You need to hire and someone mentions an agency. Someone else mentions a fractional recruiter. Both are external. Both find candidates. But they operate on completely different models, with different incentives and very different costs. Agencies charge 15–33% per placement. A fractional recruiter works inside your team at a flat rate, no matter how many hires they close. Here's how to decide which one actually fits your situation.

If you need to hire in Canada and you're weighing your options, the choice usually comes down to two models: a recruiting agency or a fractional recruiter. They're not the same thing, and the wrong pick can cost you significantly. Agencies charge 15–33% per placement. A fractional recruiter works inside your business at $70–$150/hour, depending on seniority, for as little as 10 hours a month. One is built for speed on a single search. The other is built to run your hiring process over time. Here's how to know which one actually fits your situation.