The number of employees hired through staffing and recruitment firms in the U.S. has steadily increased since they first started operating in the 1940’s. Nowadays, America’s staffing companies hire nearly 17 million temporary and contract employees per year!. Companies now understand the many advantages of partnering with a recruitment company to fulfill their hiring needs, so it has become crucial to identify the best partner to do business with.
These are the top 5 attributes you want to look for in a recruitment agency:
1. Experience
You want the firm to have some longevity. A reliable recruitment firm would have successfully staffed at least a few well-known companies and can provide examples of successful placements.
2. Versatility
Staffing agencies should understand your specific needs and align their hiring strategies to your corporate goals. Also, the agency must ensure that every candidate is a good match, not just for the specific position he or she is applying for, but for your company as a whole. In fact, an effective workplace can only be achieved if all employees understand and internalize the company’s culture.
3. Specialization vs. Generalization
Generalist recruitment firms are a great fit for organizations that need employees for a wide variety of positions. However, if your hiring needs involve some degree of specialization, you should partner with an agency that has expertise in your market segment. The best firms will be upfront in letting you know the types of positions they can successfully fill.
4. Reputation
A good sign of reliable recruitment agencies is their reputation. Since clients and job-seekers usually share their experience with staffing companies they have worked in the past, you can find plenty of information online. Take the time to read their feedback very carefully. By doing this, you will have an idea of what to expect if you decide to work with certain agency.
5. Transparency
Transparency is the foundation of a strong partnership. Be wary of any firm that is not open to discussing their hiring process or refuses to share the candidate wage or pricing details. If a bid from a staffing firm sounds just too good to be true, it probably is. Your staffing partner should be open, honest and up front with you and the candidates they place.
A reputable and reliable staffing agency can be an important management tool for your business. By doing a little research before you decide what company to partner with, you can save time and money and build a profitable, long-lasting business relationship.