Work with Temporary Employment Agencies

There are many temporary agencies, not all of who are truly interested in providing quality employees to you. Some will send unqualified people and will charge you a premium price for doing it. It helps if you gather the information you'll need to provide to any agency. You should have a list of questions and issues that you should address to the agencies that you screen. Using the following checklist should help you choose the agency that will best serve your needs and provide you with the best temporary employees.

Included are the following:

• a checklist of information that you need to gather before you contact a temporary agency
• a list of questions to ask the agency covering topics such as the agency's responsiveness and its ability to meet your needs
• a list of other questions regarding the agency's certification and insurance, and the benefits it offers to employees
• a list of question to ask about the agency's policies regarding payment and pricing

Temporary Help Screening Worksheet

Before you call the temporary help agency, ask yourself what you need.

1. Do you need a last-minute fill-in for an absent employee?
2. How long will you need the temporary? If the need is long term, estimate the length of time.
3. What hours will the temporary need to work?
4. What particular skills will your temporary worker need to have? Consider:
1. specific computer and software skills
2. public contact skills (in person or on the phone)

Once you know what you need, pick a few agencies from the phone book.

1. Assess their responsiveness and professionalism
1. how many times did the phone ring before it was answered?
2. was the person courteous and helpful?
3. did the person ask meaningful questions, give you clear answers to your questions, and make sure you were fully informed?
   
2. Ability to meet your needs
1. does the firm specialize in placing the kinds of workers you need?
2. does the firm have workers in your geographic location?
3. what customer service and satisfaction features does the firm have?
4. are the agency’s rates competitive for the kind of worker you need?

After you’ve called a few agencies and have narrowed your selection to a few possibilities, make an appointment to visit those agencies to discuss more specifically what you need. When you visit, be sure to cover the following points:

1. How are temporary workers tested and screened?
2. What benefits are offered to workers (better benefits attract better workers)?
3. Pricing information:

• what are the billing rates?
• how long are billing rates effective?
• how are workers categorized into skill levels and corresponding pay rates?

1. Payment information

• what methods of payment are acceptable?
• when is payment due for the services provided?
• what billing methods are used?

1. If you want to permanently hire the temp worker, how much you will have to pay the temporary agency?
2. Does the agency carry workers’ comp, liability insurance, and errors and omission insurance?
3. Are employees and workers bonded?

After you have collected this information, you should be able to make a more informed decision about which agency will be able to help you. In making your decision, be sure to:

1. check the agency’s references
2. contact the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for information on the agencies
3. check with other business owners and colleagues