Hays Recruitment Singapore Review 2025
World's leading specialist recruitment experts
Hays is the world's leading specialist recruitment group, operating across 33 countries. In Singapore since 1997, Hays specializes in permanent, contract, and temporary recruitment across diverse sectors including technology, engineering, construction, life sciences, and professional services. Known for their data-driven approach, industry expertise, and strong employer brand, Hays places over 70,000 candidates globally each year.
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Rating Breakdown
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong technical and engineering recruitment
- Excellent contract and temporary staffing division
- Data-driven salary insights and market intelligence
- Professional consultant training and standards
- Good for both permanent and flexible workforce needs
- Strong candidate screening and assessment
- Competitive pricing for contract placements
- MSP solutions for enterprise clients
Cons
- Consultant quality can vary by division
- Less strong in pure tech/software roles vs specialist tech recruiters
- Can be impersonal for small businesses
- High competition among Hays consultants for same candidates
- Slower turnaround for junior positions
Key Features & Services
Comprehensive Recruitment Solutions
Full suite of recruitment services including permanent recruitment, contract and temporary staffing, executive search, volume recruitment, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), managed service provider (MSP) programs, and talent consulting with workforce planning.
Multi-Industry Specialization
Deep expertise across IT, Technology and Digital, Engineering and Construction, Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical, Finance and Accounting, Sales and Marketing, Office and Administration, Property and Real Estate, and Supply Chain and Procurement sectors.
Market Intelligence & Data
Comprehensive market insights with annual salary guides by industry, quarterly hiring trend reports, skills shortage analysis, talent availability mapping, salary benchmarking tools, industry forecast reports, and diversity hiring insights.
Advanced Technology Platform
Cutting-edge recruitment technology including online job posting and tracking, candidate pipeline dashboard, mobile app for job seekers, video interview capabilities, automated candidate matching, real-time placement reporting, and contract timesheet management.
Contract & Temporary Staffing Excellence
Leading contract staffing division with 19,000+ active contractors, flexible staffing solutions, full payroll management, and MSP capabilities for enterprise workforce management.
Global Network & Resources
International reach spanning 33 countries with 70,000+ annual placements, extensive candidate databases, and local market expertise combined with global recruitment best practices.
Pricing & Plans
Pricing Model: Industry-standard contingency and contract pricing.
Permanent Hiring
Contingency recruitment with 3-month guarantee
Contract Staffing
Flexible contract placements with payroll management
MSP Programs
Managed contingent workforce solutions for high-volume needs
What Clients Say
"Hays helped us scale our engineering team from 15 to 40 in 8 months. Their contract staffing model was perfect for our project-based needs. Strong technical screening and fair pricing."
"We use Hays for IT contract staff and they've been reliable. Quick turnaround for developers and good candidate quality. Their MSP solution simplified our vendor management."
"Hays found us a Head of Operations and several project managers. Professional service and good market insights. We appreciate their data-driven approach to recruitment."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hays charge for recruitment in Singapore?
Hays charges 15-25% of annual salary for permanent placements and 15-18% margin for contract staffing. Pricing varies based on role seniority, industry specialization, and exclusivity. Their MSP (Managed Service Provider) programs have custom pricing for enterprise clients with high-volume contingent workforce needs. All permanent placements include a 3-month guarantee period.
Is Hays better for permanent or contract recruitment?
Hays excels at both, but is particularly strong in contract and temporary staffing. With 19,000+ active contractors globally and dedicated contract management, they're a top choice for flexible workforce needs. Their contract division offers quick placements, competitive margins, and full payroll management - ideal for project-based hiring or covering leave.
What industries does Hays specialize in?
Hays specializes in IT & Technology, Engineering & Construction, Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical, Finance & Accounting, and Sales & Marketing. They're particularly strong in technical and specialized roles (engineers, scientists, IT professionals) rather than generalist positions. Each practice has dedicated consultants with industry backgrounds.
How long does Hays take to fill positions?
Hays typically fills contract roles in 1-2 weeks due to active contractor databases, permanent mid-level roles in 3-4 weeks, and senior/specialist roles in 4-8 weeks. Their data-driven approach and specialist focus often results in faster placements for technical positions compared to generalist agencies.
Does Hays offer Managed Service Provider (MSP) solutions?
Yes, Hays offers comprehensive MSP solutions for companies with significant contingent workforce needs. This includes vendor management, contractor compliance, timesheet and invoice processing, workforce analytics, and cost optimization. MSP is ideal for enterprises hiring 50+ contractors annually who want single-point accountability and process efficiency.
What is Hays' candidate screening process?
Hays uses a structured screening process: (1) CV review and initial phone screen, (2) competency-based interview, (3) technical skills assessment for specialist roles, (4) reference checks (2+ references), (5) background verification, (6) right-to-work compliance. For permanent senior roles, they may include psychometric assessments. Only pre-screened candidates are submitted to clients.
Does Hays provide salary data and market insights?
Yes, Hays publishes annual Salary Guides for Singapore covering all major industries and roles. These comprehensive reports include salary ranges, hiring trends, skills in demand, and workforce forecasts. Clients can also request custom salary benchmarking for specific roles. This data helps with budget planning and competitive offer making.
What is Hays' guarantee period for permanent placements?
Hays offers a 3-month replacement guarantee on all permanent placements. If a candidate resigns or is terminated within 90 days (through no fault of the client), Hays will conduct a replacement search at no additional fee. This guarantee covers fees paid and reduces hiring risk. Standard terms and conditions apply based on circumstances of departure.
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Services Offered
- Permanent Recruitment
- Contract & Temporary Staffing
- Executive Search
- IT & Technology Recruitment
- Engineering & Construction
- Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical
- Finance & Accounting
- Sales & Marketing Recruitment
- Office Support & Administration
- Managed Service Provider (MSP)