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Aquent Review: Is It Legit or a Scam?

WFHR EditorWFHR Editor
14 min read

Are you considering Aquent for freelance work? You may have heard of Aquent, a recruitment agency and staffing firm that specializes in creative and digital marketing roles. Before you decide, it’s important to understand what Aquent offers and how its services might benefit you.

Aquent, a leading creative staffing agency, has received numerous employee reviews, offering valuable insights for individuals considering a career with the company. Aquent is significant in the employment landscape and provides various staffing solutions across diverse industries.

To better understand the experiences of those who have worked for Aquent, this article will focus on their reviews and ratings, which offer a reliable perspective on the company’s working environment and professional growth opportunities.

While these ratings project a positive image of Aquent, it is essential to dig deeper into the specific aspects of the company’s culture, management, job security, and advancement opportunities. Comprehending the fine details behind these reviews will help potential employees make informed decisions about their career paths at Aquent. In this Aquent review, for example, we’ll evaluate what Aquent is, the pros and cons of using their services, and any other factors you should consider before deciding.

What is Aquent?

Aquent Logo

Aquent is a global workforce services company specializing in marketing and creative staffing solutions. Founded in a dorm room in 1986, Aquent has grown significantly and employs 10,000 people across eight countries yearly. With its long-established presence in the industry, Aquent has been delivering comprehensive benefits to its talent since 1993.

Aquent operates as a staffing agency, connecting top talent with organizations needing marketing and creative professionals. Aquent’s primary role is to bridge the gap between talented individuals and businesses looking for specialized skills in these areas. Their extensive network and expertise in marketing and creative fields have enabled them to offer tailored solutions that fit each client’s unique needs.

Aquent is committed to supporting its employees throughout their careers as a talent agency. The company offers several benefits, including career development resources, competitive compensation packages, and various opportunities for learning and growth. Aquent’s reputation as a high-quality employer has also been reflected in numerous positive employee reviews.

Overall, Aquent has built a strong reputation as a reliable and effective staffing agency and talent management company in the marketing and creative industries. With its vast network and experience, Aquent has continued to help connect businesses with the right talent, ensuring the success of their projects and campaigns.

Is Aquent Legit?

Sustainability in Aquent

Aquent is a well-established workforce services company that has been operating since 1993. Specializing in marketing and creative staffing, it is a legitimate employer that offers comprehensive benefits to its talent.

When examining Aquent’s customer reviews, employees report positive experiences working with the company. For instance, on Glassdoor, Aquent has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on over 975 anonymous reviews. Furthermore, 87% of employees would recommend Aquent to a friend, and 77% have a positive outlook for the business.

In addition, Aquent is recognized as a reliable employer on platforms like G2 and Yelp. G2 users have written reviews about Aquent’s service, while Yelp’s 15 reviews have lauded the company as “one of the best creative employment agencies.” Aquent is known for its professional and supportive approach to job search, securing mostly corporate but well-paying placements for its talent.

Users have also discussed their dealings with Aquent on Reddit. In particular, a Reddit user mentioned the positive experience of being offered a well-paying job with Aquent, which turned out to be genuine after going through a background check process.

However, it is essential to note that Aquent’s benefits can be quite expensive, though the employer partially subsidizes them.

Aquent Reviews

Aquent, a global staffing agency, has garnered reviews and feedback from its employees and clients. In this section, we will discuss some key insights from these reviews and testimonials to provide a better understanding of the company.

Employee Reviews

Based on surveys conducted anonymously by employees, Aquent receives a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor. With over 975 reviews, 87% of employees would recommend working at Aquent to a friend, and 77% have a positive outlook for the business. These ratings have remained stable over the past 12 months.

Aquent consultants, who specifically contribute to the company’s on-site services, have rated their employer with 4.3 out of 5 stars in 27 Glassdoor reviews. This is a higher-than-average score compared to the overall rating of Aquent employees, which is 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Looking at Indeed.com, we can see 222 reviews from Aquent employees in the United States. The various ratings by category include:

  • Work-Life Balance: 4.1
  • Pay & Benefits: 3.8
  • Job Security & Advancement: 3.3
  • Management: 3.7

Client Testimonials

While the search results do not provide specific client testimonials, Aquent displays a score of 4.8 in a G2 review. The review also states that their recruitment solutions have one of the highest fill ratios in the recruitment, staffing, and RPO industry at 93% compared to the industry average of 25%.

Aquent has received numerous positive reviews and feedback from employees and clients. Its strong ratings suggest it is reputable as a global staffing agency that provides exceptional services.

