What Robert Half does and who it serves
Robert Half is a staffing agency that matches workers with temporary, contract, and permanent job placements across finance, accounting, administrative, legal, and technology roles. The company does not hire you as an employee; instead, it acts as a middleman between you and the client company that needs work done. You work on Robert Half's payroll, but you perform your duties at the client's location or remotely.
Robert Half operates in all 50 U.S. states and several countries abroad. The company has been in business since 1948 and is publicly traded, which means it has established relationships with thousands of employers. If you register with Robert Half, a recruiter from the office nearest you will contact you to discuss the types of roles that match your skills and experience.
The agency does not charge you a fee to register or to be placed in a job. Robert Half makes money by charging the client company a percentage of your hourly wage or salary — typically 20 to 30 percent above what you earn. You see only your own pay, not what the client pays Robert Half.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Half places you on temporary, contract, or permanent assignments; you work on Robert Half's payroll, not the client's.
- Registration is free and involves submitting your resume, work history, and availability to a recruiter in your region.
- Pay is typically hourly for temporary and contract roles, and Robert Half handles payroll, taxes, and direct deposit.
- Temporary assignments can last from a few days to several months, and you may be offered a permanent role by the client company during or after the assignment.
- Robert Half does not provide health insurance or retirement benefits for temporary workers, though some contract roles may include them depending on the client.
How to register and what information you will need
To register with Robert Half, visit the company's website or call the local office in your area. You will need to provide your resume, work history, references, and information about your availability and preferred job types. The recruiter will ask about your salary expectations, the industries you want to work in, and whether you prefer temporary, contract, or permanent roles.
Robert Half uses this information to match you with open positions. The recruiter may also ask you to complete a skills assessment or take a typing test, depending on the role. These tests are free and take 15 to 30 minutes. Once your profile is complete, the recruiter will begin sending you job leads that fit your background.
You do not have to accept every assignment offered to you. If a role does not match your needs or schedule, you can decline it without penalty. However, if you turn down too many offers, the recruiter may contact you to discuss your availability or may reduce the number of leads sent your way.
Types of assignments and how long they typically last
Robert Half offers three main types of placements. Temporary assignments are short-term roles that usually last from a few days to a few months. These often fill in for employees on leave, handle seasonal workload spikes, or complete one-time projects. Contract roles are longer-term positions, typically lasting three to twelve months or more, and often involve specialized work like software development or financial analysis. Permanent placements are direct-hire positions where the client company hires you as their own employee, and Robert Half's involvement ends once you are hired.
The length of an assignment depends on the client's needs. Some temporary roles end after two weeks; others run for six months. When you accept an assignment, the recruiter will tell you the expected end date, though clients sometimes extend assignments if the work is going well or if new needs arise. If an assignment ends, the recruiter will begin looking for your next placement.
Many workers use Robert Half as a bridge to permanent employment. If a client company likes your work during a temporary or contract assignment, they may offer you a permanent job. When that happens, you typically leave Robert Half's payroll and become the client's direct employee.
Pay, payroll, and what is not included
Robert Half pays you by the hour for most temporary and contract roles. Your hourly rate depends on your experience, the role, the client, and your location. Rates for entry-level administrative work may start at $18 to $22 per hour, while specialized roles in accounting or technology can pay $30 to $60 per hour or more. Robert Half will tell you the pay rate before you accept an assignment.
You receive a paycheck every week, either by direct deposit or check, depending on what you choose during registration. Robert Half handles all payroll taxes, Social Security, and Medicare withholding. You will receive a W-2 form at the end of the year if you worked through Robert Half during that calendar year. If you work for multiple staffing agencies in the same year, you may receive multiple W-2s.
Temporary workers on Robert Half's payroll do not receive health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits through the agency. Some contract roles with larger clients may include benefits, but this varies by assignment and client. If you need health coverage, you may purchase it through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or through a spouse's plan. Self-employed tax deductions may also explore if you work as a contract worker; consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
What happens if an assignment ends early or you need to leave
If a client ends an assignment before the expected date, Robert Half will begin searching for your next placement when ready. There is no penalty to you for an early end, and you do not owe Robert Half or the client anything. You straightforward stop working and wait for the recruiter to contact you with new opportunities.
If you need to leave an assignment before it ends, you should notify both Robert Half and the client as soon as possible. Giving at least one week's notice is standard professional practice and helps maintain your reputation with the recruiter. If you leave without notice, the recruiter may be less likely to send you future leads, since clients value reliability.
If you decide to stop working with Robert Half altogether, you can tell your recruiter at any time. There is no contract binding you to the agency, and you are free to register with other staffing firms or pursue permanent employment elsewhere.
How Robert Half differs from other staffing agencies
Robert Half specializes in finance, accounting, legal, and administrative roles, whereas some staffing agencies focus on manufacturing, healthcare, or general labor. This specialization means Robert Half's recruiters have deep knowledge of these industries and often have long-standing relationships with major employers in those fields. If you work in one of these areas, Robert Half may have more opportunities than a general staffing firm.
Robert Half also operates its own subsidiary brands, including Protiviti (a consulting firm), OfficeTeam (administrative and office support), and Apex Group (specialized staffing). Depending on your skills, a recruiter may refer you to one of these brands if it is a better fit for your background.
Like all staffing agencies, Robert Half takes a cut of what the client pays, so your hourly rate may be lower than what a permanent employee in the same role earns. However, you gain flexibility, the ability to try different companies and roles, and faster entry into the job market if you are between permanent positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for Robert Half and another staffing agency at the same time?
Yes. You can register with multiple staffing agencies and accept assignments from different ones, as long as the assignments do not overlap or conflict. Tell each recruiter about your other registrations so they understand your availability. If two agencies offer you overlapping assignments, you must choose one and decline the other.
What if I want to work permanently for the client company instead of through Robert Half?
If the client wants to hire you as a permanent employee, they will make you an offer. Once you accept, you leave Robert Half's payroll and become the client's direct employee. Robert Half receives a placement fee from the client, but you do not pay anything. This is how the agency makes money on permanent placements.
Do I need to pay taxes on my Robert Half income?
Yes. Robert Half withholds federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from your paycheck, just like a traditional employer. You will receive a W-2 at the end of the year. If you have multiple jobs or expect a large refund or tax bill, you may want to adjust your withholding or consult a tax professional.
What if I disagree with my pay rate or the terms of an assignment?
You can discuss pay and terms with your recruiter before accepting an assignment. If you believe the rate is too low or the terms do not work for you, you can decline the offer. However, if you consistently decline offers or negotiate extensively, the recruiter may send you fewer leads or close your file.
How do I know if an assignment will become permanent?
There is no may provide that a temporary or contract assignment will lead to a permanent offer. Some clients use temporary workers only to fill short-term gaps. If a permanent role is a possibility, ask your recruiter or the client's hiring manager during the assignment. If the client is interested in hiring you permanently, they will typically discuss it with you before the assignment ends.