5 Best Recruitment Agencies for Executive Assistants in 2025

Key Takeaways

The best recruitment agencies for executive assistants include Near, Robert Half, Adecco, C-Suite Assistants, and Randstad, each offering unique strengths in connecting organizations with exceptional executive assistant talent.
Executive assistant recruitment agencies save companies significant time and resources by providing access to pre-vetted candidate pools, specialized industry expertise, and efficient hiring processes, while increasing the likelihood of finding candidates who align with both technical requirements and company culture.
Understanding the difference between recruitment agencies (which place permanent employees who work directly for your company) and staffing agencies (where assistants remain employed by the agency) helps companies choose the right hiring approach based on whether they need long-term dedicated support or flexible, scalable administrative assistance.

If you’ve already decided to hire an executive assistant, one big question remains:

Should you go it alone—or partner with a recruiter who can fast-track the right hire?

Top-tier executive assistants are hard to find. You’re not just hiring someone to manage a calendar—you’re hiring a strategic right hand. Someone who can anticipate needs, protect your time, and keep your operations running smoothly behind the scenes.

That kind of talent isn’t easy to spot on paper—and even harder to source quickly if you're going it alone.

However the right agency can streamline the search, surface stronger candidates, and help you make a hire who actually sticks.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up five of the best recruitment agencies for executive assistants, so you can compare your options and find the one that fits your goals—whether you’re hiring locally or open to remote talent from cost-effective regions like Latin America.

What Is an Executive Assistant Recruitment Agency?

An executive assistant recruitment agency is a company possessing the required skills, knowledge, network, and resources to help organizations find the right executive assistant.

These agencies don't just match resumes to job descriptions. They carefully evaluate both technical skills and soft skills—like communication abilities, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural alignment—that determine whether an EA will truly excel in your specific environment.

The best EA recruitment agencies serve two key purposes. First, they ensure clients find assistants who meet or exceed their expectations. Second, they help talented EAs find positions where they can grow their skills and advance their careers.

These agencies often can help you find related roles like virtual assistants and general administrative assistants.

Executive Assistant Staffing Agency vs. Recruitment Agency: What's the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's an important distinction between executive assistant recruiting firms and staffing agencies.

A recruitment agency focuses on permanent placements, helping you find an EA who will join your company as a direct employee. They handle the sourcing and screening process, but once the hire is made, the EA works directly for you.

An executive assistant staffing agency, on the other hand, typically maintains the EAs on its own payroll. You pay the staffing agency a fee, and the assistant technically remains their employee.

This arrangement offers flexibility, as you can:

Scale support up or down based on your needs
Pay only for the hours or services you actually use
Avoid the administrative overhead of hiring a full-time employee
Try out an assistant before committing to a permanent hire

This staffing or outsourcing model works particularly well for companies that need specialized administrative support but don't have enough work to justify a full-time hire, or for organizations that experience seasonal fluctuations in workload.

However, if you're looking for a long-term, dedicated executive assistant who will be fully integrated into your team, working with a recruitment agency is typically the better option.

When you hire directly:

You avoid ongoing agency fees that can add up over time
Your assistant is fully invested in your company's success
You have complete control over salary, benefits, and career development
You can integrate the EA more deeply into your company culture

Executive assistant smiling while working, writing down notes

Why Should Companies Use an Executive Assistant Recruitment Agency vs. In-house Hiring?

Can you hire an executive assistant on your own? Of course you can. But sourcing and screening talent is a tedious process that takes up a lot of time and resources.

Handling recruitment on your own is costly, too. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost of hiring is $4,700 per hire.

That’s why working with an executive assistant recruitment agency rather than hiring in-house is often a smart move.

Here are a few reasons why.

Access to a pool of qualified candidates

The most challenging part of hiring isn't interviewing candidates—it's finding the right people to interview in the first place. Executive assistant recruitment agencies already have a pipeline of pre-screened, qualified candidates.

Instead of starting from scratch with job postings and waiting for applications, you get immediate access to professionals who have already been vetted for their skills, experience, and reliability.

This network of talent dramatically reduces the time-to-hire and increases the likelihood of finding someone who can hit the ground running in your organization.

Time and resource savings

Hiring in-house means your team has to handle everything: writing job descriptions, posting on multiple platforms, screening resumes, conducting initial interviews, checking references, and negotiating offers.

By partnering with a recruitment agency, you outsource these time-consuming tasks to specialists who do this work every day. Your team can stay focused on their core responsibilities while the agency handles the heavy lifting of the hiring process.

Expertise in executive assistant hiring

Specialized executive assistant recruiters have a deep understanding of what makes a great EA. They know which skills and traits are essential for success in administrative roles and how to effectively assess candidates for these qualities.

