5 Best Employment Agencies in Birmingham to Jumpstart Your Career (Or at Least Get You Out of Pajamas)
You wouldn’t believe how many hours I’ve spent fine-tuning my CV and sprucing up my LinkedIn profile! But let’s be honest, sometimes you need a bit of professional help to navigate through the seemingly endless sea of job postings.
That’s where employment agencies come into play. They’ve been absolute lifesavers for me and countless others. Now, before you think I’m about to present a list of wizards or career fairies, let me clarify.
I’ve scoured the nooks and crannies of Birmingham to find agencies that truly seem to get it. They’re not just about filling positions; they’re dedicated to pairing everyday folks like us with job opportunities that might actually make us leap out of bed in the morning.
So, if you’re ready to land that dream job or take your career to the next level, let’s delve into the best employment agencies in Birmingham that are known for working their magic.
How much do employment agencies charge in Birmingham?
Employment agencies in Birmingham typically charge fees based on a percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year salary for permanent roles, usually ranging from 15% to 30%.
This can vary based on factors such as the specific services provided and the agency’s expertise. For temporary staffing, agencies usually charge an hourly rate that includes the worker’s pay plus a markup, which can range from 25% to 100%.
1. Reed Recruitment Agency
Address: 3rd Floor, 1 Colmore Row, Birmingham B4 6AJ
Phone: +44 121 237 2620
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Reed Recruitment Agency has established itself as one of the preeminent agencies in the UK. They offer a comprehensive coverage of various sectors, ranging from IT and finance to more niche fields.
One aspect we find commendable about Reed is their extensive network and profound understanding of the job market.
With connections to many top employers, they can significantly enhance your prospects of securing an excellent position. Plus, they offer a plethora of resources to assist with your job search, from CV advice to interview preparation.
On the other hand, due to their expansive nature and considerable client base, some job seekers feel they don’t always receive the personal attention they might desire.
And for those pursuing very niche roles, Reed’s broad approach may not always cater to specific, highly specialised positions.
Exceptional career partnership with Jamie
“I am immensely satisfied with the outstanding service provided by Jamie. From our initial consultation to the final job offer and beyond, Jamie’s expertise and dedication and care were evident at every stage. Jamie took the time to deeply understand my career objectives and aspirations, ensuring a precise and thoughtful match with opportunities that not only aligned with my skills but also advanced my professional goals. Her strategic insight, prompt communication, and unwavering support throughout the recruitment process were truly exemplary. I highly recommend Jamie’s services to anyone seeking a tailored and effective approach to career advancement.”
-Adrian Polak, Google Review
Fantastic team experience; landed the role!
“Amazing experience with the Birmingham Team! I was first approached by Dave Oldfield on LinkedIn who had found a role that he thought I would fit! His communication was first class and just a down to earth guy. He then went on annual leave and I was passed on to Theresa. She had the same proactive attitude and a lovely personality. She always checked in with me throughout the whole application process. And a bonus I was offered the role! I would highly recommend the Reed Birmingham team!”
-Mia Douglas, Google Review
2. Tradewind Recruitment – Supply Teaching Agency
Address: 205, 2nd Floor, Suite 203, 18-19 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QJ
Phone: +44 121 643 3505
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
For those interested in supply teaching roles in Birmingham, Tradewind Recruitment comes highly recommended. With a focus on education recruitment, Tradewind has earned its stripes as one of the top agencies in the UK.
They cater to a diverse range of teaching positions, from primary and secondary to SEN (Special Educational Needs) and even opportunities abroad.
One notable benefit of choosing Tradewind is its strong commitment to continued professional development (CPD). According to a previous client we talked to, their award-winning CPD programmes have made a significant impact on her teaching career.
In addition to this, this agency offers attractive pay rates and comprehensive interview support to help you land that dream classroom job.
However, their large size and multi-city presence mean they serve a high volume of clients, which may result in a more standardised service. Consequently, the experience may lack the personal touch offered by smaller, local businesses.
Professional and market-savvy
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Abbie at Tradewind Birmingham, and I cannot speak highly enough about my experience. From our first interaction, Abbie demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the job market and industry-specific requirements. Abbie was incredibly knowledgeable about the roles and companies they presented to me. They took the time to understand my skills, experience, and career aspirations, ensuring that the positions they recommended were a perfect match. Throughout the process, Abbie maintained excellent communication. She kept me informed at every stage, providing timely updates and valuable feedback. This transparency and open communication made the entire job search process stress-free and efficient. What truly set Abbie apart was her dedication and personalized support. She provided me with insightful advice on my resume and interview preparation, boosting my confidence and helping me to present myself effectively to potential employers.“
-Sam Rawlings, Google Review
Thea’s support was beyond recruitment
“First Experience with Tradewind and Honestly I want to personally Thanks Thea for the support and help she has been giving me until I started my new job. She was checking on me during my training, available to answer all my questions .. gave me great support even during my first day at the school . She has been patient and very professional and supportive. Thank you Tradewind recruitment but Special Merci Beaucoup to Thea for the support.”
-Queen Tima MlleDiaby, Google Review
3. Bell Cornwall
Address: Lancaster House, 67 Newhall St, Birmingham B3 1NQ
Phone: +44 121 515 5910
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
At Bell Cornwall Recruitment, you’ll find a team that genuinely values getting to know what makes their candidates and clients special, ensuring they find the ideal match for each.
They’re well-versed across a broad spectrum of industries, including Human Resources, Office Support, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Law, and Executive Assistance. This means they can accommodate just about any staffing requirement you might have.
A standout feature for us is their dedicated and experienced team. They really put in the effort to understand what you’re after, whether you’re an employer hunting for exceptional talent or a candidate searching for your next big opportunity.
