Staffing providers can deliver the results you need…but they can't read your mind! A staffing partnership is a two-way street. You'll get the best possible results from your staffing provider if both teams communicate clearly and openly. Use these best practices to maximize the ROI of your business relationship.

Staffing Providers Can Deliver the Results You Need… 

A great staffing agency functions as a trusted partner, working alongside your company to access quality candidates, speed recruiting and hiring, drive productivity, and control costs. 

…But They Can’t Read Your Mind! 

A staffing partnership is a two-way street. You’ll get the best possible results from your staffing provider if both teams communicate clearly and openly. Use these best practices to maximize the ROI of your business relationship.

Get to Know Your Staffing Partner 

Cultivate an active interest in the organization that will be helping you reach your goals. Research your staffing partner’s full range of services and expertise and ask them questions about what specific benefits they can bring to your business.

Make the Right Introductions 

Your staffing partner should get to know you, too! Invite them to tour your building; meet with HR, hiring managers, supervisors, and other employees; and see your business in action. Discuss your company goals, challenges, culture, and priorities.

Leverage Strategic Support 

Keep your staffing partner updated on changing company goals and initiatives, as they may impact your staffing and hiring needs. When appropriate, invite staffing partners to strategy meetings, and be open to their recommended solutions.

Be Transparent About Your Culture 

Help your staffing partner understand your company culture. This will help them find candidates who truly align with your organization and its values, which is critical to a successful working relationship - even a temporary one. 

Share the Good – And the Bad 

Be transparent with your staffing partner, not only about your successes, but also your struggles. With a full understanding of your business needs, your staffing firm can develop the best solutions. 

Spell Out What You Need

Don’t assume your staffing recruiters know the type of candidate you need based solely on a job title. To set up your partnership for success, make sure your HR team openly communicates: 

• The responsibilities of the role. 
• The benefits of the role. 
• The soft skills required for success in the role.  
• The qualities of people who have (and haven’t) succeeded in the role. 
• The way you measure performance in the role. 
• Your ideal timeline to fill the role. 

Be an Early Bird 

Your company can’t be too proactive when discussing anticipated needs with your staffing partner. The more lead time your team gives them, the more likely you’ll be to end up hiring great candidates.

Educate Yourself on the Staffing Process 

Ensure stakeholders understand your staffing partner’s standard processes for placing job orders, timelines, measuring results, and communication. Formally agreeing on these guidelines will help your relationship run smoothly.

Set Realistic Expectations 

Your staffing partner can shorten your hiring time - but they’re not magicians. Make sure your HR team discusses expectations for each job order based on needs, pay rate, and the job market - and be open to feedback on whether your expectations are realistic.

Give Feedback 

Be sure your team provides detailed feedback about every candidate your staffing partner presents, asking for input from managers and team leads where appropriate. This will help your recruiter better understand your needs and provide improved service in the future.

Receive Feedback 

When you partner with a staffing firm, you’re consulting with a team of experts. Be open to their suggestions about compensation, expectations, and talent availability, and be willing to adjust course accordingly. 

Utilize Additional Services 

It’s likely that your staffing partner offers ancillary services that can move your business closer to its goals. Take advantage of offerings like: 

• Skills assessments and training.  
• Staffing usage reports. 
• Process analysis. 
• HR assistance. 
• Orientation for new hires.
• Payroll services.  

When in Doubt, Overshare 

Your staffing partner can’t have too much information about job orders, business initiatives, or company culture. Particularly as you first build your working relationship, your team should err on the side of too much communication. 

Ready for a Staffing Partnership That Delivers? 

Let’s build a staffing partnership on a foundation of mutual excellence, results, and trust.  Contact us today for a free consultation.