In the fast-paced world of talent acquisition, terms like “staffing” and “recruiting” are often used interchangeably. However, while they both focus on finding and placing candidates in jobs, there are distinct differences in how these processes work and the goals they aim to achieve. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses looking to fill positions effectively and efficiently.
What is recruiting?
Recruiting is a more strategic and long-term approach to finding talent. It focuses on sourcing, attracting, and hiring the right candidates for permanent or long-term positions. The recruiting process involves thorough vetting, including assessing skills, cultural fit, and the candidate’s long-term potential within the company.
Key features of recruiting:
- Long-term focus: Recruiting aims to fill permanent roles, making it essential for organizations looking to invest in the growth and development of their employees.
- In-depth selection process: Recruiters use a variety of tools and strategies such as interviews, background checks, and skill assessments to ensure a strong match between the candidate and the job.
- Employer branding: A key part of recruiting is building an employer’s brand to attract top talent. This includes promoting company culture, values, and growth opportunities.
- Candidate experience: Recruiting often involves a highly personalized approach, ensuring that candidates feel valued throughout the process, which is crucial for high-level or specialized roles.
What is staffing?
Staffing is typically used to quickly fill temporary, short-term, or project-based roles. Companies rely on staffing agencies when they need to fill positions rapidly to meet sudden demands or cover temporary absences. Staffing often involves a more transactional approach, where speed is critical, and the focus is on fulfilling immediate labor needs.
Key features of staffing:
- Short-term focus: Staffing is ideal for companies looking to fill temporary or contract roles quickly, such as during peak seasons or for special projects.
- Speed over depth: The primary goal is to fill roles as quickly as possible, so the vetting process may be less intensive than in recruiting.
- Flexible employment: Staffing agencies often provide candidates who are flexible and open to short-term or temp-to-perm arrangements.
- Immediate availability: Staffing focuses on candidates who are ready to start work quickly, often within days, making it an ideal solution for urgent hiring needs.
When to choose staffing over recruiting (and vice versa)
- Choose staffing when your company needs temporary workers for seasonal or project-based work, or to cover for employees on leave. Staffing is also an excellent solution if you need to scale your workforce up or down quickly.
- Choose recruiting when you’re looking for candidates to fill permanent or leadership roles, where cultural fit and long-term potential are critical. If you’re building a team with a strong vision for the future, recruiting will help you find the right talent to drive your company forward. Unlike BR1, most outsourced recruiters work on a contingent basis. Contingent recruiting sounds great, but may not be your best option.
Why understanding the difference matters
For businesses, understanding the difference between staffing and recruiting can lead to more efficient hiring processes. Using the right approach ensures that you find the right candidates for your specific needs, whether it’s for a short-term project or a long-term commitment.
At BR1, we specialize in recruiting, helping businesses of all sizes find the perfect candidates. We do recruiting differently! We offer on-demand (pay per hire) and subscription recruiting (pay per month). Contact us if you'd like to learn more about our recruiting solutions.