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Depending on where you live, there may be dozens of staffing agencies in your area. Some will be better suited to your staffing needs than others, but it may not be obvious which agency will be most helpful at first glance.
So, how do you choose the right local staffing agency?
Read on to find our advice for employers.
Picking the Right Local Staffing Agency as an Employer
To find the right staffing agency for your needs, you will want to check out several local firms and conduct interviews to narrow down your list. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Look for a staffing agency that specializes in your industry
Many staffing agencies specialize in certain industries or types of positions. Others are general and maintain a large database of candidates without focusing on the needs of any one industry.
At first glance, the agency with the largest database may seem like the obvious choice. A larger selection of workers might appear to offer a better chance of finding the right talent. However, that large database may not include anyone with the skills and background you are looking for, especially if the staffing agency doesn’t specifically seek those workers out.
The recruiters at a general staffing agency may not be familiar with the requirements of the position you are filling, or the local market conditions in your industry. You may be more likely to end up disappointed with the candidates they put forward.
Rather than choosing the general staffing agency with the largest database of workers, look for an agency that specializes in companies like yours, or is deeply connected to local markets. Recruiters who focus on your area of interest or area are more likely to know how to find talent with the skills and capabilities you need quickly and affordably.
Ask how the staffing agency evaluates workers and how long the process takes
The role of a staffing agency is to help employers find the right candidates in a timely manner for each open position.
To complete this role effectively, a staffing agency must be able to identify workers’ strengths and weaknesses relative to the requirements of each job — and find talent in the required timeframe.
Depending on the role, identifying workers’ skills may require anything from a simple resume review to a comprehensive screening or testing process. Some staffing agencies that focus on high-level roles use an initial skills test to screen candidates, while others focus on placing candidates as quickly as possible for immediate human resource needs.
To see if an agency is capable of finding the right workers for your company, ask what they do to evaluate or train workers and how long the process takes. Look for staffing agencies that align with your candidate quality and timeline needs.
Learn how the staffing agency recruits and retains workers for temporary and contract positions
The quality of candidates that an agency puts forward depends on the agency’s ability to attract the right workers.
Some agencies offer more attractive compensation to temporary workers than others, which makes them better able to maintain a database of quality talent. Others do not offer competitive compensation, which may mean their temp workforce is lower quality.
If you are hiring for temporary or contract positions, you will need to make sure the staffing agency offers sufficient compensation and benefits to attract the kinds of workers you need. Ask how much they pay temp workers in the roles you are hiring for and compare that to what other staffing agencies pay.
While working with an agency that offers competitive worker incentives may be more expensive, you will be rewarded with higher quality job candidates — and a more productive workforce.
Consider the staffing agency’s additional services
Some agencies offer additional services on top of worker placements. This can include specialized insurance, workers comp benefits, and even payroll services. Before committing to a staffing agency, ask what additional benefits a partnership can bring.
Evaluate your interactions with the staffing agency
Above all, a staffing agency’s success depends on the quality of its relationships and communication.
Before hiring an agency, evaluate the quality of your interactions with them. The agency’s professionalism and communication style over email, phone, video calls, and more will give you clues about its capabilities.
Looking to Work With a Staffing Agency?
LG Resources places qualified candidates at job sites throughout the lower 48 states, often within 1-2 business days. We can help with a wide range of staffing needs, including general and skilled labor, industrial warehouse, administrative, and professional roles.
With our emphasis on high-caliber candidates and screening processes, we are confident that we can meet your staffing needs. Request an employee from us today.
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