2004, is a full-service staffing agency renowned for its expertise in airport staffing and other specialized roles. As a family-owned and operated business, they pride themselves on delivering personalized service to each client and employee, making them a leader in the Chicagoland area. The agency offers a variety of staffing solutions, including temporary, temp-to-perm, direct hire, contract, and seasonal positions, along with comprehensive payroll services. Their slogan, “Powered by People. Driven by Performance,” encapsulates their commitment to matching top talent with the right opportunities.

The company excels in recruiting for diverse roles such as warehouse, general labor, administrative, and maintenance positions. Their experienced recruiting team employs proven techniques to ensure client satisfaction. With a focus on training and supporting candidates, they work tirelessly to provide the resources necessary for success in new roles. This dedication to quality service and their ability to customize staffing solutions to meet specific client needs are key reasons for their inclusion in our directory.

(312)2637471

3. Michael Page

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

101 N Wacker Dr Suite 1900, 60606.0, Chicago

Employment agency
Recruiter

Why we chose them

Michael Page is a renowned employment agency and recruiter, offering a comprehensive range of services to connect job seekers with their ideal roles across various industries. Their expertise spans sectors such as construction, banking and financial services, engineering and manufacturing, information technology, and more. The company provides valuable resources and tools for job seekers, including job search advice, resume tips, and career development insights. By leveraging their deep industry knowledge and innovative job-matching tools, Michael Page helps candidates navigate the job market effectively, ensuring a seamless recruitment process.

Employers benefit from Michael Page’s extensive network and proven sourcing methodology, which ensures the right candidates are matched to their specific needs. The company offers insights into talent trends and recruitment strategies, helping businesses make informed decisions to attract and retain top talent. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion further enhances their ability to connect a diverse range of candidates with opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. With a focus on bridging the gap between employee and employer expectations, Michael Page stands out as a trusted recruitment partner in the global job market.

(866)4463349

4. Medix

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,9/5

222 S Riverside Plaza Suite 2120, 60606.0, Chicago

Employment agency

Why we chose them

Medix is a leader in recruitment and workforce solutions, leveraging decades of industry expertise and innovative talent analytics through its subsidiary, Talentoday. This award-winning healthcare staffing agency specializes in providing tailored staffing solutions across the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Their comprehensive services include hiring skilled professionals in areas such as care management, nursing, revenue cycle, and health insurance. With a mission to positively impact both lives and businesses, they offer data-driven solutions that ensure organizations find the right talent quickly and efficiently.

In addition to healthcare, Medix extends its expertise to the life sciences and technology industries. The company supports biotech, pharma, clinical research, and medical device sectors with flexible staffing solutions that navigate evolving regulatory requirements. Medix also offers specialized services in healthcare IT, including Epic EHR staffing and advisory services, ensuring that technology initiatives are executed with precision. With over 20 years of experience, Medix has impacted over 120,000 client and talent lives, providing trusted career partnerships and staffing solutions that are both innovative and effective.

(773)3346646

5. Illinois Department of Employment Security

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2,1/5

2444 W Lawrence Ave, 60625.0, Chicago

Employment agency
State government office

Why we chose them

The Illinois Department Of Employment Security stands out as a vital resource in our directory for its comprehensive role as both an employment agency and a state government office. They are dedicated to supporting the workforce of Illinois through a variety of essential services designed to connect job seekers with employers. Their efforts are crucial in fostering a thriving economic environment, making them an indispensable partner for anyone navigating the employment landscape in the state.

This organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring economic stability and growth by providing resources and support that empower individuals and businesses alike. Their commitment to enhancing employment opportunities and addressing workforce challenges underscores the importance of their services. By including them in our directory, we highlight their contribution to the community and their ongoing efforts to improve the employment conditions throughout Illinois.

(773)6458100

6. Surestaff

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,4/5

2086 N Milwaukee Ave, 60647.0, Chicago

Temp agency
Employment agency

Why we chose them

SURESTAFF Chicago stands out as a leading force in the temporary staffing industry, boasting 21 strategic locations throughout the Chicago area. This expansive reach allows them to effectively cater to diverse neighborhoods, including Bucktown, Palmer Square, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. As one of the largest temp agencies in the region, they specialize in providing an array of employment opportunities across various sectors such as warehouse, logistics, distribution, and more. Their commitment to facilitating employment is evident in their immediate hiring process, welcoming walk-ins, and offering free transportation to numerous job sites.

With a focus on staffing, employment, and temp jobs, SURESTAFF offers invaluable services to job seekers and businesses alike. Their extensive job listings include roles in forklift operations, shipping and receiving, CNC, machine operations, and assembly, among others. The agency’s proactive approach and dedication to matching the right candidates with the right opportunities make them a pivotal player in Chicago’s employment landscape. Their immediate hiring campaigns and bilingual outreach further emphasize their inclusive and dynamic approach to staffing.

(847)9162400

7. Atlas Employment Services

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2,9/5

1660 W 47th St, 60609.0, Chicago

Employment agency

Why we chose them

Atlas Employment Services, INC. has been a trusted employment agency since 1999, specializing in connecting businesses with qualified candidates across various industries. With nearly two decades of experience, this privately held boutique firm offers customized recruiting and staffing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients. Focused on sectors such as food and beverage processing, e-commerce, manufacturing, industrial, and clerical, Atlas Employment Services provides a seamless extension of HR teams, helping companies streamline the processes of interviewing, hiring, and retaining staff. Their expertise and flexibility in designing bespoke staffing packages make them a reliable partner for businesses in the Greater Midwest and Southern regions of the United States.

Committed to maintaining a higher standard of service, Atlas Employment Services prioritizes safety with a dedicated risk management team that ensures industry best practices are consistently followed. This commitment to quality is reflected in their ability to successfully pair light industrial labor with leading companies, freeing clients from staffing burdens and allowing them to concentrate on driving production. Testimonials from satisfied partners highlight the firm’s impact, with 90% of personnel on some plant floors being Atlas temps. Atlas Employment Services stands out as a critical ally for businesses seeking efficient staffing solutions and exceptional service.

FAQs

What services do employment agencies in Chicago typically offer?

Employment agencies in Chicago offer services such as resume and cover letter assistance, interview coaching, job placement services, temporary and permanent staffing, career counseling, salary negotiation, industry-specific expertise, networking opportunities, and access to online job portals.

How much do employment agency services cost in Chicago?

The cost of services can vary. Many agencies offer services at no cost to job seekers, while others may charge a fee to employers, typically a percentage of the first-year salary for permanent placements. On average, this can range from €2,500 to €10,000, depending on the role and industry.

How long does it take to find a job through an employment agency?

The timeline can vary based on industry demand, the candidate's qualifications, and market conditions. On average, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to find a suitable position through an agency.

How do I choose the right employment agency in Chicago?

Consider factors such as the agency's reputation, industry focus, the range of services offered, and any associated costs. Research testimonials and reviews, and consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your needs and expectations.

Can employment agencies help with both temporary and permanent positions?

Yes, most employment agencies in Chicago offer both temporary and permanent staffing solutions, catering to short-term project needs as well as long-term career placements.

What industries do Chicago employment agencies specialize in?

Chicago employment agencies often have expertise in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, and more. It's important to choose an agency with experience in your specific industry of interest.

Are there any fees for job seekers using employment agencies in Chicago?

Most employment agencies do not charge job seekers a fee. Their services are typically funded by employer fees. However, it’s always best to confirm this with the agency beforehand.

What should I bring to my first meeting with an employment agency?

Bring a current resume, a list of references, and any relevant certifications or portfolio work. Be prepared to discuss your career goals, experience, and the types of roles you are interested in.