These agencies stay current on industry trends, salary benchmarks, and the evolving landscape of administrative work. Their expertise helps ensure you're getting candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also the soft skills and adaptability needed in today's dynamic business environment.

Confidentiality and professionalism

Recruitment agencies handle sensitive company and candidate information daily, and they understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality. They ensure a professional hiring process, maintaining discretion and respecting privacy throughout.

This is advantageous for companies that require a discreet hiring process, perhaps due to the high-profile nature of the executive role, or for replacing an existing executive assistant. The recruitment agency’s professionalism ensures a smooth, confidential hiring process, reinforcing trust in their services.

Increased likelihood of finding the best fit

Finding an exceptional executive assistant isn't just about checking boxes on a skills list—it's about finding someone who truly aligns with your company culture and the specific working style of the executive they'll support.

Good executive assistant headhunters and recruiters take the time to understand your organization's values, objectives, and team dynamics. This deeper understanding enables them to identify candidates who will thrive in your environment, leading to better retention and performance.

Simplified international hiring

Hiring talent from outside the US comes with complexities that many companies aren't prepared to navigate on their own.

Recruitment agencies that specialize in international hiring handle these challenges for you, including:

Understanding local labor laws and compliance requirements
Navigating international payroll and tax implications
Evaluating foreign credentials and experience accurately
Setting appropriate compensation based on local markets

Specialized recruitment partners already have established processes for vetting international candidates and facilitating cross-border hiring. They can help you assess whether a candidate from Latin America, Europe, or Asia would be a good fit for your specific needs, and then manage the logistics of bringing them on board.

This expertise is particularly valuable when looking to capitalize on the cost advantages of international hiring without getting bogged down in administrative complexities or making costly compliance mistakes.

How to Choose the Right Executive Assistant Recruitment Agency

Some executive assistant recruiting firms just send over a stack of resumes. Others act like true strategic partners—digging into your company’s DNA, understanding the executive’s work style, and making sure every candidate is aligned with your culture and goals.

So how do you tell the difference?

Here are five qualities to look for when choosing the right executive assistant recruitment agency or search firm:

1. Proven experience with executive assistant placements

Look for firms with a track record placing executive assistants across industries and seniority levels. Bonus points if they can share real-world examples or client success stories.

2. Deep understanding of C-suite dynamics

The best executive assistant headhunters understand that hiring an EA isn’t just about skills—it’s about chemistry. A great EA anticipates needs, communicates with discretion, and becomes a force multiplier for the executive. Your recruiter should know how to screen for that.

3. Transparency in pricing and process

Good recruiting firms make it easy to understand their fee structure, replacement policies, and service model. Whether you’re working on a one-time placement or exploring a staffing option, avoid firms that are vague or evasive about how they work.

4. Flexibility across hiring models

Depending on your situation, you may need a permanent hire, a short-term contractor, or something in between. A strong executive assistant recruiting or staffing agency will offer multiple options—so you can scale support up or down based on need.

5. Global reach with local expertise

If you’re open to hiring remote executive assistants, then your recruitment partner must know how to operate internationally.

That means navigating local labor laws, handling cross-border contracts, and ensuring smooth onboarding across time zones. Without that infrastructure, you’re taking on unnecessary risk.

What Are the Best Recruitment Agencies for Executive Assistants?

Finding the right executive assistant requires partnering with a recruitment agency that truly understands the unique demands of the role. The best EA isn't just technically proficient—they need exceptional organizational abilities, strong communication skills, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

Here are five top agencies that excel at finding this rare combination of skills:

Near

Near is a staffing and recruiting agency that helps US startups and mid-size enterprises hire top-performing remote talent in Latin America, including executive assistants.

We help you hire exceptional assistants while keeping salary costs in check. Because we source exclusively in LatAm, our candidates have salary expectations up to 70% lower than those of their US-based peers due to their lower living costs.

Another major advantage of working with LatAm talent is time zone alignment—your EA will be online when you are, enabling real-time collaboration without the scheduling headaches that come with distant offshore assistants.

We handle everything from sourcing and screening to contracts, payroll administration, and local compliance—removing all the complexity of international hiring.

Key features:

Fast placements: You receive candidate profiles within 3 days, and we usually fill open positions within 21 days.
Top-tier candidates: We’re focused on sourcing highly experienced executive assistants in LatAm at the top of their game. Our candidates have worked for US companies and are ready to contribute from day one.
Flexible, no-risk pricing: Interview candidates at no cost. Once you hire, choose a one-time fee (recruitment model) or a monthly fee per hire (staffing model). We offer a replacement guarantee and help most clients save 30–70% compared to US salaries while still offering competitive pay.

