Do you need light industrial talent? You may already know that a local staffing agency in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia can help you fill your vacant positions. But did you know that it’s equally important to choose the staffing firm that is truly right for your business? Unlike more generalized agencies, light industrial staffing companies are laser-focused on this industry’s unique needs and challenges. Yet there are marked differences between individual agencies. Let’s dive into why and how to choose the right light industrial staffing firm for your business.
Why Choosing the Right Staffing Agency for Your Specific Needs Matters
Filling your open positions is as much an art as a science. Your ideal employees will not only have the skills and experience needed to do the job, but they will also be the right “fit.” This means similar values, an approach to work that mirrors your own, and the ability to mesh well with your existing team members. This is especially important for light industrial companies since teams must work closely to reach a common goal. The right staffing agency will understand your needs, work culture, and business goals and send you candidates who fit those requirements.
10 Steps to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Industrial Staffing Agency
So, how can you ensure that you choose the right staffing firm for your company? Here is an easy 10-step plan.
Step #1: Define Your Staffing Requirements
Think about your short-term needs and long-term goals and use those to craft a cohesive staffing plan. Develop “ideal candidate profiles” for each major aspect of your business. Know which traits or skills are non-negotiable and which are “nice to have” but nonessential.
Step #2: Research Potential Local Staffing Agencies
Research the major staffing agencies in North Carolina and the Southeast region. Focus on those with offices in your immediate area and specialize in light industrial staffing.
Step #3: Evaluate Industry Expertise
With your short list of staffing agencies, start doing some deeper research. Find out how long they’ve been in business. Sit down for a “getting to know you” session to talk about their background and experience and what you would need from them.
Step #4: Understand How the Staffing Agency Sources and Screens Candidates
Your staffing partner is there to make your job easier. Part of that is providing you with fully screened and vetted candidates. Ask detailed questions about how the agency finds potential recruits and what steps they take to screen them. Try to find out whether there is an ongoing stream of regularly replenished candidates, as well as the steps they take to source prospects with more specialized skills and knowledge for specific positions.
Step #5: Review the Candidate Quality
Ask to see some candidate profiles. Do they look like people who have solid skills and experience? Could you see yourself hiring one or more of them on a temporary or long-term basis? Of course, not every candidate will be the right fit for your company. But you should be able to get a general idea of whether the quality is what you are looking for.
Step #6: Assess Flexibility and Adaptability
There will inevitably be times when you need a temporary worker at the last minute or a team of temp-to-hires to help you expand. Your goal should be to find a light industrial staffing agency to become your long-term partner, not just to fill one or two roles right now. Look for a firm that offers flexibility as your business grows and is comfortable adapting to your changing staffing needs.
Step #7: Review Pricing Structures and Fees
Every staffing agency is structured a little differently. Ask for detailed pricing information that explains exactly what to expect. Are there monthly retainer fees? How much does it cost to place the average temp worker? What about a direct hire? Exactly what is included in each fee?
Step #8: Ask for References and Testimonials from Other Light Industrial Businesses
Never hesitate to ask for references and testimonials from businesses like yours, and be sure to follow up. Ask those companies how they would rate the temporary employees and direct hires sent by the agency. Do they feel the agency understands their corporate culture and sends people who are a great fit? And don’t forget the awkward but important questions about the actual process, including how easy or difficult it is to request employees and make payments.
Step #9: Assess the Agency’s Responsiveness and Level of Communication
The best way to do this is to call or email the agencies on your shortlist. How long does it take them to respond? Are they forthcoming with information, or do you feel like they’re dodging questions or giving incomplete answers? You can also bring this topic up when you call references. Find out whether the agency is good at responding to their current clients regularly and when a time-sensitive issue occurs.
Step #10: Choose a Light Industrial Staffing Company that Understands Your Organizational Values
By now, you understand the importance of finding candidates that are the right fit. But it’s equally important for your light industrial staffing firm to mesh with your organization. The agency you choose should take the time to sit down and get to know your overall business model, future plans, and company values and culture. You don’t necessarily need to have exactly the same outlook, but the staffing firm should be able to do a good job reliably representing yours.
Are You Struggling to Choose the Ideal Staffing Agency for Your Needs? Collaborate with Accurate Staffing
At family-owned Accurate Staffing, matching candidates with the right open positions isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. With nearly 40 years of experience, we have deep connections throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. We understand how difficult it can be to fill your open roles in today’s labor market, and we are aware of the awesome responsibility that comes with ensuring that every candidate we send is the right fit for your unique organizational culture and business needs. We take pride in offering customized light industrial staffing solutions to meet each company’s unique needs. To get started, request an employee today.