EOR vs Staffing Agency: Which One Do You Actually Need
A staffing agency finds candidates. An employer of record employs someone you have already chosen. If you need both, sourcing and a compliant local employment structure, you need a provider that combines the two, which is how Cruithunt operates in Mexico.
Three separate jobs
| Job | Staffing agency | EOR | Cruithunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find the candidate | Yes | No | Yes |
| Employ the person legally | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Run payroll and compliance | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct the daily work | No | No | No, you do |
When an EOR alone is enough
If you already have the person, for example a referral or a contractor you want to convert to formal employment, an EOR is the right and simplest structure. You are buying a compliant employment vehicle, not recruiting.
When you need sourcing too
Most firms hiring in a new country do not have a candidate pipeline there. Vetting from a distance, benchmarking local compensation, and understanding which titles mean what locally are all part of the work. A combined provider handles sourcing and employment in one relationship, which also keeps accountability in one place if a seat needs replacing.
Questions that separate providers
- Do you source candidates, or only employ people we bring you?
- Is the quoted rate all-inclusive of statutory employment cost?
- Who carries liability if classification is challenged?
- What happens if a seat needs replacing in the first quarter?
Frequently asked questions
Does an EOR manage the employee's work?
No. The EOR is the legal employer. Day to day direction stays with your managers.
Can an EOR convert our existing contractor?
Yes, that is one of the most common uses of the structure.
Does Cruithunt do both?
Yes. Cruithunt sources and vets candidates in Mexico and acts as the employer of record for the placed team member.
Considering a nearshore team in Mexico?
We can walk through role profiles, timelines, and the employment structure on a short call.
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