Working with a recruiter can improve your candidate pool, shorten time to hire and provide access to specialized contract and long-term talent when you need it. To reap the greatest benefits from your recruiting partnership, however, it’s important to make an informed choice regarding the recruiter who is right for you.
Before you hire a new staffing partner, ask these five questions:
What industries do you serve?
Some recruiting firms boast of a broad reach and the ability to serve many industries. However, many of these firms are forced to trade depth for breadth. The best staffing firm for you will likely be an organization that focuses solely on staffing within your industry.
What types of candidates do you place/what types of positions do you fill?
Look for a recruiting partner who can provide specific examples, as well as more general lists. Also, look for a recruiter who places the types of candidates you’re looking for in the types of positions you typically need to fill. Asking about both direct hires and temporary or contract workers can help you get a more rounded picture of your potential recruiting partner’s capabilities, as well.
How do you help clients improve staffing long-term?
The best recruiters think more broadly than the individual candidate or position. They also work with their clients to help identify challenges in the hiring process, create strategic staffing plans and improve your recruiting and retention long term. Ask a potential recruiting partner about their work in this area to learn more about their approach.
Describe a successful candidate placement you achieved recently. What made it a success?
Like a behavioral interview question you might ask a job candidate, this question provides a specific example of the types of candidates and positions the recruiter deals with, how they go about fitting the right candidate to the right position and company and how they gauge success. The response can help you decide whether the recruiter is the right fit for you.
How should I contact you? How quickly should I expect a response?
The best recruiters are highly responsive. They love to learn more about their clients, so they make themselves easy to contact and respond quickly when they receive an email or phone call. Ask about your potential recruiting partner’s communication methods and preferences to ensure you can always touch base when you need to do so.
At FootBridge Energy Services, we specialize in placing qualified candidates with our clients in the oil and gas industry. To learn more energy sector staffing services, contact us today.