Recruiting Agency

How to work with Upwards staffing agency in 2026

Upwards is a Swedish staffing agency focused on the business services sector. They connect professionals with companies seeking specialized talent for operational and corporate roles. The most important thing to know is that they act as a bridge between your skills and employer needs, prioritizing candidates who align with specific business service requirements.

Who pays upwards

Paid by the employer, not by you.

upwards earns a fee from the company that hires you, usually a share of your first-year salary or a margin on your contract rate. Their client is that company.

What that means for you

Expect roles that fit their open vacancies before roles that fit your plan. Ask which company a role is for before your CV goes anywhere, and apply direct where you can.

Sectors we track

Global

Presence

Source: JobMentis Agency Directory, 29,247 agencies across 102 markets, 2026.

Their side

Sectors

Business Services

What specific roles and sectors does Upwards cover?

Upwards specializes in the business services sector, which encompasses a wide range of corporate and operational functions. They primarily place candidates in roles that support the internal infrastructure of companies, such as administrative support, project coordination, and specialized business operations. Their focus is on matching professional talent with organizations that require reliable, skilled support to maintain efficient business workflows.

Where you meet

How does the staffing process work from start to finish?

The process begins when you submit your profile or apply for a specific vacancy. A consultant reviews your background to determine if your skills match current or upcoming client needs. If there is a potential fit, they will conduct an interview to assess your experience and career goals before presenting your profile to the hiring company for consideration.

What should I expect once I engage with the agency?

Expect a professional, results-oriented communication cadence focused on active opportunities. The agency acts as your advocate during the interview process, providing feedback and managing logistics between you and the employer. Note that the hiring company pays the agency fee, meaning there is no cost to you as a candidate for their placement services.

Your side

How can I get on the radar of Upwards consultants?

To stand out, ensure your CV highlights specific achievements within business services rather than just listing job titles. Use industry-standard keywords related to your operational expertise and software proficiency. Keep your profile updated with your current availability and location preferences within Sweden, as consultants prioritize candidates who are ready to move quickly when a role opens.

Is Upwards the right fit for my job search?

Upwards is an excellent partner if you are seeking roles within the Swedish business services sector and value a structured, agency-led approach. However, if you are looking for roles in highly niche technical fields or creative industries outside of business operations, you may find better success with specialized agencies. They are best suited for candidates who want to leverage an existing network to access unadvertised corporate roles.

How to work with upwards: candidate playbook

Tailor your CV to highlight specific business service operational skills.
Keep your contact information and availability status current in their database.
Ask your consultant for feedback after every interview to improve your performance.
Maintain a clear log of which companies the agency has submitted your profile to.
Be proactive and responsive to messages to show you are ready for placement.

Frequently asked questions

Should I register with multiple agencies at the same time?

Yes, it is common practice to register with several agencies to broaden your reach. Just ensure you keep track of which agency has submitted your CV to which company to avoid duplicate applications.

What happens to my data after I submit my CV?

Your data is stored in their candidate database in compliance with Swedish privacy laws. It is used exclusively to match your profile with relevant job openings, and they should not share your information with third parties without your explicit consent.

What should I do if I do not hear back after an interview?

If you have not received an update within the timeframe promised by your consultant, it is appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. Keep your inquiry brief and professional to reiterate your continued interest in the position.

Can I still apply directly to a company if I am working with an agency?

Generally, you should avoid applying directly to a company for a role that an agency has already presented to you. Doing so can create administrative conflicts and may disqualify you from the agency's representation for that specific role.

Applying through upwards?

Track the role, tailor your CV to the real employer, and prep for the interview with JobMentis.

Start free