5 Best Employment Agencies in Edinburgh That’ll Help Launch Your Career!
Helping my little brother land his first job after university was no small feat. I became his unofficial career coach, juggling countless CV drafts, and dishing out interview advice.
I’m no recruitment guru, but I picked up a ton of wisdom after turning to an employment agency for my own career leap. They refined my CV, lined up interviews, and armed me with tips to crush my applications.
Thanks to their expertise, I not only found my footing but also helped my brother find his. If you’re ready to kick-start a new chapter in your career, these top employment agencies in Edinburgh might just be your secret weapon!
How much do employment agencies in Edinburgh cost?
Employment agencies typically get between 20% and 30% of the new hire’s first annual salary when an employer hires them.
Job seekers don’t typically pay a fee to use an agency’s job pool, but they may charge for their consultancy services.
1. Reed Recruitment Agency
Address: Ardmore House, 40 George St
Phone: +441312403680
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
If you’re looking to land a top corporate role in business or finance, Reed Recruitment Agency might just be your golden ticket. Founded in the 1960s, Reed has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most trusted recruitment firms.
Here in Scotland, they’ve got job listings across sectors like accountancy, finance, administration, logistics, engineering, healthcare, and more. There’s something for everyone! Employers can also make use of their extensive candidate database to find the perfect hire.
For businesses, Reed offers more than recruitment. They provide executive coaching, apprenticeships, in-company training, and HR consultancy services to help take your operations to the next level.
Job seekers can browse opportunities online, but if you’re the sort who likes to get things done, a visit to their office might speed things along. After all, nothing beats a friendly face-to-face chat.
Goes above and beyond for clients
“I had the pleasure of working with Chris during a recent recruitment process, and the experience was absolutely exceptional.
Chris was not only professional and knowledgeable but also attentive to my specific needs and preferences. He ensured that the entire process was smooth and kept me updated at every stage. His insight and guidance were invaluable, and I felt truly supported throughout the process.
I highly recommend Chris for his expertise, wealth of experience, dedication, and personable approach. It’s clear that he goes above and beyond for his clients.”
– Utchey Utchey, Google Review
An agency that listens to your needs
“Brilliant service. Kate Irvine helped me to find a job and she provided excellent service and help whenever I needed her. Kate made sure she listened to all the requirements I had and helped me to find the most suitable role for me and my circumstances!”
– Ayesha Raja, Google Review
2. Eden Scott
Address: 132 Princes St
Phone: +441315501100
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Dreaming of joining the tech or energy industries? Or maybe you’re a future CEO of a next big startup? Either way, Eden Scott could be your perfect matchmaker.
With expertise spanning 15 sectors, Eden Scott has carved out a stellar reputation in tech, renewable energy, and business.
For job seekers, their platform offers the flexibility to filter openings by contract type—be it full-time, part-time, or fixed-term.
As for employers, they’ve partnered with notable names like Brockwell Energy, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Eden Legal, Crown Estate Scotland, and ANM Group.
Startups, take note: their TalentSpark service, launched in 2015, specialises in connecting early-stage businesses with the talent needed to scale. It’s become a cornerstone of Scotland’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
A friend used this agency and appreciated their help but noted some delays. It took a while to hear back about his application, and responses to his prep questions came at the last minute.
Attentive and knowledgeable
“I had a fabulous experience using Eden Scott when I was looking for my next role. I met with Sarah Ferguson initially who was very knowledgeable, attentive and listened to what I was searching for in my next career move. She was very welcoming and friendly and pointed me the direction of Katrina Davis as she thought she had a potential job that would be suited to me. Katrina was absolutely wonderful in helping me secure my job. She was understanding, personable and super supportive. She checked in on me regularly, put me at ease, listened to any queries I had and ensured I was satisfied with everything leading up to starting my new job. Katrina went above and beyond any previous recruitment agency I have used and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future. Thank you so much again!”
– Christina Cooper, Google Review
A pleasure to work with
“I was contacted on LinkedIn by Derek from Eden Scott. At first, I was hesitant to respond, as not many recruiters understand my field of work. However, it wasn’t the case this time, and I’m glad I responded to that message! Derek’s knowledge of the space industry and professionalism helped me secure my new role. Throughout the interview process, communication with Derek was smooth, and he ensured that I was informed and supported. My new position required me to relocate to Edinburgh, and finding a flat was quite challenging. He even helped me out with that. Thank you, Derek, it was a pleasure working with you.”