Pros and Cons of Working at Aquent

Pros

Aquent’s employees have shared several positive aspects of working at the company. Some of these pros include:

  • Work-life balance: Many employees have rated Aquent 4.3 out of 5 for work-life balance, highlighting the company’s support for maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
  • Culture and values: Aquent’s work environment scored 4.3 in Glassdoor reviews, with employees appreciating the company culture and values. This indicates a positive atmosphere within the organization.
  • Benefits: Several employees have praised Aquent for offering benefits, including competitive salaries. This is a major attraction for potential job candidates.

Cons

Despite a range of other positions and positive aspects, there are some challenges associated with working at Aquent:

  • Limited career opportunities: Employees have rated Aquent only 3.8 out of 5 for career opportunities. This implies that the potential for professional growth within the company might be limited.
  • Substandard compensation and benefits: Some Indeed.com reviews mention that Aquent offers less compensation than other recruiting companies and an overall benefits package that falls below expectations.
  • Challenges with PTO: Some employees have experienced issues with paid time off (PTO), particularly regarding maternity leave and the loss of PTO shortly after leaving the company. This could be a point of concern for potential employees.
  • Holiday pay for contractors: A significant number of cons in Glassdoor reviews relate to the absence of paid holidays for contractors at some client companies. This may lead to dissatisfaction among contractors working in such arrangements.

In summary, while Aquent has several advantages, such as work-life balance, culture, and benefits, some areas of improvement include compensation, new career opportunities, and paid time off policies.

Aquent Company Culture

Aquent is known for its inclusive culture, which strongly advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The company values well-rounded diversity, ensuring employees from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. Collaboration is at the heart of Aquent’s work environment, promoting teamwork and open communication among staff members.

The company is led by an inventive CEO who informs employees about significant developments and progress. Aquent’s leadership is approachable and open to new ideas, creating a sense of transparency and trust between management and employees.

Various employee reviews highlight that work-life balance is another crucial aspect of the company’s culture. Aquent understands the importance of personal time and offers unlimited paid time off (PTO) to cater to employees’ needs, such as childcare or extended medical assistance. This flexible approach allows staff to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Employees at Aquent also appreciate the company’s rewarding compensation and benefits package. The organization recognizes hard work and effort, providing various perks and incentives to those who consistently perform well. Some notable benefits include competitive pay and an attractive vacation policy, contributing to a positive work environment.

In summary, Aquent’s company culture revolves around inclusivity, collaboration, work-life balance, and rewarding hard work. These factors foster a supportive and engaging workplace where employees can thrive and contribute to the company’s success.

Aquent Employee Benefits

Aquent is recognized for providing a range of employee benefits to its workforce. These benefits contribute to a positive work culture, with 83% of employee reviews being positive, according to Comparably. Some of the noteworthy benefits offered by the company are outlined below.

Health and Wellness

Aquent offers subsidized platinum-level health benefits that cover various aspects of an employee’s well-being. The company also provides Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs to promote a healthy lifestyle and assist employees in managing personal issues.

Time Off and Leave

Aquent grants paid sick leave to all hourly talent in the United States and Canada. Additionally, employees might be eligible for paid time off and holidays while working on specific client engagements. Moreover, the company facilitates a variety of leave options, such as Aquent Leave, FMLA, USERRA, and state leaves, when applicable.

Learning Funds and 401k Match

Aquent supports its employees’ professional development by providing learning funds. This enables the workforce to invest in their skills and advance their careers. Moreover, the company offers a 401k match as a part of its employees’ retirement benefits package.

Non-Profit Gift Contributions

Aquent matches employees’ non-profit gift contributions as part of its corporate social responsibility. This encourages employee philanthropy and showcases the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Overall, it’s evident that Aquent is focused on supporting its employees in various aspects of their professional and personal lives. Offering competitive benefits and fostering a positive work culture contribute to the company’s overall appeal as an employer.

Aquent Job Opportunities

Aquent is a global work solutions company offering many marketing, creative, and design job opportunities. Positions at Aquent are available in various formats, such as temporary, full-time, and remote, catering to job seekers’ preferences and requirements.

Job seekers interested in working with Aquent can browse the currently open positions on their official website. By offering different types of job opportunities, Aquent provides flexibility to individuals searching for their dream job and an advantage in helping businesses find and hire the talent, technology, and services they require.

In terms of employee experience, Aquent employees have rated the company quite positively on certain aspects. According to Glassdoor reviews, employees rate Aquent 4.3 out of 5 for work-life balance, culture, and values. Additionally, 87% of Aquent employees would recommend working there to a friend.

