Randstad vs. Robert Half: Which Agency Finds Admin Jobs Faster? (2026 Guide)

In 2026, applying directly to companies for administrative jobs is almost impossible.

Most big Canadian companies (RBC, Rogers, Telus) use Staffing Agencies as gatekeepers. They don't want to sift through 500 resumes; they want an agency to send them 3 pre-vetted candidates.

If you are looking for an Admin Assistant, Data Entry, or Customer Service role, you have likely registered with the "Big Two": Randstad and Robert Half.

But they are not the same.

Randstad is the "Volume King." They have thousands of jobs, move fast, and fill everything from warehouses to reception desks.

Robert Half is the "Specialist." They focus on Finance, Accounting, and Legal. They pay more, but their testing is brutal.

This guide compares them head-to-head. We cover the dreaded Excel Assessment (do you know VLOOKUP?), the "Ghosting" reality, and which agency actually leads to a permanent job.

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The Vibe: "Walmart" vs. "Holt Renfrew"

Neither is "bad," but they serve different markets.

1. Randstad (The Generalist)

• The Reputation: Speed and Volume.
• Best For: General Admin, Reception, Data Entry, Call Centre, Warehouse.
• The Process: Very automated. You download the Randstad Talent app, upload your profile, and can sometimes pick up shifts instantly.
• The Pay: usually aligns with market average ($20 - $24/hr for admin).
• The Speed: If you need a job tomorrow, go to Randstad.

2. Robert Half (The Specialist)

• The Reputation: Professional and Elite.
• Best For: Executive Assistants, Bookkeepers, Payroll, Legal Secretaries.
• The Divisions: You might hear names like OfficeTeam (Admin) or Accountemps (Finance). These are all Robert Half.
• The Pay: Often $2.00 - $5.00/hour higher than Randstad for similar roles because they pitch "Premium Talent" to clients.
• The Speed: Slower. You go through multiple interviews with them before you ever meet a client.

Deep Dive: The Skills Testing (The "Excel Trap")

This is where 50% of applicants get rejected by Robert Half.

Randstad's Testing

• Focus: Typing Speed and Data Entry Accuracy.
• The Test: usually a generic "Kenexa" test.
• Passing: If you can type 40 WPM and know how to open Microsoft Word, you pass.

Robert Half's Testing (The Gauntlet)

• Focus: Microsoft Excel Power User.
• The Test: They will send you a link (IBM Kenexa or SHL).
• The Hard Part: It isn't multiple choice. It is a simulation.
  • You must perform a VLOOKUP.
  • You must create a Pivot Table.
  • You must use Conditional Formatting.
• The Rule: If you score "Basic" on Excel, they will Ghost You for high-paying roles. They only place "Intermediate" or "Advanced" users in their best jobs.
• Tip: Watch a 30-minute YouTube tutorial on Pivot Tables before you take the test.

"Temp-to-Perm" (The Probation Hack)

Most people want a permanent job. Which agency gets you there?

The "Try Before You Buy" Model

• Companies use agencies to test you. You are on a 3-month contract.
• Robert Half: Has a very high Temp-to-Perm conversion rate. Because they charge clients a massive fee, companies only use them for roles they intend to keep (like Payroll Admins).
• Randstad: Has a lower conversion rate for general roles. Many Randstad jobs are "coverage" (e.g., covering a mat leave or a busy season).
• Strategy: Ask the recruiter directly: "Is this a 'Temp-to-Perm' opportunity, or strictly coverage?" If they stutter, it's just coverage.

Practical Questions Answered

The recruiter secrets.

"Why do they ghost me?"

• The Truth: Agency recruiters work on commission.
• The Scenario: They call you, sound excited, get your resume... and then silence.
• Why: They sent your resume to the client, and the client said "No." The recruiter is too busy chasing the next placement to call you back with bad news.
• The Fix: Call them once a week. "Just checking in on my availability." Stay top of mind without being annoying.

"Do they take a cut of my pay?"

• Yes, but you don't see it.
• How it works: You get offered $25/hour. The agency bills the client $35/hour. The $10 difference is their margin.
• The Myth: They do not take money out of your paycheck. You get the rate you agreed to. Do not try to negotiate the "Client Bill Rate"—that is none of your business.

"Can I sign up with both?"

• YES.
• There is no exclusivity rule. Register with Randstad, Robert Half, Hays, and Adecco.
• The Risk: Do not let two agencies submit you for the same job. If that happens, the client will delete your resume instantly to avoid a legal fight over commissions.

The "Resume Format" Change

• When you send your PDF resume to Robert Half, they often ask for a Word Doc.
• Why? They are going to Rebrand it.
• The Edit: They remove your contact info (so the client can't hire you directly) and add their logo.
• The Tip: Make sure your formatting is simple. If you have fancy columns or graphics, their reformatting tool will destroy your resume. Keep it clean text.

Deep Dive: Hidden Programs & Database Secrets

1. Robert Half's "Salaried Professional Service" (The SPS Hack)

• Most people think temping means "no job security." Robert Half has a hidden tier that fixes this.
• The Program: SPS (Salaried Professional Service).
• How it works: You are hired as a Permanent Employee of Robert Half.
  • You get a salary (e.g., $55,000).
  • You get benefits (Medical/Dental).
  • The Gig: They "loan" you out to clients for 3-month or 6-month projects.
• The Bench: If a project ends and they don't have a new one for you yet, they still pay you to sit on the "Bench."
• Why do it: It is the perfect middle ground between Freelance freedom and Corporate security.
• Link: This model offers stability similar to the "Flex" vs. "Core" status at Sephora, but with a guaranteed paycheck.

