Speed vs. Fit: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Not long ago, I visited the bar manager of a private club in San Francisco, CA. He’s a relatively new client of Altitude, and I wanted to check in—see how things were going and if there was anything we could improve on.

During our conversation, he mentioned that he previously hired staff through an on-demand staffing app. He was honest about the experience: some wins, but also a lot of challenges.

After listening carefully, I explained the differences between a tech platform and a traditional staffing agency like ours.

But the truth is, this wasn’t the first time a client or prospect had brought up the same topic. And this is where I always choose to keep it real.

I’d rather present the facts and let the client choose what’s best for their operation—rather than try to “pitch” my company as the only valid solution or talk down other providers. That’s not my style.

The Dilemma Today

In a constantly shifting job market, many companies face an important question:

Should I hire through a fast, self-service hiring platform or work with a traditional staffing agency?

As the founder of a recruiting and staffing agency that believes in technology with real human experience, I want to help clarify those differences so you can make a smarter choice.

Let’s start with this truth: Not every solution fits every staffing need.

What Do On-Demand Staffing Apps Offer?

These apps allow you to hire people in minutes, 24/7, with just a few clicks. They rely heavily on technology, not recruiters. That reduces their overhead—and yes, their prices reflect that.

Less human labor = lower cost = lower markup. But speed comes at a cost: fewer filters, less context, and far less control over who actually shows up to represent your business.

What Do Traditional Staffing Agencies Do Differently?

On the other side, traditional staffing agencies (like mine), work through a more in-depth hiring process—even if it takes a bit more time.

They work with real recruiters—people who understand industry roles, workplace culture, and how to select the right fit.

And this is where you decide what you really need. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Let’s Talk About the Self-Service Model

One of the parts I love most about this work is the human side—real conversations, real insights. A résumé tells me where someone’s been. But a conversation? It tells me where they want to go. That makes all the difference.

Tech staffing platforms operate with a self-service model:

• Clients post the shifts.

• Workers pick them up.

• No interviews. No vetting. No follow-up.

  
  

It’s fast and convenient. These platforms connect companies to workers with little friction. But that ease comes without much depth.

Meanwhile, traditional agencies (even those of us who embrace tech) still act as strategic partners between employers and talent.

We handle the entire process: interviews, vetting, follow-ups, guarantees, and problem-solving when needed.

 So—What Model Do You Need?

Both models can work. But they’re not interchangeable.

And that’s exactly what I tell my prospects.

If you’re looking for fast and cheap, and you're okay sacrificing some quality, there are plenty of solid options out there.

But if you’re like my new client in San Francisco, CA—someone who values reliability, talent, and long-term consistency—then a staffing agency might be the better choice.

Especially one like ours, built on the belief that at its core, staffing is still a people-first business.