Evaluating and selecting the right suppliers is critical to success

Not only is talent one of the biggest expenses in most organizations, people are a critical ingredient for success. That’s why finding a committed staffing partner, who shares your values and has the ability to meet your high expectations, is one of your most important-yet difficult-challenges.

As a staffing supplier, we understand that engaging a capable partner ensures that you are able to source and hire quality contingent workers at the right price in a timely and efficient manner.

Of course, the likelihood of success hinges on more than just random choice. And while we acknowledge that the decision is yours to make, from our perspective here are some key things to consider as you evaluate and select staffing suppliers to work with your company

1. Performance

Performance tops our list of criteria, because unless a staffing firm can provide qualified workers when you need them, nothing else matters. In fact, studies show that when suppliers are chronically late in fulfilling orders, it can add complexity and cost organizations a large amount of money.

High performing suppliers invest time and effort in understanding your needs. As your relationships mature, they become ingrained in your culture, which reduces interview time and refills. They’ll also work with you to proactively forecast your need for talent and build a customized pool of qualified candidates to facilitate speedy placements.

2. Integrity and Commitment

Ideal staffing partners are honest, committed and willing to abide by your rules. Recruiters and account managers build relationships and trust by responding quickly to emails and calls, following up, and holding themselves accountable for their actions and performance. In our experience, honest staffing firms disclose terms and fees up front so you can make prudent business decisions that fit within your budget.

Problems are bound to arise in a people-oriented business. Transparent, responsive suppliers will step up, take responsibility and work toward a successful resolution. Who would you rather have on your team?

3. Scalability

We think scalability is important for several reasons. First, it creates efficiencies and boosts your negotiating power by allowing your company to use fewer suppliers to fulfill diverse talent needs across multiple locations. And having suppliers with vast resources at the ready, enhances your ability to service new clients, consummate strategic acquisitions, or expand into new markets.

4. Financial Strength

As an IT staffing supplier, we recognize the need for technical specialists and the expertise they provide in screening contractors and facilitating precise matches. Our investments in specialized staff and training help to ensure quality placements, service continuity, and line manager satisfaction. From a competitive standpoint, we also find that financially sound staffing firms are more likely to provide compensation and benefit packages that will attract top talent. It seems like a wise thing to consider with talented workers in short supply.

5. Minority Status

As the U.S. population and workforce becomes more diverse, having a workforce that is reflective of the local community is good for recruiting and may actually help your company forge beneficial relationships and contacts. Using minority-owned vendors may also result in tax breaks, first mover advantages or other incentives for some companies. We’ve observed that using minority-owned vendors also instills a sense of pride among employees and respect from fellow business and HR leaders in the local community.

6. Quality

Did you know that Google has calculated that recruiting a top technologist will result in 300 times more productivity and business impact than recruiting an average performer? That’s why we believe that benchmarking fill rates, hit rates, time-to-fill, contingent worker job performance, assignment completion and other quality measures is the most effective way to identify, select and maintain a network of high performing staffing suppliers.

Finding your ideal staffing firm doesn’t have to be an irrational process. By implementing specific selection criteria, we contend that it’s not only possible to identify staffing firms that will work with you to meet your talent needs, it increases your odds of developing committed partnerships and living happily ever after.