Top 5 IT Recruitment Agencies in Oslo

Valentina Chilingaryan

Last updated on August 19, 2024 | 17 min read

RankingRecruitment

Oslo is rapidly becoming a pivotal tech hub, particularly distinguished for its advancements in environmental and healthcare technologies. The city is home to a vibrant array of startups and scale-ups, with a strong focus on sectors such as environmental sustainability, green technology, and healthcare innovations. This flourishing environment not only attracts businesses but also draws professionals eager to engage with cutting-edge technology.

Exceptional living conditions and public services in Oslo — ranging from excellent healthcare and education to efficient public transport and safety — make it an ideal city for professionals considering not just career opportunities, but also a high quality of life. This holistic appeal makes Oslo a top choice for tech talent looking to thrive in an innovative and supportive environment.

Due to the high costs and intense competition for tech talent in the US market, many companies increasingly relocate their teams to Europe. This strategic move helps mitigate expenses and taps into a broader pool of skilled professionals. However, navigating foreign job markets requires profound market knowledge, prompting companies to outsource their recruitment processes to local agencies.

In this article we will discuss a list of the top 5 companies in Oslo renowned for their expertise in facilitating efficient IT talent acquisition, helping businesses find the right skills to support their global operations seamlessly.

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall
2. PersonalHuset Norway: Best for executive search
3. Sonar: Best for small firms

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall

   Company size: ~60 employees
   Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York City, US, with a European HQ in Warsaw, Poland
   Founding year: 2016
   Founder: Tom Potanski
   Website: https://devsdata.com/

   

   DevsData LLC is the leading IT recruitment agency in Oslo, renowned for its expertise in tech talent acquisition spanning over 8 years. With a meticulously curated database of 65000 IT specialists with focus on Norway, they demonstrate a steadfast commitment to quality and precision. DevsData LLC specializes in connecting companies with top-tier candidates, meticulously matching their needs and project requirements with professionals who have the precise expertise and career aspirations to help drive their business forward.

   Renowned for their personalized service, DevsData LLC ensures that clients and candidates in Oslo receive dedicated attention and support throughout the recruitment process, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and excellence. The company is committed to quality and is licensed by the government to provide recruitment and staffing services. Their team includes specialists from the US and Europe with over 40 senior technical recruiters, enabling them to connect clients in Oslo with top talent in under ten days. DevsData LLC collaborates with a diverse array of global enterprises, including high-growth startups from countries such as the US and Israel, among others.

   DevsData LLC implements a meticulous candidate selection process, involving a 90-minute evaluation to thoroughly assess each applicant’s skills and suitability for various roles. During the interview, candidates are presented with challenging problem-solving questions designed by software veterans, including engineers with experience at Google-level companies. This rigorous screening results in a selective 6% acceptance rate, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are presented to clients.

   Working closely with local businesses, multinational corporations, and innovative startups, they offer access to a diverse pool of candidates known for their exceptional technical proficiency and strong communication skills. This success is further proven by their perfect 5/5 rating on Clutch and GoodFirms.

   

   DevsData LLC distinguishes itself in Oslo by delivering a high level of service comparable to larger companies, combined with the flexibility and customization that large firms often lack. Operating on a more compact scale helps DevsData LLC minimize overhead costs compared to its larger counterparts, enabling competitive pricing without compromising on service excellence or the quality of recommended candidates. Beyond recruitment, DevsData LLC offers comprehensive legal assistance to businesses entering the Norwegian market, including guidance on contract establishment.

   To connect with DevsData LLC, email general@devsdata.com or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.

   Address:
   DevsData Headhunter Firma Oslo Recruitment Agency
   Torggata 13,
   0181 Oslo, Norway
   Email: norway@devsdata.comCopy Email

2. PersonalHuset Norway: Best for executive search

   Company size: ~560
   Headquarters: Oslo
   Founding year: 2001
   Founder: Roger Normann Wiik
   Website: http://www.personalhuset.no

   

   Personalhuset Search & Selection is a recruitment agency that offers services in the recruitment and selection of managers, specialists in various fields, and employees for permanent positions. They deliver industry-specific staffing concepts across the Nordic region. They offer recruitment, staffing, and restructuring services.
   

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   Their goal is to be the most visible and innovative staffing and recruitment company in the Nordics. Personalhuset aims to create a fantastic workplace with the most committed employees in the industry. Their recruitment concepts include an announced recruitment process, search, combined recruitment process with advertising and search, assessment of external or internal candidates, background checks, and management of major recruitment projects.