However, it is crucial to note that some reviews have mentioned weaknesses within the company, such as lower compensation compared to other recruiting firms and substandard benefits. Also, some employees have voiced concerns about Aquent’s approach to contractors and difficulties concerning time-off and maternity leave policies.

Aquent offers numerous marketing, creative, and design job opportunities across various work formats. While employees have praised the company’s work-life balance and culture, some concerns have been raised regarding compensation and benefits. Job seekers should weigh these various factors when considering employment with Aquent.

Top Aquent Competitors

Aquent is a leading recruitment agency specializing in temporary staffing and outsourced project development for creative, social media sites, and marketing businesses. In this competitive market, several other agencies pose a challenge to Aquent. Here is a list of some of the top Aquent competitors:

  • Robert Half: This global staffing firm offers specialized services in finance, accounting, technology, and marketing. With a vast network and extensive experience, Robert Half remains a prominent competitor for Aquent.
  • ManpowerGroup: A worldwide leader in workforce solutions, ManpowerGroup offers staffing services in various industries. Their expertise in diverse sectors makes them a formidable competitor in the recruitment market.
  • Randstad: As one of the largest HR service providers, Randstad caters to various industries, including marketing and creative services. Their extensive reach and wide array of services make them a strong competitor to Aquent.

In addition to these major competitors, Aquent also faces challenges from several niche staffing firms:

  • Creative Circle: Focusing on creative professionals, Creative Circle provides staffing and recruitment services for designers, copywriters, and other creative roles. Their specialization in the creative industry aligns them directly against Aquent.
  • Kforce: A professional staffing services firm, Kforce specializes in providing talent for technology, finance, and accounting roles. Though its focus is slightly different from Aquent’s, it still offers competition in the creative and marketing sectors.
  • The Creative Group: As a division of Robert Half, The Creative Group is another strong player in creative staffing and recruitment services. Their targeted approach poses a challenge to Aquent.

While Aquent maintains a strong position in the creative and marketing staffing market, these top competitors remain significant challengers. Each company offers unique services and expertise, making the industry competitive and dynamic.

What are the pros and cons of working at Aquent?

Working at Aquent comes with its pros and cons, as follows:

Pros

  • Access to high-paying job opportunities
  • Networking opportunities
  • Career development resources such as training courses
  • Supportive team environment
  • Flexible hours
  • Higher fill ratio: Aquent’s fill ratio (93%) is higher than the recruitment industry average (25%).
  • Positive work environment: Most employee reviews on Glassdoor indicate a positive work culture and recommend Aquent to friends.

Cons

  • Finding work can be difficult if you don’t have a specific skill set or expertise.
  • Limited availability of jobs for certain areas of expertise
  • Expensive benefits: Some employees find Aquent’s benefits expensive, although the company does cover some of the costs.
  • Limited reviews on some platforms: There are not enough reviews of Aquent on the G2 platform to provide a comprehensive insight into the company.

Potential employees and employers must weigh these pros and cons when considering a job with Aquent. However, the reviews suggest that Aquent remains a top choice for those seeking opportunities in the recruitment and staffing industry or those looking to become job search agents.

What do employees say about working at Aquent?

Employees have shared their experience working at Aquent on platforms like Glassdoor and Reddit. On Glassdoor, Aquent has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 975 reviews. 87% of employees would recommend working at Aquent to a friend, and 77% have a positive outlook for the business.

One Reddit user shared their experience, stating they got a job with 36% higher pay (Aquent is hourly) than their previous position. However, they did mention that the benefits were expensive, with Aquent helping to cover some of the cost.

Final Thoughts: Is Aquent on Using Aquent for Freelance Work

Aquent offers an excellent opportunity for freelancers seeking high-paying creative or digital marketing jobs. With access to their Talent Network, career development resources, and supportive team environment, freelancers can easily find and create work opportunities that match their skill sets.

However, it can be difficult to find work if you lack expertise in a particular job or skill set that’s in demand. Aquent is worth considering if you’re seeking quality freelance job opportunities in creative or digital marketing.

FAQs

How is Aquent different from other staffing agencies?

Aquent differentiates itself from other staffing agencies in terms of recruitment, staffing, and the RPO industry fill ratios. While the recruitment industry average fill ratio is around 25%, Aquent reports a fill ratio of 93%. This higher ratio indicates that Aquent has a more successful track record of matching candidates to appropriate job opportunities.

Related Resources

Last updated: November 27, 2024

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