How do you get the most out of a staffing agency arrangement when you are trying to recruit the best talent to build and grow your team? Be clear with the firm about your goals and expectations on what you're looking for to ensure it will be able to meet your hiring needs in a timely manner.
You'll also want to investigate their own brand reputation and references to confirm any industry hype of what their clients say about them.
If you are thinking about committing to a serious partnership in an effort to fill your full-time, temporary or freelance roles quickly, here are 15 questions that Forbes Human Resources Council members say every leader should consider in order to determine a good match for their company.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their best practices.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Is There A Clear Understanding Of Your Brand's Tone?
Leaders should focus on employer branding. This is because the agency will be an extension of your firm, setting the tone for how talent in the industry will perceive you. So, one must ensure they are selling your firm the right way. Talent networks are ridiculously connected and an employer's reputation goes a long way. - Stephanie Cramer, MGAC
2. Does The Agency Specialize In Your Industry?
Are they experts in your industry? What is their time to fill and the retention rates amongst their candidate and client pool? And most importantly, what is their reputation? As they will be the first point of contact for a candidate, they are an extension of your brand. In a competitive labor market, the candidate's experience is key. If a firm has a negative reputation, do not partner with them. - JacLyn Pagnotta, Allied Partners
3. Are They Empowered With The Right Tools To Attract The Right Talent?
You've worked hard to establish a brand worthy of the talent you're targeting. Be very aware of the extension of your brand through the acquisition of talent via any third party—and be extremely careful with that real estate. Today's market demands that you empower the agencies who support you effectively with the tools they'll need to attract the talent you're after. The lines are blurred today. - Ron Lippitt, The Methodical Group
4. Are The Representatives Engaged With The Hiring Managers?
A true partnership with a staffing agency begins with the agency understanding your company's culture. The goal is not to find a temporary hire but a future team member. Agencies that take the time to make on-site visits and stay engaged with hiring managers generally better understand the organization's labor needs. - Rosie Dominic, CFS Brands, LLC
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5. How Quick Is The Turn-Around?
Several factors matter when working with a staffing agency (e.g., rates). I do think that staffing firms are an excellent source for helping with high-volume, fast hiring needs—for example, staffing a new call center. I prefer working with a firm on filling a role that cannot be filled through the internal talent acquisition staff. You need their expertise in a certain market to fill a particular position. - Jeffrey Pietrzak, Harrison Clarke
6. Is The Agency Open And Honest About Its Own Pain Points?
It is very important to ask them questions about things you know they will fail at. The reason this is important is because you want to find a staffing partner that is honest with you, as many will say anything they think they need to say in order to get the business. An associate who is honest about when they think they will fail will set you up for success because you can partner to make the necessary changes. - Alex Pantich, Upshift
7. Does It Offer A Diverse And Inclusive Talent Pool?
By asking this, you'll be doing the right thing and doing your DEI and procurement department a favor, if you make sure you look at diverse suppliers. Also, make sure contracts are clear, fair and transparent. Read the fine print to make sure you're not paying an arm and a leg to convert candidates! - Tracy Cote, StockX
8. Have You Properly Vetted The Agency's Brand And Reputation?
When seeking to work with a staffing agency, consider the agency's brand and reputation. Are they offering a reputable service because their clients say they are good or are they really providing great services? Ask for references and check out their online reviews. Take time to research, review and reflect on your business needs to partner with a staffing agency that aligns with your strategy. - Thalia Rodriguez, Tase Creative Solutions
9. How Do Candidates Feel About The Agency's Recruitment Process?
The kind of relationship a staffing company establishes with candidates is crucial to their success in getting great candidates to even consider your opening. If the candidates have a positive recruiting experience from first contact to offer, and they trust the agency is truly trying to find the best position for them, the staffing company will be successful in filling your positions. - Lynne Marie Finn, Broadleaf Results
10. What Are The Rates?
Be mindful of the price for that engagement. Not just the temporary rate, but the conversion rate. Also, remember to consider the replacement rate and any other rate. If you are not clear about this, you may want someone you can't afford, which is a waste of time for you and the staffing agency. - Tina R. Walker, California Community Foundation
11. What Is The Golden Standard Method Of Recruitment?
The competition for top talent is high, and the candidate experience can set you apart from your competitors. When partnering with agencies, it's important to reinforce the experience you expect from the recruiters. Ensure the agency has gold standard methodologies for their recruitment processes, but more importantly, they are well-informed on your employer's branding proposition. - Caroline Faulds, Canada Pooch
12. Can They Answer Candidate Questions About Your Organization?
It's most important to assess their depth of understanding of your company, as this builds credibility and trust for all parties. How accurately can they represent your business? Do they know your corporate culture well enough to vet for best-fit candidates? Can they set realistic expectations by answering candidate questions on organizational structure, growth agendas and leadership styles? - Stella Kim, HRCap, Inc.
13. Does The Agency Share Your Company Values?
The agency you choose needs to be an extension of your business, so their values need to mirror yours. Whether the employee is joining full-time, part-time or a freelancer, their feelings about the business need to be a true reflection. Therefore, the quality of the partner you choose needs to be carefully considered. - Natalie Gleeson, LIWA Trading Enterprises LLC
14. Is The Company-Agency Partnership Properly Aligned?
Transparency of processes is key when working with staffing agencies. There should be no surprises for the agency, our organization or the staff assigned. Being aligned on the process allows you and the agency placement staff to concentrate on matching skills and knowledge with essential job functions within your organization, leading to successful placements that result in permanent hires. - Brandy Marshall, Franklin Pierce School District
15. Are You Familiar With Their Integrity?
I would ask them questions that are related to integrity because it is the key component and foundation stone for leadership. I would expect staffing agencies to act as the primary filters in picking the right candidates with integrity who in future can be groomed as leaders for the success of the organization. - Prakash Raichur, Taghleef Industries
