Partnering with a staffing firm is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for employers to acquire talented employees without all of the hassle of doing it themselves. As a result, the number of staffing firms in the U.S. is on the rise – and as of late 2013, there were 17,340 private employment agencies.
To ensure that you’re getting the most from this business arrangement, it’s important you build a strong relationship with your recruiting partner. Here are some tips for doing so.
Maintain Open Communication
Communication is essential when working with a recruiter; make sure that you’re on the same page at all times. This means that you should make it clear as to what your expectations are, exactly what you’re looking for in employees, what your short-term and long-term goals are and so on.
It’s also important that you let your recruiter know immediately if your needs or goals change so they can take this into consideration moving forward. By maintaining a clear channel of communication, you can prevent a lot of complications, and a staffing agency can best serve your business.
Give Honest Feedback
Keep your recruiter updated on what your experience has been like. Were you pleased with a recent employee they found for your company? Were you displeased with an employee and found that they simply didn’t mesh with your company culture? Whatever the case may be, ongoing feedback will help a staffing firm provide you with optimal results – and you can address a minor issue before it escalates into a much larger one.
Plan for Staffing Needs
Generally speaking, proper planning will minimize the chances for setbacks and reduce any friction between you and your recruiting partner. If you know that you’re going to need three extra employees to pick up the slack during a busy time of year, give your recruiter a heads up in advance so they’re not left scrambling at the last minute.
Or if you plan on expanding your operations in a few months, give your recruiter advance notice so they can begin recruiting as soon as possible. Adequate planning not only prevents hiccups, it ensures you’ve always got enough manpower at all times.
By taking the right approach to partnering with a recruiter, you can make both of your lives much easier, and miscommunications can be avoided. Once you’ve got a solid relationship established, it should translate into highly efficient recruiting for years to come.
For more insights on management best practices and recruiting advice, reach out to our experienced staffing professionals at Encadria today.