Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Temp Agency
Many businesses enjoy working with temp agencies because such agencies source and select top-level talent on short notice and cut out many of the costs associated with the hiring process. However, when any business considers working with a temp agency, it’s critical for the business to pose a few intelligent questions to ensure they’re making the right choice. We share 5 top questions to ask below:
1. What is your recruiting experience in [industry type of the business]?
Many temp agencies are very specialized; for example, some focus on the medical field, while others focus on science or engineering. Even if a temp agency does not brand itself this way, it may still have experience in a wide array of industries. Find out exactly what that experience s and ask about client satisfaction scores.
2. What are your expectations of me [the business]?
It’s critical that you understand what a temp agency expects of you. For example, would the agency want to visit your business for a few days to get an idea of the workplace culture? How does the agency want to facilitate communication?
3. What do you use to analyze client satisfaction?
It is not enough to simply get a client satisfaction number, for example, for an agency to say that 95 percent of its clients are satisfied. Ask what factors go into that score, and ask what clients find unique or especially exceptional about the agency.
4. How will you meet my needs?
This question requires that you have a clear understanding of your needs, and if you have yet to communicate them, the agency will ask you to do so at this point. Afterward, it’s important that you understand how the agency plans to meet your needs. Get details about time frames as well as methods for identifying candidates and assessing cultural fit.
5. How do your rates compare with other agencies?
You may already know if this agency charges more or less than others you are considering, but ask this question anyway. It’s a great opportunity for the agency to explain the services that you are getting for your dollars: recruiters who are certified, for example.