Before Partnering with a Staffing Firm, Evaluate Them on These Things

Staffing firms might seem the same. However, they aren’t all created equal – and in fact, the differences between some agencies can be quite extreme. So if you’re considering partnering with one, it’s important that you properly evaluate each Kansas City staffing firm on your list so you find one that’s a fit for your needs. Before you get started, consider these factors:

Experience.

A staffing firm can play a vitally important role in your business. They can help you quickly fill positions during seasonal crunch times. They can also help you locate those with hard-to-find skill sets. Whatever your unique staffing needs, it’s important you partner with a firm you can turn to time again to help you find and hire the right people. Before you embark on a relationship with one, ask questions such as:

  • How long have you been in business for?
  • Do you have experience in my industry?
  • How robust is your candidate database?
  • How do you match my hiring needs with a candidate’s skill set?
  • Do you offer any guarantees?

Process.

Not every staffing firm takes the same approach to sourcing and hiring candidates. Some have a meticulous process, while others are less discriminating. It’s up to you to ask the staffing firm how they find strong candidates and evaluate each one to ensure they meet your needs. Ask about their recruiting sources and how they go about vetting a candidate’s background and skill set.

When you’re just starting out with a staffing firm, it’s also important that they are willing to come into your business, learn about the culture, and understand your hiring and staffing needs and challenges. The more familiar they are with your company, the better results they can deliver.

Communication.

The staffing firm you do choose should have a method for staying in contact on a regular basis. They should be communicating with you throughout the hiring process, as well as when a new employee is about to start.

It’s also important that you offer your staffing firm representative as much as detail as possible, from information about a position to company policies regarding dress code and breaks. Once a placement is made, make sure you provide plenty of feedback to your staffing firm about an employee’s performance. Doing so will help them better meet your needs in the future.

Terms & Pricing.

Obviously terms and pricing will come into play when you’re selecting a staffing firm. When you’re evaluating various firms, ask to see their contract so you can read the fine print and learn about their terms. Make sure you also ask about out what their rates and terms are for direct hire employees vs. temporary ones.

You might have to try out a few different Kansas City staffing firms before you find one that’s right for your needs. But it’s worth the time and effort. When you do develop a relationship with a staffing firm, they will become a resource you can turn to time and again who can benefit your business for years to come.

Would you like to add Morgan Hunter to your list of staffing firms to evaluate? As one of the leading staffing firms in Kansas City, we’d welcome the chance to meet with you and discuss your staffing and HR needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!