Robert Half International

Robert Half International provides placements for entry-level positions up to C-level executives. It helps businesses hire top remote talent in different fields, from administrative assistants and customer support to legal and tech.

Key features:

Vast candidate network: Access to over 11 million administrative and office support professionals in its global database, ensuring a wide pool of executive assistant talent.
Global presence: 300+ locations worldwide provide local market knowledge and in-person support when needed, while serving clients of all sizes (from small businesses to enterprises).
Quick placements: Proven ability to fill many admin and EA roles within 48 hours for urgent needs, thanks to deep benches of available, pre-screened candidates.

Adecco

Adecco office locations worldwide. With roughly six decades in the staffing industry, Adecco offers extensive resources for hiring executive assistants. Employers can engage Adecco for temporary executive assistants, temp-to-hire arrangements, or direct hires.

Adecco’s vast candidate database and national recruiting team enable it to fill EA roles efficiently, while also handling background checks, onboarding, and payroll services if needed.

Key features:

Global reach: Truly international presence (60+ countries). This provides access to a massive talent pool and the ability to recruit executive assistant candidates in various locations or support multi-country operations.
Versatile hiring solutions: Supports temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct placement hiring for executive assistant roles.
High-volume capability: Equipped to staff large teams or multiple EA positions at once if needed. Adecco offers onsite workforce management and MSP programs for big projects, indicating it can scale its services for enterprise clients.

Randstad

Randstad is a global provider of HR solutions. For companies looking for EAs, Randstad offers a holistic approach to hiring, handling everything from candidate pooling to assessments, interviews, and placements. Randstad’s size and infrastructure translate into a large database of vetted administrative talent and the ability to offer flexible staffing options (temporary EAs, contract-to-hire, direct hire).

Key features:

Scale and infrastructure: As one of the largest staffing firms, Randstad has a vast network of recruiters and resources. This includes a pre-screened talent pool for office and admin support roles and local offices across 38+ countries, ensuring both volume and local expertise in EA hiring.
Technology-driven sourcing: Leverages AI-driven candidate matching tools alongside traditional recruiting. Randstad’s systems and processes help quickly identify fitting executive assistant candidates, while their experienced recruiters still personally vet for soft skills and cultural fit.
Flexible staffing models: Offers temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct placement for executive assistants. Whether you need a short-term executive assistant or a long-term hire, Randstad can accommodate with the appropriate recruitment approach.

C-Suite Assistants

C-Suite Assistants is a boutique executive assistant staffing agency with over 20 years of experience, specializing in placing top-tier administrative professionals nationwide.

Headquartered in New York City, they focus exclusively on executive support roles, offering personalized recruitment services to C-level executives, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Their expertise lies in matching candidates to the unique needs of each client, ensuring a seamless fit.

Key features:

Specialized focus: Exclusively recruits for executive assistant and related administrative positions, ensuring deep expertise in the field.
Nationwide reach: While based in NYC, they have successfully placed candidates in major cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
Personalized matching: Emphasizes cultural fit and professional compatibility, tailoring searches to each client's specific requirements.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right executive assistant is about more than just filling a position—it's about adding a strategic partner who can dramatically enhance your leadership team's productivity and effectiveness. The recruitment agency you choose plays a pivotal role in determining whether you find someone who merely handles tasks or someone who truly elevates your executive function.

When evaluating your options, consider what matters most for your specific situation. Is it finding someone who can start immediately? Someone with specialized industry knowledge? Or perhaps someone who provides significant value without breaking your budget?

As remote work has become normalized, geography is no longer the limiting factor it once was. This opens up exciting possibilities for companies looking to maximize both quality and cost-effectiveness in their executive support team.

Many organizations are discovering that Latin American executive assistants offer a compelling combination of advantages that were previously difficult to find: real-time collaboration during standard US business hours, excellent English proficiency, strong administrative skills, and cost savings of 30–70% compared to US-based counterparts.

Near specializes in connecting US companies with this exceptional talent pool, providing thoroughly vetted candidates who can integrate seamlessly with your team. Our clients consistently report that their Latin American hires exceed expectations, bringing strong problem-solving abilities, proactive communication, and dedication to their roles.

Whether you're looking to hire your first executive assistant or expand your administrative support team, the right recruitment partner can transform what might otherwise be a lengthy, uncertain process into a streamlined path to finding your ideal candidate.

To learn more about how Near can help you find an executive assistant who aligns with your specific needs while providing substantial cost advantages, book a free consultation call today.