Robert Walters Singapore Review 2025
Leading specialist recruitment agency with global reach
Robert Walters is a premier recruitment agency in Singapore, established in 1998. Specializing in professional recruitment across multiple industries, they connect businesses with top talent for permanent and contract positions. With a deep understanding of the Singapore market and a global network spanning 31 countries, Robert Walters offers comprehensive recruitment solutions tailored to local business needs.
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Rating Breakdown
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive network of qualified candidates across industries
- Deep understanding of Singapore market dynamics
- Strong track record in executive search
- Professional and responsive consultants
- Global reach for international placements
- Industry-specific recruitment specialists
- Comprehensive candidate vetting process
Cons
- Higher fees compared to local agencies
- May be cost-prohibitive for startups and SMEs
- Focus on mid to senior level positions
- Limited support for entry-level bulk hiring
- Longer placement timelines for specialized roles
Key Features & Services
Comprehensive Candidate Screening
Rigorous vetting process including behavioral and competency interviews, skills assessment and verification, thorough reference checks, salary negotiation support, and offer management.
Multi-Industry Expertise
Specialized recruitment teams across Finance & Accounting, Banking & Financial Services, Technology & Digital, Legal & Compliance, Engineering & Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, HR, and Supply Chain.
Candidate Career Support
Comprehensive candidate services including career coaching, resume optimization, interview preparation, market insights and salary data, long-term career planning, and professional development resources.
Employer Partnership Services
End-to-end hiring support with job description consultation, market mapping and competitor analysis, hiring process optimization, onboarding support, retention strategies, and talent pipeline development.
Global Network & Reach
Access to extensive global candidate database spanning 31 countries with deep Singapore market knowledge and connections to top talent across industries.
Market Intelligence
Proprietary market data, salary benchmarking insights, hiring trends analysis, and competitive intelligence to support strategic talent decisions.
Pricing & Plans
Pricing Model: Contingency and retained search fees based on candidate's annual salary. No upfront cost for contingency placements.
Entry-Level
For junior positions and graduates (typically $30,000-50,000 annual salary)
Professional
For mid-level professionals and specialists (typically $50,000-150,000 annual salary)
Executive Search
For senior management and C-suite positions (typically $150,000+ annual salary)
What Clients Say
"Robert Walters successfully placed three senior finance professionals for our organization. Their understanding of our culture and requirements was exceptional, and all hires are still with us after two years."
"The consultants are highly professional and responsive. They presented us with quality candidates who matched our technical and cultural requirements. Worth the investment for critical hires."
"Excellent service for executive-level recruitment. The process was thorough, and they provided valuable market insights. Fees are on the higher side but justified by the quality of candidates."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Robert Walters charge for recruitment services?
Robert Walters typically charges 15-25% of the candidate's first-year annual salary for permanent placements. Entry-level positions cost 10-12%, mid-level professionals 15-20%, and senior/executive roles 20-30%. For a position with a $66,000 annual salary (Singapore median), expect fees between $9,900-13,200. Retained search projects may have different fee structures.
What is the typical timeline to fill a position with Robert Walters?
Placement timelines vary by role complexity and seniority. Entry to mid-level positions typically take 3-6 weeks from job posting to offer acceptance. Senior and specialized roles may take 8-12 weeks or longer. Executive search projects can extend to 3-4 months due to thorough candidate vetting and stakeholder alignment.
Do I pay if the candidate doesn't work out?
Robert Walters offers replacement guarantees for permanent placements. If a candidate leaves or is terminated within the guarantee period (typically 3-6 months), they will provide a replacement at no additional fee. Terms vary by contract type and seniority level. Discuss specific guarantee terms during your initial consultation.
What industries does Robert Walters specialize in?
Robert Walters has dedicated teams across 8 major sectors in Singapore: Finance & Accounting, Banking & Financial Services, Technology & Digital, Legal, Engineering & Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Supply Chain. Each team comprises specialists with deep industry knowledge and established candidate networks.
Can Robert Walters help with contract or temporary staffing?
Yes, Robert Walters provides contract and interim staffing solutions in addition to permanent placements. Contract staffing fees are typically lower than permanent placement fees, often structured as a markup on the contractor's hourly or daily rate (usually 15-30% depending on role and duration).
Is Robert Walters suitable for small businesses and startups?
While Robert Walters serves businesses of all sizes, their premium pricing may be challenging for startups and SMEs with limited budgets. They're most cost-effective for critical hires, specialized roles, or senior positions where the quality of placement justifies the investment. Smaller companies with high-volume, entry-level hiring needs might find local agencies more affordable.
How does Robert Walters compare to local Singapore recruitment agencies?
Robert Walters offers global reach, extensive networks, and specialized expertise, typically at premium pricing (20-30% higher than local agencies). Local agencies may offer more competitive rates and faster placements for mid-level positions. Robert Walters excels in executive search, specialized roles, and companies requiring international recruitment capabilities.
What information do I need to provide to start the recruitment process?
To begin, provide: detailed job description, required qualifications and experience, salary range and benefits package, company culture and values, reporting structure, key responsibilities, and timeline expectations. Robert Walters will conduct an intake consultation to understand your hiring needs and develop a customized recruitment strategy.
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Services Offered
- Permanent Recruitment
- Contract Staffing
- Executive Search & Headhunting
- Talent Mapping & Market Intelligence
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)
- Salary Benchmarking
- Employer Branding Consultation
- Graduate & Entry-Level Recruitment
- Diversity & Inclusion Hiring
- Leadership Assessment