Engaging a Staffing Firm
Choosing the right staffing firm can streamline your hiring process and connect you with top talent. This guide will help you identify the best type of firm for your specific needs at Carnegie Mellon University. Below, you'll find an overview of different staffing firm types, along with information on the engagement process, roles and responsibilities. We've also compiled a list of approved firms CMU has negotiated contracts with. On this page:
- Executive Search Firms
- Direct-Hire Placement Services
- Temporary Staffing Services
- Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Search Firms
An executive search firm is a company that specializes in placing highly qualified candidates in executive-level positions. Executive search firms operate on a retainer (non-refundable fee) and provide end-to-end recruitment and staffing services. Payments are often made in three equal installments, equivalent to 30–35% of the estimated first year total compensation for the candidate.
Interested in engaging an executive search firm? Contact your recruiter for help obtaining proposals and/or initiating engagement.
Direct-Hire Placement Services
A direct-hire staffing firm, also referred to as contingent hire or direct-placement, can provide sourcing support for non-temporary/contract positions. These firms are typically used for hard-to-fill full-time or part-time positions when the quantity or quality of candidates does not meet expectations and are only compensated if the candidates they source are selected for hire. Payments generally range between 15–25% of the annual compensation.
Interested in engaging a direct-hire placement firm? Contact your recruiter who can help initiate the engagement process.
Temporary Staffing Services
A temporary search firm specializes in recruiting and placing qualified candidates for temporary or short-term contract work.
Carnegie Mellon offers a unique advantage: our Temporary Employment Service. This internal resource is your first stop for filling temporary staffing needs across the university. If CMU's Temporary Employment Service cannot fulfill a specific temporary staffing request, you can access the network of external firms we have negotiated agreements with.
Interested in temporary staffing support? Contact CMU’s Temporary Employment Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive an unsolicited outreach by a staffing firm?
Please notify your recruiter. Staffing firms should not be reaching out to departments unsolicited. All staffing firm outreach and engagement requests should come from CMU Talent Acquisition.
What if I want to use a search firm that is not listed as an approved firm?
We have identified a number of firms that are equipped to support CMU's unique staffing needs. We highly encourage departments to use one of these firms, which the university has negotiated contracts with.
If a hiring need is too specialized for the approved firms to support, the OHR Talent Acquisition team can evaluate.