You can do SDR hiring yourself — it just takes 40–80 hours per role. Or you can pay a recruiter $15K to do it in 4 weeks. Shortlist is the third option.
Try Shortlist Free — 5 Candidates in 48 Hours →| Approach | DIY Hiring | Recruiting Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 direct cost | $0 (contingency) or $5K+ retainer |
| Total cost | 40–80 hrs of your time | $12,000–$25,000 per placement |
| Time to first candidates | 1–3 weeks (sourcing + screening) | 3–6 weeks |
| Quality | Depends on your sourcing skills | Variable — agency quality ranges widely |
| SDR specialization | You know your business | Generalist — SDR is one of many roles |
| Shortlist alternative | Same sourcing, AI-automated in 48h | Same candidates, fraction of the cost |
| Best for | Never your primary strategy | One-time or exec roles only |
Post your SDR role and get 5 AI-matched candidates in 48 hours. Free to start.
Try the better third option — free pilot See pricing →