Spotting the Real Deal in Today’s Staffing Market
With thousands of staffing agencies operating across Texas and the U.S., it can be difficult to tell the difference between a reputable firm and one that may not have your best interests at heart. Whether you’re a job seeker or a business looking to fill roles fast, it’s important to know how to tell if a staffing firm is legit before signing on.
Here are the top signs a staffing agency is trustworthy—and the red flags to watch out for.
1. They Never Ask You to Pay Upfront
This is the golden rule of working with staffing firms: you should never have to pay to get a job. Legitimate agencies make their money from employers—not from charging candidates fees for interviews, applications, or onboarding.
If you’re a job seeker and a firm asks for payment before you’re placed or starts pressuring you to buy training or tools, that’s a major red flag.
✅ Legit firms: Make money by placing talent with clients
🚫 Scams: Ask candidates to pay to work
2. They Have a Physical Office and Established Online Presence
A legitimate staffing agency will have:
-
A physical business address (not just a P.O. box)
-
A professional website that lists services and team members
-
Verified reviews on Google, Indeed, or Glassdoor
-
Active LinkedIn and social media profiles
If the firm is hard to find online or their website looks outdated, take caution. Reputable agencies want to be found—and showcase their expertise.
3. They’re Transparent About Their Clients and Process
You should never feel like you’re being kept in the dark.
A legit staffing firm will:
-
Explain how their process works
-
Discuss the types of companies they partner with
-
Tell you where they’re submitting your resume
-
Set realistic expectations about the timeline
-
Offer consistent updates—even if you aren’t selected
Recruiters should act like partners, not gatekeepers.
4. They Specialize in Roles You’re Looking For
The best staffing firms don’t claim to do everything. They focus on specific industries or job types and understand the unique needs of each.
At Burnett Specialists, for example, we place professionals in:
-
Administrative & office support
-
Legal & paralegal roles
-
Accounting & finance
-
Engineering & IT
-
Supply chain & logistics
If an agency seems to offer every kind of job in every industry without clear expertise, that can be a warning sign.
5. They’re Registered, Certified, and Compliant
Reputable staffing firms comply with employment laws and business standards. Ask or check if the firm is:
-
Registered with the state
-
Licensed (if required in your industry or state)
-
In good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
-
A member of industry associations like the American Staffing Association (ASA)
They should also follow proper hiring practices, including EEO policies, background checks, and payroll compliance.
6. They Communicate Professionally and Respectfully
Legit staffing firms treat you like a professional—regardless of the role you’re applying for.
Signs of professionalism:
-
Timely communication
-
Clear instructions before interviews or onboarding
-
No pressure to take roles that don’t align with your goals
-
Respectful interactions at every touchpoint
If the recruiter is inconsistent, vague, or unprofessional in emails or calls, take note. A quality firm invests in good relationships—because your success is their success.
7. They’ve Been Around a While—and Can Prove It
Look for staffing firms with a track record. Agencies that have been in business for years (or decades) typically have systems, client relationships, and a reputation built on results.
Burnett Specialists, for instance, has served Texas businesses and job seekers for more than 50 years. We’re proud to be employee-owned and deeply connected to local markets from Houston to Austin, Dallas to San Antonio to El Paso.
Don’t Gamble with Your Career or Hiring Strategy
Knowing how to tell if a staffing firm is legit is the first step in building a smarter job search—or making better hires for your business. The right partner will save you time, reduce risk, and deliver real results.
Ready to Work with a Trusted Staffing Leader?
Burnett Specialists is one of Texas’s top independently owned staffing firms. We partner with top employers and talented professionals to make hiring easier, faster, and more effective.
Contact us today to get started.