3. Sonar: Best for small firms

   Company size: ~50
   Headquarters: Oslo
   Founding year: 2005
   Founder: Tom-Andre Helgesen
   Website: https://sonar.no/

   

   Sonar consists of dedicated staff and recruitment specialists with many years of experience in finding the right candidate for the job. They solve assignments in many professional areas but primarily focus on vacancies at all levels within tech, construction, finance, accounting, and administration. The recruitment services of Sonar include database and network utilization, a proactive approach, local jobs and advertising, and general headhunting.

   They’re best for small firms because they offer candidates for both short-term assignments and permanent positions at all company levels, which is a flexibility that may allow small businesses to adjust their workforce based on current needs without the long-term commitment that might strain their budgets.

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

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   Now that the top three picks have been discussed, let’s examine the rest of the IT recruitment agencies in Oslo from our list that are also worth considering.

4. Hudson Nordic: Best for large enterprises

   Company size: ~40
   Headquarters: Oslo
   Founding year: 2001
   Founder: Ola Lenes
   Website: http://www.hudsonnordic.com

   

   At Hudson Nordic, they empower clients to enhance their organizational performance by meticulously attracting, assessing, selecting, and developing talents tailored to their business needs. Their portfolio of services encompasses executive search & selection, executive coaching, as well as assessment & development programs, catering to a broad spectrum of sectors and industries.

   Operating from Oslo, they foster close collaboration with their colleagues and partners across the Nordic Hudson Community. This synergy enables them to deliver integrated solutions that align with their clients’ local and international objectives, ensuring consistency and excellence at every level.

5. Globus AI: Best for AI solutions

   Company size: ~30
   Headquarters: Oslo
   Founding year: 2017
   Founder: Helge Bjorland
   Website: https://www.globus.ai

   

   Globus AI is enhancing hiring operations with its AI-driven platform, tailored specifically for staffing agencies. It aims to enhance the recruitment experience for both recruiters and candidates, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, sorting through emails, and searching for suitable candidates.
   

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

   🎧 Schedule a meeting
   
   The Globus AI platform collects job orders from various sources and uses AI to automate the creation and prioritization of vacancies. This reduces the need for manual searches by using AI to score and recommend the best candidates from the database. Globus AI also uses chatGPT to help recruiters create engaging, brand-aligned email campaigns, improving communication with candidates. While it increases efficiency in managing job orders and identifying candidates, the AI might miss important factors like cultural fit and other human nuances crucial for finding the perfect match. Also, the AI’s decision-making can be inconsistent, sometimes failing to identify the best candidates, which shows that human oversight is still needed in the recruitment process.

Key insights about Oslo

Oslo is not only a hub for innovative tech companies and educational excellence, but it also offers unique opportunities for businesses and professionals alike. This includes tech universities, effective employer of record (EoR) platforms for hiring developers in Oslo, competitive salaries for IT specialists, and convenient connectivity with other cities.

Best employer of record (EoR) platforms for hiring developers in Oslo

Using an employer of record (EoR) service is crucial for effectively handling payments to contractors in Oslo and ensuring adherence to local regulations. Trusted EoR providers that facilitate payments to contractors in Oslo include DevsData LLC, Deel, Remote, Plane, and Oyster HR.

DevsData LLC stands out as a trusted employer of record (EoR) provider specializing in the IT and tech sectors. The company delivers comprehensive employment solutions designed specifically for tech companies aiming to grow their operations in Oslo. As an EoR, DevsData LLC manages employment compliance, payroll processing, and HR administration for businesses. This enables companies to establish a presence in Oslo without creating a legal entity, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws.

Moreover, for international money transfers, it is recommended to employ reputable platforms such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Payoneer. These platforms offer competitive exchange rates, low fees, and secure transactions, making it easier to transfer funds to contractors in Oslo while minimizing costs and administrative complexity.

The average salary of a software developer in Oslo

The salary landscape for software developers in Oslo showcases the strength of the city’s tech sector, which plays a crucial role in the Scandinavian IT industry. According to Glassdoor software developers in Oslo typically earn about NOK 700000 annually (approximately USD 67000). Additionally, considering other potential earnings like bonuses and benefits, the total estimated pay can reach around NOK 720000 annually (approximately USD 70000).

