FAQs.

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

What do you folks do again?

52 Limited is a staffing agency focused on the creative and technology spaces in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. We can assist companies and individuals in two core areas. We are a contract staffing firm for leading brands, marketing and engineering departments, start-ups, design firms, advertising and interactive agencies. We are also a recruiting/placement firm linking employers and individuals for full-time direct hire or contract-to-hire positions.

Additionally, because 52 Limited employees come from the industries we serve (in some cases, upper management), we can consult on a variety of issues from cultural integration, recruiting and retention strategies, human resources, organizational structure, and more.

I don’t live in Portland. Can you still help?

Of course. We know the local industry well. In fact, we were the first locally-owned creative staffing agency in town.

If you are an individual looking to relocate to Oregon and your professional skills fall within our client needs, we can offer advice, guidance and potentially job placement. We’re happy to be a resource.

How do you get paid?

Our clients/companies pay us to connect them with perfect candidates for their specific hiring criteria, from skill sets to culture fit to salary requirements. There is NEVER a charge to an individual, even for general career guidance. We like cookies and booze, though. Usually not together but we’ll assess that on a case-by-case basis.

Can I do outside freelance work and still work with 52 Limited?

Absolutely. We’re a resource to help you find fulfilling work but you should continue to pursue your own projects, as well.

What if I don’t like a job you’ve placed me on?

Well, we don’t really “place” you on a job. We connect you to opportunities, explain the details, put you in front of hiring managers, and advocate on your behalf. Ultimately – and with all information in hand – you decide whether or not to take a job being offered by our clients. You’re the boss.

In the rare case you end up not liking the job you’re doing, call us and we’ll figure out a solution for you.

What if a company where you’ve placed me on contract wants to hire me?

We high five! That’s why we’re here… to help you find good work and your employer find you.

How do you stand out from your competitors?

Have you interacted with other staffing and/or placement agencies? Yeah, the bar is not high. We pretend it is anyway.

52 Limited began more than a decade ago as Portland’s only locally-owned creative staffing agency and has grown to serve some of the world’s most recognizable and forward-thinking companies in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. For eight years we were laser-focused on strategically matching the right creative and marketing professionals with the right company.

A few years ago, as technology grew more important in each of our lives and especially in the creative field, we evolved our business to meet the growing needs of our brand, agency, and corporate clients. We built out a team of experienced tech recruiters and account managers to compliment the creative staffing excellence for which we’ve always been known.

Now 52 Limited is a digital resource company connecting creative + technology talent with leading brands, marketing and engineering departments, start-ups, design firms, advertising and interactive agencies. As a boutique agency born and bred in Portland, we’re high touch and highly knowledgeable.

How do I hire talent through 52 Limited?

Call us. Whether you’re looking for individual freelancers, full-time employees, or entire project teams, we can help.

It’s important that we understand the unique details and rhythm of your business, as well as your specific hiring needs now and in the future. Ideally, we’d sit down in person with you following the initial call to learn where we can best be of service and discuss a timeline for delivery. There are times when a sit-down is not feasible, we understand, so Skype or phone can work in a pinch. Our most effective client relationships are developed on a basis of mutual trust and open avenues of communication.

Are contractors from 52 Limited covered by confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements?

Yes. Every 52 Limited contractor signs confidentiality and non-disclosure documents to protect your business. They are also covered by our employer insurance, removing all risk of hiring from you.

I like to hire people on my own, why would I use you?

We get it. Hiring people is fun. Wait, no it’s not when you’ve got competing priorities, limited time, and particular criteria.

We take a tremendous amount of time evaluating talent we represent to our clients. We also endeavor to understand your company, your culture, and note which types of individuals thrive in your work environment. We conduct extensive interviews, portfolio reviews, and reference checks even before you come into the picture looking for talent. We’ll save you time, money, and frustration by sending high caliber candidates curated to your specific business and needs. For temporary placement, we handle all the legwork, manage payroll, benefits and taxes, and carry liability insurance. Which means you’re free to concentrate on what you do best.