What should a company look for in a staffing firm?
Companies may consider a recruiter who is specialized in a particular niche, (i.e., manufacturing or IT), or by a certain position (engineer, sales, etc.). It is important for a company to understand how the recruiter conducts their search either through direct recruitment (phone or in-person) or via job board postings. Finally, the company could also consider other ancillary services provided by the recruiter such as background checks, education verification and reference checks.
What criteria should a company consider when selecting a professional staffing firm?
A company should look for a track record of success and ask a lot of questions. For example, ask questions such as: What experience does the recruiter or agency have in placing that particular type of opening? What have they done to successfully fill those positions? How fast have they filled them? What type of companies have they filled those positions for? How do they qualify their candidates?
Another criterion is how recruiters develop relationships with companies. For some companies, this may be their first experience working with a staffing specialist. It is important that they are comfortable with the process and their level of involvement. For example, some staffing specialists will meet with the hiring authority and the internal HR department, very similar to how a company would interview a candidate.
How can a company quantify a track record?
Some companies will send out a proposal or request for information, especially larger organizations. For smaller organizations, they may ask for references. Also, companies may ask for a list of hiring managers the staffing firm has placed candidates with.
How does a staffing firm differentiate great candidates from good candidates?
Staffing specialists look at the whole picture: credentials, real work experience, achievements and potential benefits. For example, if you are looking for a software developer, the recruiter can provide examples of some sample scripts or codes the candidate has written. When qualifying ‘A’ candidates from ‘B’ candidates, it often comes down to how engaged they are with the recruiter and how much information is provided. Have they provided the examples necessary to differentiate them from other candidates?
Staffing specialists look at certifications, degrees, and education. For some companies, a college GPA can make a big difference as they evaluate candidates. Companies often look for applicants with a particular certification, and where that certification was earned.
A staffing specialist can ensure that a candidate is reference-checkable by making sure a direct or previous supervisor can be contacted during the interview process. Timing is everything. The sooner a recruiter can get the candidates into the process and provide the hiring authority with as much information as needed, the sooner the recruiter can solve the problem or alleviate some pain for them.
Andrew Devore is managing director of Skoda Minotti Professional Staffing. Reach him at [email protected] or (440) 449-6800.
