How to Get The Most From Your Staffing Provider

By following these suggestions, you can maximize the return on your investment with your recruiting firm:

1. Lead time – as soon as you realize you’re going to need some staffing assistance, contact your provider. The more lead time they have, the greater the odds they’ll find just the right person.

2. Be specific – when giving a staffing order to your provider, provide as much information about the job as you can. A receptionist in one company may have very different duties from a receptionist in the company across the street. Give a written job description if at all possible. Be detailed about the requirements – how much experience, how advanced, what programs and software,. What are the characteristics of a successful employee in the position? What’s the schedule? How long is the assignment?

3. If the position is temporary or temp-to-hire, the associate is the employee of the staffing company and they will decide on pay rate. However, if you can provide a range that you typically pay, it gives the staffing coordinator an idea of what is appropriate. This also prevents the associate from being paid higher than the salary the company will offer when they become their staff member.

4. If there are particular cultural criteria that affect the success of an employee, share these with the recruiter. Is this a laid back office? Is it highly structured? Do people socialize a lot? Would an introvert be more comfortable than an extrovert?

5. What is the dress code? If business casual, what does that mean in your company? What are the expectations regarding appearance?

Part II will have additional suggestions for getting the most bang for your staffing buck!