2. The "Reference Check" Sales Trick

• Why does the recruiter ask for 3 references before you even have an interview?
• The Secret: They are using your references as Sales Leads.
• The Tactic: They call your old boss, ask about you for 2 minutes, and then spend 10 minutes pitching: "Since Jeff is leaving, do you need help finding a replacement? We have great candidates."
• The Defense: Do not give references until you have a Job Offer or a final round interview. Protect your network.
• Link: This aggressive sales tactic is similar to the quota pressure faced by TD Bank Tellers.

3. The "Boolean Search" (How to Beat the Robot)

• Recruiters don't read resumes. They search their database using "Boolean Strings."
• The Search: They type: (Admin OR Reception) AND (Excel OR Pivot) AND (Toronto).
• The Hack: You must "Keyword Stuff" your resume (invisibly if needed).
  • If you know Excel, list: "Excel, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros, Spreadsheets, Microsoft Office."
  • Synonyms: Use both "Admin Assistant" and "Administrative Assistant." Use "Data Entry" and "Order Entry."
• The Result: Your resume pops up at the top of their list every morning.
• Link: This keyword strategy is identical to the one we use for the Shopify Support Advisor resume.

4. "Randstad Inhouse Services" (RIS)

• For high-volume jobs (like Call Centers or Warehouses), you won't deal with a branch recruiter. You deal with RIS.
• What it is: A Randstad office located inside the client's building.
• The Advantage: The recruiter works at the actual job site. They know the managers, the cafeteria food, and the culture perfectly.
• The Speed: Hiring is instant. You walk in, interview, and start.
• Link: This on-site model is common in large facilities, similar to the hiring process at Canada Post Gateway.

5. The "DNR" List (Do Not Return)

• This is the "Blacklist." You do not want to be on it.
• How you get on it:
  • No Call, No Show: If you ghost a temp assignment, you are banned for life.
  • Lateness: 3 strikes and you are out.
  • "Personality Conflict": If a client calls and says you were rude.
• The Radius: Being DNR'd at Randstad blocks you from thousands of companies. It is career suicide.
• Link: Reliability is the #1 metric here, just like in Lumper Jobs where attendance determines your cash flow.

6. "Floater" Roles (The Experience Builder)

• Both agencies have "Floater" pools.
• The Job: You are the "Emergency Fill-In."
  • Monday: Reception at a Law Firm.
  • Tuesday: Data Entry at a Bank.
  • Wednesday: Filing at a Dental Office.
• The Pay: usually $2.00/hour premium because you have to be adaptable.
• Resume Gold: After 6 months, you have experience in Legal, Finance, and Medical software.
• Link: This variety is similar to the "Casual Float" pool in LifeLabs Phlebotomy, but without the needles.

7. The "20-Minute Rule" (Speed to Submit)

• When a client sends a job order, the agency races to send the first 3 resumes.
• The Reality: The client usually interviews the first 3 good profiles they see.
• Your Job: When your recruiter calls or texts: "Are you available for this job?", you must reply within 20 Minutes.
• The Delay: If you reply 4 hours later, the role is already closed. Speed is everything.
• Link: This "On Call" responsiveness is a mini-version of the "Reserve" life of a Flight Attendant.

8. "Perm Fee" Conflicts (Why You Can't Switch)

• Can you quit Randstad and get hired by the client directly?
• The Contract: No. The client signed a contract saying they cannot hire you for 6 months unless they pay a "Release Fee" (often $5,000 - $10,000).
• The Trap: If you love the job, you have to wait out the contract or convince the boss to buy you out.
• Negotiation: If you are excellent, the boss will pay the fee. Make yourself indispensable.

9. Specialized Divisions (Know Where to Apply)

• Don't just send your resume to "General Inquiries."
• Robert Half:
  • Accountemps: Accounting/Finance (Bookkeepers).
  • OfficeTeam: Admin/Customer Service.
  • Robert Half Legal: Law Clerks.
• Randstad:
  • Randstad Engineering: Technical roles.
  • Randstad Technologies: IT/Help Desk.
  • Randstad Industrial: Warehouse/Forklift.
• Action: Find the specific email for the Division Manager in your city. A focused application gets opened; a general one gets lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free for me?

Yes.

• Legitimate agencies NEVER charge the job seeker. If an agency asks you for a "Registration Fee," it is a scam. Run away.

Do I get benefits?

It depends.

• Randstad: Offers a basic benefits package for temps (usually deducted from your pay) after a certain number of hours.
• Robert Half: Offers benefits to "Salaried Professionals" (a specific program where you are their permanent employee), but regular temps usually get nothing.
• Link: Compare this to the robust benefits at RBC vs. Scotiabank if you want security.

How do I get paid?

Weekly.

• This is the biggest perk of temping. You submit a timesheet on Friday, and you get paid the following Friday.
• It is faster cash flow than the standard bi-weekly corporate payroll.

Summary: Choose Your Lane

1. Choose Randstad if you need money now and aren't picky about the industry. Download their app and turn on notifications.
2. Choose Robert Half if you are a Finance/Admin professional who knows Excel. Brush up on VLOOKUPs and dress professionally for the Zoom interview.
3. Play the Field: Register with both.
4. Be Ready to Move: Temp jobs move fast. If they call you at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM interview, say "Yes."

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Randstad Canada: Job seeker FAQ and app download. https://www.randstad.ca/
• Robert Half Canada: Salary guide 2026 and skills testing info. https://www.roberthalf.com/ca/en/insights/salary-guide
• Better Business Bureau: Reviews and ratings for staffing agencies. https://www.bbb.org/

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.