Whether you’re hiring a freelancer for a one-off project or a permanent member of staff, let’s do the maths. You’ll see what a recruiter, paid job ad or crowd-sourcing on social media would actually cost you – in cash and hours – next to posting it free on Rachel’s List.
Compare hiring costs, fast.
The role you're hiring for
Changes how a recruiter's fee is typically calculated.
$
The total you'd budget for this piece of work.
%
Typical fee agencies charge to place a freelancer — usually 15–20% of the project value.
Doing it yourself instead
$
What it costs the business when you're sourcing instead of working.
hrs
Posting job ads, screening replies, and chasing referrals on social media.
Post it anywhere else first, and
$18,000 is what a recruiter would charge
That's before you've spoken to a single candidate — and it's the same fee whether they find you a great writer or a mediocre one.
Agency placement fee $18,000
A LinkedIn / Seek ad, plus your time $1,500
Rachel's List $0
3 min
to post your job
2 hrs
until it's live
Same day*
applications, (often within hours)
Up to 20
pre-approved freelancers to choose from
Hours you'd spend sourcing it yourself
14 hrs
What that time is worth
$1,050
*Typical turnaround, not a guarantee. Assumes a $450 job ad (LinkedIn/Seek average). Recruiter fees, ad costs and time estimates are indicative — actual figures vary by role, industry and location. Use this to weigh up your options, not as a quote.
