When they call in a pinch, we can help them out with freelancers, and we can save them a lot of time and trouble in filling permanent positions. Most firms receive compensation from the client companies. The ad agency recruiters charge 20 to 30 percent of the candidate's first year salary. This practice is consistent with that of the other firms that fill permanent positions, although the salary percentage varies. For freelancers, the placement firm usually negotiates a project fee or day rate with the client company, based on the candidates skills, length of the assignment and other factors.
Some firms mark up the freelance rate and add a percentage above that for managing the process.
What he pays his freelancers is negotiated individually. Since Crawford is not a placement firm, Thompson says the freelance fees are marked up and included in the bill he sends the client. Crawford typically serves as paymaster for the crews it places, although certain institutions use outside paymasters, especially where union issues are a consideration. People looking for work should not be afraid to ask questions, and they should realize that they do not have to pay for this service. Critical capabilities These recruitment and placement professionals also agree on the type of candidates they want to place.