CFACommercial Funding Advisory
Professional Services business

Professional Services

Business Funding for Recruiting Firms

Recruiting firms operate on a different model than staffing agencies. You place permanent employees and earn a fee, typically 15 to 25 percent of the candidate's first-year salary. The problem is that fees are paid after the candidate starts, and many agreements include a 90-day guarantee period. Cash flow is lumpy because placements cluster unpredictably, and a bad quarter can mean three months without significant income.

Common Uses

What Recruiting Firms Use Funding For

  • Cover operating expenses during slow placement periods
  • Invest in recruiting software, LinkedIn Recruiter licenses, and job board subscriptions
  • Hire additional recruiters and account managers to increase placement capacity
  • Fund marketing and business development to build new client relationships

Funding Options

Best Funding Types for Recruiting Firms

Business Line of Credit

A revolving line smooths out the lumpy revenue pattern of recruiting. Draw funds during slow months and repay when placement fees arrive. The flexibility of a credit line matches the unpredictable timing of recruiting income.

Revenue-Based Financing

Get an advance based on your recent placement fee revenue. Repayments adjust with your monthly income, which protects you during quarters when placements slow down.

Invoice Factoring

If you have signed fee agreements with placement invoices outstanding, factor them to get cash before the client pays. This works best when placing with large corporations that have long payment cycles but strong credit.

What Lenders Look For

Qualification Notes for Recruiting Firms

Lenders look at your average time-to-fill, placement fee percentage, and fall-off rate (candidates who leave during the guarantee period)
Firms with retained search agreements show more predictable revenue than contingency-only recruiters
A diversified client base across multiple industries reduces the risk that one sector's hiring freeze tanks your revenue

Ready to Explore Funding for Your Recruiting Firm Business?

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