If you’ve never worked with a staffing firm before, you may be tempted to choose one based on price. But this is one of those times when “you get what you pay for” is true. You need to look at a staffing firm’s overall offerings and determine what value they bring to the table—your table.
1. Determine the Type of Staffing Help You Need
The most important factor: choose a staffing firm that knows your industry or type of operation. There are some firms that specialize in a particular industry and others that offer a broader spectrum of experience. If you often need employees with very specific skills make sure the staffing firm you choose has the proven ability to provide them.
2. Know Your Staffing Needs
Figure out if you’re most likely to need extra employees for a one-shot deal, long-term assignments, or permanent job placements. Some firms do all three; some do only one or a combination of two offerings.
3. Do Your Research
There are thousands of staffing firms out there, but they’re not all alike. Think about what size vendor you like to work with: do you prefer a smaller, local operation or a large firm with branch offices across the country? Visit each firm’s website. Is it professional, informative, updated and easy to use? When you narrow down your choices, call and ask for references. They should also be willing to talk about their fees and their turnover rate among account executives, office staff, and staffing employees. Also, find out if the staffing firm is an American Staffing Association (ASA) member.
4. Trust Your First Impression
When you call or email your short list, you’ll get your first clue as to their business styles. These are the people who recruit, hire and train the people they’ll be sending to you, so make sure you’re dealing with a professional, capable organization.
5. Know What You’re Paying For
How does the firm source and recruit its workforce? Do they just place ads? Do they use social media? Are their techniques passive or active? What kind of a database do they maintain? You need to know that the firm is using the most up-to-date techniques—and most importantly, truly working—to fulfill your requisitions.
If you’d like to know more, feel free to contact the staffing experts at WorkSource! We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have!