When businesses need help finding the right talent, two popular solutions are often considered: partnering with a staffing firm or engaging an RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) provider. While both aim to solve hiring challenges, they are fundamentally different in their approach, structure, and focus.
At Burnett Specialists, we’re committed to helping clients navigate these options to make the best decision for their unique needs. Let’s break down the key differences between a staffing firm and an RPO—and how to know which is the right fit for your business.
What Is a Staffing Firm?
A staffing firm—like Burnett Specialists—connects businesses with pre-vetted, qualified talent across a variety of industries. Staffing firms provide flexible solutions, including:
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Temporary staffing for project-based or seasonal needs
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Temp-to-hire options to evaluate candidates before extending permanent offers
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Direct-hire placements for long-term, full-time roles
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Payrolling and administrative support
Staffing firms are designed for speed and flexibility. When you partner with a firm like Burnett Specialists, you gain access to a deep network of professionals ready to step into roles quickly—whether you need one person or an entire team.
Our team specializes in a wide range of industries, including accounting, finance, administrative support, call centers, legal, IT, human resources, light industrial, real estate, sales, marketing, and more.
What Is RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing)?
RPO is a long-term, strategic partnership where a business outsources part or all of its recruitment function to an external provider. Unlike staffing firms that focus on filling specific roles as they arise, RPO providers embed within an organization to manage the entire recruitment process. This can include:
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Job postings and sourcing
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Screening and interviewing
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Candidate communications
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Reporting and analytics
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Process improvement and technology integration
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Employer branding initiatives
RPO is typically used by large organizations with high-volume, ongoing hiring needs. It requires a longer-term commitment and is designed for companies seeking to centralize and optimize their entire hiring process.
The Key Differences
The main difference between a staffing firm and an RPO comes down to flexibility vs. long-term strategy.
Staffing firms are ideal when you need to fill roles quickly, often with limited notice. They are a go-to resource for businesses with fluctuating hiring needs, special projects, or hard-to-fill roles. There’s no long-term contract required, and staffing firms can adapt to your business’s pace.
RPO, on the other hand, is a structured, ongoing solution best suited for organizations with consistent, large-scale hiring demands. RPO providers focus on process management and efficiency, often integrating deeply with internal HR teams.
When to Choose a Staffing Firm
A staffing firm like Burnett Specialists is the best choice when you need:
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Immediate access to qualified talent
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Short-term, contract, or project-based staff
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A flexible hiring partner without long-term commitments
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Expertise across multiple industries and job functions
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A trusted team that can pivot quickly as your business needs change
With Burnett, you’ll work directly with an employee-owner who is invested in your success. That’s a key difference—our team isn’t just filling orders; we’re building long-term partnerships with clients.
When to Consider an RPO
RPO may be a better fit when your business has:
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High-volume hiring needs that require consistent management
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The need for standardized processes across multiple departments or locations
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A focus on data-driven hiring strategies and metrics
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The resources to invest in a long-term, strategic recruitment solution
While RPOs offer scalability, they often come with higher costs and less flexibility.
Why Burnett Specialists Is the Right Partner for Your Staffing Needs
At Burnett Specialists, we provide the speed, flexibility, and industry expertise that businesses need to stay competitive. With 50 years of experience and a reputation as Texas’ most award-winning staffing firm, we are proud to be the second-largest employee-owned staffing company in the U.S.
Our employee-ownership model means every team member has a vested interest in your success. We bring an “owner’s mentality” to every placement, ensuring accountability, exceptional service, and a true partnership.
Whether you need one key hire or a team of experts, Burnett Specialists is ready to help you build the workforce you need—quickly and effectively.
Let’s Build Your Team Together
Looking for a staffing partner who understands your industry and delivers results? Burnett Specialists is here to help. Contact us today!