For other key positions in the tech sector:

• QA Engineers generally earn around NOK 600000 annually (approximately USD 57500). With additional earnings like bonuses and benefits, total compensation can approach NOK 650000 (approximately USD 62500).
• IT Support Specialists often earn an average salary of NOK 550000 per year (about USD 53000). Including bonuses and additional benefits, their total pay may reach up to NOK 580000 annually (approximately USD 55800).

Tech companies in Oslo, ranging from well-established corporations to innovative startups, offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top software engineering talent. These packages often include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

For international candidates considering a move to Oslo, understanding the local salary benchmarks and negotiating factors is crucial in securing a rewarding career in the city’s flourishing tech industry. Websites like Glassdoor and Levels offer valuable insights into current salary trends and compensation packages, providing a comprehensive overview that can help in informed decision-making.

Top Computer Science universities in Oslo

Oslo is home to several prestigious universities renowned for their computer science and technology programs. Here are some of the top institutions offering exceptional education in this field:

1. University of Oslo
   The University of Oslo is the oldest and largest university in Norway, offering a comprehensive range of programs, including a well-regarded computer science program. UiO is known for its research output and contributions to various fields of science and technology, particularly in informatics and data science.
   • QS World University Rankings: Top 150 globally, top 200 in computer science.
   • Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Top 120 globally.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
   NTNU is the largest university in Norway, known for its strong focus on science and technology. It is particularly recognized for its research and innovation in areas like computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence. NTNU consistently ranks highly in global university rankings, often appearing in the top 100 for technology and engineering subjects.
   • QS World University Rankings: Top 300 globally, top 100 in technology and engineering.
   • Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Top 400 globally.
3. University of Tromso
   UiT is the northernmost university in the world, offering unique research opportunities in areas such as Arctic technology, machine learning, and computer science. The university has a growing reputation in the field of information technology, particularly in Arctic research and sustainable technology.
   • QS World University Rankings: Top 500 globally.
   • Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Top 500 globally.

Learn more about the best computer science universities in Norway, as well as other institutions excelling in niche areas.

How to make an international call to Oslo

Making an international call to Oslo, Norway involves a few simple steps.

First, dial the international access code, which allows you to make an international call from your country. For example, the international access code from the United States is “011”; from the UK, it is “00”; from Australia, it is “0011”; and from Israel, it is “00”.

Next, dial Norway’s country code, which is “47”, followed by Oslo’s area code “2”.

Finally, dial Norway’s local phone number that typically has 8 digits. For instance, if you are calling from the United States to a local number in Oslo, dial “011-47-2” followed by the local number.

To enhance your calling experience check the time zone, as Oslo is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. Then, make sure to consider the time difference to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

International calls can be expensive depending on your phone plan, so consider using VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp, which offer affordable rates.

Time zone overlap

Navigating time zone differences is essential for effective communication and coordination across global teams, particularly when interacting with Oslo. Understanding these variations ensures practical scheduling of meetings, project deadlines, and real-time collaboration. It is always recommended that the time difference between the cities be checked through World Time Buddy for precise scheduling.

Understanding these time differences can help plan and coordinate effectively with teams across various locations.

Conclusions

DevsData LLC stands out as an exceptional choice for IT recruitment in Oslo, Norway. Their rigorous interview process, with an acceptance rate of only 6%, ensures that only the most exceptional technical talent, characterized by strong communication skills and outstanding technical abilities, is presented to clients. Beyond recruitment services, DevsData LLC, with a local presence in Oslo, also provides comprehensive legal, tax, and HR advisory services and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) services to streamline client operations.

DevsData LLC offers a unique value proposition that differentiates it from larger competitors by leveraging local expertise and a deep understanding of the Norwegian market. Their streamlined operations allow for competitive pricing without compromising on service quality. With a dedicated team and a personalized approach, DevsData LLC can quickly adapt to each client’s specific needs, ensuring highly effective recruitment outcomes. For businesses looking to build a competitive IT workforce in Oslo, DevsData LLC offers the expertise, efficiency, and personalized service needed to achieve their goals.

To contact DevsData LLC, email them at general@devsdata.com or visit their website www.devsdata.com.

Address:
DevsData Headhunter Firma Oslo Recruitment Agency
Torggata 13,
0181 Oslo, Norway
Email: norway@devsdata.comCopy Email

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