Agency recruiters work externally, often on a contingency basis; they’re paid only if a candidate they submit is hired. Their focus is speed and role fit, so being clear about your target roles makes it easier to match you. In-house recruiters work within a company, focusing on culture fit and long-term alignment. Build professional relationships with them, even if you don’t get an offer.

Agency recruiters work for staffing firms and fill roles at multiple companies. In-house recruiters are employed directly by one company and hire only for that org.

In-house recruiters are company employees who hire talent. Agency recruiters, often called boutique, outsourced, executive recruiters, or headhunters, are third parties hired by companies that either lack the internal capacity or the expertise to recruit for a specific role. Agencies will potentially bring you into opportunities with multiple businesses, and in-house, just the one.