Hiring the right people can be a challenge. If your business needs to fill vacant positions, partnering with a recruiting firm can help you find qualified candidates faster than traditional hiring methods. However, not all firms operate the same way. Asking the right questions when looking for this support is key to finding the best fit for your company's needs. Here are some important questions to start the conversation at a recruiting firm.

What Is Your Screening and Onboarding Process for Candidates?

A reliable recruiter service will thoroughly vet candidates before presenting them to your business. You should understand their process for ensuring that candidates meet your position requirements. Their screening rigor should also align with the level of hiring you need. For example, part of their screening process should include checking all candidates' backgrounds and references.

How Do You Match Candidates to Job Openings?

Ask how they get to know candidates beyond a resume to assess their abilities, personalities, and professional goals. To make optimal role matches, good recruiting firms take the time to identify what motivates and interests each candidate. They should request your job descriptions and requirements to tailor their candidate selection to your needs.

What Differentiates Your Services From Competitors?

Every recruiter service touts their capabilities, networks, and experience. Dig deeper into what makes this firm better at providing exactly what your business needs. Are they highly specialized in your industry? Do they offer prices that are a fraction of what you would be charged by other recruiting firms? Understanding their unique strengths ensures the best match. For example, find out if they guarantee that new hires will remain at your company for a minimum amount of time without you having to dismiss or let go of them.

Selecting the right staffing partner takes due diligence. Asking the right questions helps you understand their methodology, services, and ability to deliver results. According to the American Staffing Association, it's estimated that U.S. agencies hire around 14.5 million temporary and contract employees in just one year. This means that there are lots of employees and employers out there who could benefit from a staff recruiter service. If you're looking to hire permanent employees, reach out to Qualified Applicants today to start the process.