Freelance recruiters are cheaper than agencies but still charge per placement. Shortlist charges per month — and handles multiple roles simultaneously.
Try Shortlist Free — 5 Candidates in 48 Hours →| Factor | Shortlist | Freelance Recruiter |
|---|---|---|
| Cost structure | ✅ $199/mo, multiple roles | $8,000–$15,000 per placement (15–20% of salary) |
| Time to candidates | ✅ 48 hours | 2–5 weeks (depends on recruiter bandwidth) |
| Consistency | ✅ Standardized AI scoring every time | Varies by recruiter — quality unpredictable |
| SDR specialization | ✅ SDR/BDR/AE only | Depends on recruiter — many are generalist |
| Capacity | ✅ Multiple roles simultaneously | Bandwidth-limited — typically 3–8 open roles max |
| Vetting process | ✅ 5-factor AI model, objective scoring | Manual — recruiter-dependent approach |
| Commitment | ✅ Cancel anytime | Contingency or partial retainer required |
Post your SDR role and get 5 AI-matched candidates in 48 hours. Free to start.
Try Shortlist — no placement fees See pricing →