But bear in mind that their tailored approach, while superbly personal, might not be ideal if you need to fill a large number of roles quickly or require fast-paced temporary staffing.
The attention to detail they provide may mean things take a little longer compared to larger, less personalised agencies.
Seamless journey to becoming an Art Consultant
“I would like to thanks Bell Cornwall Recruitment for helping me secure my role as an Art Consultant at Castle Fine Art. Their professional and personalized approach, along with their deep industry knowledge, made the process seamless. They provided invaluable guidance on my CV and interview preparation,giving me tools, ensuring I felt confident and prepared. Their timely updates kept me reassured throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Bell Cornwall for their expertise and commitment to candidates.”
-Benjamin Veilleur, Google Review
Incredible Bell Cornwall: from student to professional transition
“I highly recommend the Bell Cornwall Agency! My experience with them has been exceptional, unlike any previous agencies I’ve worked with. I initially joined Bell in June 23 on a temporary contract as Inwas going to start my University in October. We agreed to continue working together until the end of September on full time basis, as I was due to start my final year at university. Throughout my time at university, the same company kept me on part-time hours 🥳, and now that I’ve completed my studies, I’ve seamlessly transitioned into a full-time contract directly through company ❤️. It’s been an incredible 10 months with Bell Cornwall. I’ve never had any issues with my payments, and I rarely needed to contact the agency for assistance. Adam, who managed temporary opportunities, was particularly supportive and made the journey with Bell truly amazing!”
-Patrycja Wojnar, Google Review
4. Balfor Recruitment Group
Address: 3 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2JB
Phone: +44 121 260 0000
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Balfor Recruitment Group has an outstanding track record, having filled a vast number of vacancies in 2023 alone, and they’re experiencing impressive growth. Their accolades speak volumes about their commitment to excellence, with awards to prove it.
One aspect we find impressive about this agency is its nationwide reach. With offices in Manchester, London, and Birmingham, they’ve truly got the UK covered. They operate across multiple sectors – public, private, and voluntary.
So, no matter if you’re looking to hire or searching for your next role, their extensive database of clients is a significant asset.
Balfor also prides itself on offering full support throughout the recruitment process. From beginning to end, and even beyond, they provide comprehensive assistance.
Each client and candidate benefits from a dedicated consultant, ensuring honest and reliable service tailored to individual needs.
But do note that for highly specialised roles, their broad approach might lack the specific expertise some may require.
Authentic, professional, and supportive
“I have recently signed up with Balfor. Izzy, Cecile and Sama have been amazing! They could not have been more authentic, professional and patient! I cannot recommend them enough. We all know how potentially stressful this process can be.. not in their experienced hands. They genuinely go the extra mile and it is clear they work as a smooth running team together. Gratitude galore! Geri Costello”
-Geri Costello, Google Review
Empowering journey for a newly qualified teacher
“I’ve joined Balfor as a newly qualified teacher and the whole process was amazing thanks to Haleema and Callum. They’ve supported me in finding a school that meets my criteria, they communicate well and always check to see if I’m doing fine. I’ve just finished the first half term of the year and I’m very grateful for the experience I’ve had. A great and trustworthy team.”
-Samira, Google Review
5. The Best Connection
Address: 172 Waterloo Rd, Birmingham B25 8LD
Phone: +44 121 628 8000
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Best Connection is renowned for offering outstanding temporary staffing solutions across various sectors. As they boast over 30 years of experience, they have firmly established themselves as a key player in the UK’s recruitment field.
Their extensive job categories cover everything from driving and industrial roles to administrative, catering, and even public sector positions, so there’s likely to be something that suits your needs.
Employers find remarkable benefits in partnering with The Best Connection, thanks to their staffing solutions designed to cater to diverse business requirements. According to a previous client, finding staff has become significantly easier with their assistance.
Whether you’re managing a small local business or a large national corporation, their personalised approach ensures satisfaction for both clients and candidates alike.
However, let’s be honest—no agency is perfect. The Best Connection primarily specialises in temporary work. For those seeking permanent employment, it might be necessary to explore other options.
Enthusiastic support, perfect job match
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Best Connection Agency in Birmingham, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the first phone call, I felt welcomed and supported, thanks to Julia Marshall. Julia is an amazing, bubbly person whose positive energy and enthusiasm are truly contagious, even over the phone. From our first conversation, it was clear that she genuinely cares about her clients and is dedicated to helping them succeed. She quickly assessed my skills and matched me with a job that was perfect for me, all within a week! Her confidence in my abilities gave me the faith I needed to believe in myself. Julia is not only incredibly personable but also honest and truthful. She provided clear communication throughout the entire process, ensuring I was informed and comfortable with every step. It’s rare to find someone in recruitment who truly invests in your journey, and Julia does just that. I am absolutely thrilled with the service I received and am excited to start my new job, thanks to Julia and the team at Best Connection Agency. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking employment opportunities. Their professionalism and genuine care make all the difference!”
-Prii, Google Review
Smooth and supportive experience
“My experience with Best Connection was incredibly smooth from start to finish. When I was looking for a job, they made the entire process seamless and efficient. One standout individual who truly made a difference was Will. He went above and beyond to assist me throughout the entire course. Will’s kindness and willingness to help made a significant impact on my experience. Not only was he professional and knowledgeable, but he was also a lovely person to talk to. Will took the time to answer all of my questions patiently and thoroughly, which I greatly appreciated. His friendly demeanor and genuine interest in helping me succeed made a world of difference. I can’t thank him enough for his dedication and support. Overall, my interaction with Best Connection was outstanding, and Will’s and Julia’s exceptional assistance truly made the difference.”
-Amal Warsams, Google Review