Internal Recruiter vs Agency Recruiter: What's the Difference?
You're trying to reach recruiters, but you're not sure who's who. Some work for the company. Some work for staffing agencies. Does it matter? Who should you contact?
Short answer: Yes, it matters. And you should contact both—but differently.
Why This Is Confusing
Most job seekers don't know the difference—and it's costing them opportunities.
You don't know who to contact
Some recruiters work for the company. Some work for agencies. Which one should you reach out to?
You've been burned by agency recruiters
They promise the world, then ghost you or pitch roles that don't match what you want.
Internal recruiters seem impossible to reach
They don't respond to cold outreach. They're buried in applications. How do you even get on their radar?
You're wasting time on the wrong people
You need a strategy. Reaching out randomly isn't working.
"I spent 2 weeks emailing an 'Amazon recruiter' who turned out to work for a staffing agency. They didn't even have a real Amazon role. I wasted so much time."
— Reddit r/cscareerquestions
The Breakdown: Internal vs Agency
Here's what you need to know about each type.
Internal Recruiters
Work directly for the company
Pros:
- ✓Direct line to hiring managers
- ✓Deeper knowledge of company culture
- ✓Can advocate for you internally
- ✓Full-time roles only (usually)
Cons:
- ✗Slower to respond (high volume)
- ✗More selective about who they engage with
- ✗Usually only work with applicants for open roles
When to use:
When you want a specific company and have a strong fit for an open role
Agency Recruiters
Work for staffing firms, get paid when they place you
Pros:
- ✓More responsive (commission-driven)
- ✓Access to multiple companies at once
- ✓Can pitch you for unadvertised roles
- ✓Often have contract/temp-to-perm options
Cons:
- ✗May push you toward roles that fit their needs, not yours
- ✗Less influence with hiring managers
- ✗Some can be overly aggressive or pushy
When to use:
When you want speed, flexibility, or access to multiple companies at once
How to Work With Both Types
Smart job seekers don't pick sides. They use both strategically.
Contact both (seriously)
Don't pick one. Reach out to internal recruiters at your dream companies AND agency recruiters who specialize in your field.
Internal recruiters = targeted outreach
Only reach out when there's an open role that fits. Reference the job posting. Make it easy for them.
Agency recruiters = volume play
Build relationships with 5-10 good agencies in your industry. They'll keep you in mind when roles open up.
Vet agency recruiters before engaging
Check their LinkedIn. Do they specialize in your field? Do they have good recommendations? Avoid generalists.
Get Access to Both Types of Recruiters
Why guess when you can have contacts for both?
Internal recruiters at top companies
Search by company name. Find in-house recruiters. Email them directly about open roles.
Agency recruiters in your industry
Filter by specialty (tech, finance, healthcare, etc.). Build relationships. Get early access to roles.
Verified email addresses
Skip LinkedIn. Get emails that land in inboxes and actually get read.
Move faster than the competition
While others wait for job boards, you're already in a recruiter's inbox.
How to Find Both Types
Search by Company or Industry
Want to work at Google? Search for Google recruiters. Want agency contacts? Filter by staffing firms.
See Their Role and Specialty
We'll show you job titles, departments, and specialties so you contact the right person.
Reach Out With Confidence
Tailor your message based on who you're contacting. Get responses. Get interviews.