– Nina Maric, Google Review
3. Office Angels Edinburgh
Address: 50 Frederick St
Phone: +441312266112
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Landing the perfect job starts with crafting a standout CV, and if you’re new to job hunting, Office Angels is a brilliant place to kick off your search. With over 30 years of recruitment know-how, they’ve mastered what makes candidates shine in Scotland’s bustling job market.
Specialising in roles like administration, finance, and customer service, they’re a trusted choice for job seekers across Edinburgh.
Their CV editing tips and interview prep guides are particularly helpful for fresh graduates finding their footing. My sister gave their services a try. Her CV saw a glow-up, and she received tailored job listings within two weeks!
The agency offers temporary and permanent placements, giving you the flexibility to choose between short-term gigs or long-term roles.
However, my sister noticed the odd hiccup: rejection emails for jobs she never applied for. While it might just be a system glitch, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re particular about how your details are handled.
Very communicative and supportive
“Very impressed with Office Angels. They have been very communicative and supportive. They also genuinely care about getting me work and have helped me find full-time work at a great company. A big thank you to Kat and Sarah for all of their help!”
– Sam O, Google Review
Kind and professional
“Office angel where extremely kind and professional, they helped tremendously and found a role that suited me perfectly. Great service.”
– Kathyn Ciarns, Google Review
4. Stafffinders
Address: 2nd floor, 16 Rutland Square
Phone: +441312256898
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
For over 50 years, Stafffinders has been a go-to partner for SMEs, family businesses, and Fortune 500 companies seeking top-notch hires and managers. That’s half a century of building genuine, strong relationships in the recruitment world!
Their Edinburgh team matches job seekers with the right positions across various sectors—whether it’s hospitality, office support, accountancy, finance, tech, or even real estate. If you’re looking beyond Scotland’s borders, Stafffinders has a solid international reach, with plenty of overseas job opportunities up for grabs!
In my experience, they’ve got a knack for connecting people with not just jobs but work environments where they can truly thrive.
However, one thing I did notice while browsing their listings is that many don’t mention the company behind the job opening. I think it’d be great to know more about the company culture and ethos before hitting “apply.” It feels a bit like sending a CV into the unknown!
Doesn’t waste your time
“Scott Gibson was excellent in helping place me in my current role – he is very knowledgeable of the digital marketing landscape, which helps immensely with making sure the role is the right fit without wasting anyone’s time. He made the interview process very seamless with his communication to both sides.”
– Amy Johnston, Google Review
Extremely supportive
“I’ve registered with Stafffinders one month ago and till now has been nothing but good experience. Andrew my agent is clearly on top of his job. I found him very helpful and knowledgeable, the agency is very professional and efficient. Keeping in touch on a daily basis, extremely supportive and always spot on with the jobs provided. I have no hesitation to recommend this agency to anyone who is looking for good, trustworthy and reliable employment agency.”
– Gabriela Lubelczyk, Google Review
5. Michael Page
Address: 2 Castle Terrace, 2nd Floor
Phone: +443303903050
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Michael Page in Edinburgh is your go-to for connecting with top talent and leading companies across Scotland’s booming sectors like finance, IT, marketing, and engineering.
With decades of experience, they focus on both permanent and temporary placements, offering a tailored approach to meet the needs of both job seekers and businesses.
Job seekers can submit their CVs to the agency’s consultants for personalised feedback and expert tips on improving their resumes. They can also receive interview guides tailored to some of the agency’s most in-demand sectors, helping them stand out in their job search.
Their job listings are always up-to-date, ensuring fresh opportunities, but they mainly specialise in full-time roles. If you’re on the lookout for freelance or contract work, you might want to explore other options.
Gives you all the information you need
“Natalie Wood was extremely helpful and supportive throughout placing me in my new role. She is articulate and well mannered. Extra information was provided throughout, so I was full prepared for the interviews. I would highly recommend her and Michael Page.”
– Rabi Hassan, Google Review
Fresh opportunities within a few clicks
“I have been dealing with Michael Page a couple of times in the past and everytime it was a positive, valuable and successful experience. Brooke Haldane is a real professional as I found her really knowledgeable of current markets, well focused on customer needs and persistent while striving towards the end goal. I have received clear and timely guidance during employability process and felt very much looked after when changing employment. I am so greatful for a new opportunity with better professional development and remuneration. Highly recommended!!”
– Ruslana Jakimova, Google Review