Questions to Ask a Staffing Agency
Strategic questions that help you evaluate staffing agencies, understand their services, and make informed decisions about your hiring needs while ensuring you get the best candidates and value.
1What are your areas of specialization and expertise, and how do they align with our hiring needs?
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What are your areas of specialization and expertise, and how do they align with our hiring needs?
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Why this works
Assesses agency expertise while helping you understand if the agency has the knowledge and experience to meet your specific hiring requirements.
2What are your recruitment and sourcing strategies, and how do you find and attract top talent?
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What are your recruitment and sourcing strategies, and how do you find and attract top talent?
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Why this works
Evaluates recruitment methods while helping you understand how the agency identifies and attracts qualified candidates for your positions.
3What are your screening and assessment processes, and how do you ensure candidate quality and fit?
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What are your screening and assessment processes, and how do you ensure candidate quality and fit?
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Why this works
Assesses candidate evaluation while helping you understand how the agency screens and evaluates candidates to ensure they meet your requirements.
4What are your pricing models and fee structures, and how do they compare to industry standards?
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What are your pricing models and fee structures, and how do they compare to industry standards?
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Why this works
Clarifies cost structure while helping you understand the pricing model and how it compares to other agencies in the market.
5What are your placement guarantees and replacement policies, and how do you handle unsuccessful placements?
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What are your placement guarantees and replacement policies, and how do you handle unsuccessful placements?
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Why this works
Addresses placement assurance while helping you understand the agency's commitment to successful placements and how they handle replacements.
6What are your client success stories and case studies, and can you provide references from similar companies?
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What are your client success stories and case studies, and can you provide references from similar companies?
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Why this works
Validates agency performance while helping you understand the agency's track record and success with similar clients and industries.
7What are your candidate database and network capabilities, and how extensive is your talent pool?
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What are your candidate database and network capabilities, and how extensive is your talent pool?
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Why this works
Evaluates candidate access while helping you understand the agency's reach and ability to access a diverse pool of qualified candidates.
8What are your industry relationships and partnerships, and how do they benefit your clients?
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What are your industry relationships and partnerships, and how do they benefit your clients?
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Why this works
Assesses network value while helping you understand how the agency's industry connections can benefit your hiring efforts.
9What are your technology and tools for recruitment, and how do you leverage technology in your process?
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What are your technology and tools for recruitment, and how do you leverage technology in your process?
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Why this works
Evaluates technological capabilities while helping you understand how the agency uses technology to improve recruitment efficiency and effectiveness.
10What are your communication and reporting processes, and how do you keep clients informed throughout the hiring process?
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What are your communication and reporting processes, and how do you keep clients informed throughout the hiring process?
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Why this works
Assesses communication while helping you understand how the agency keeps you informed and involved in the recruitment process.
11What are your candidate experience and relationship management practices, and how do you maintain candidate relationships?
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What are your candidate experience and relationship management practices, and how do you maintain candidate relationships?
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Why this works
Evaluates candidate care while helping you understand how the agency manages candidate relationships and ensures a positive experience.
12What are your diversity and inclusion initiatives, and how do you ensure diverse candidate representation?
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What are your diversity and inclusion initiatives, and how do you ensure diverse candidate representation?
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Why this works
Addresses diversity goals while helping you understand how the agency promotes diversity and inclusion in their recruitment efforts.
13What are your contract terms and conditions, and what are the key terms we should be aware of?
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What are your contract terms and conditions, and what are the key terms we should be aware of?
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Why this works
Clarifies contract details while helping you understand the legal terms and conditions of working with the agency.
14What are your performance metrics and success indicators, and how do you measure and improve your services?
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What are your performance metrics and success indicators, and how do you measure and improve your services?
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Why this works
Assesses agency accountability while helping you understand how the agency measures success and continuously improves their services.
15What are your market knowledge and salary benchmarking capabilities, and how do you help with compensation decisions?
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What are your market knowledge and salary benchmarking capabilities, and how do you help with compensation decisions?
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Why this works
Evaluates market expertise while helping you understand how the agency can assist with salary benchmarking and compensation decisions.
16What are your temporary and contract staffing options, and how do they differ from permanent placements?
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What are your temporary and contract staffing options, and how do they differ from permanent placements?
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Why this works
Explores staffing options while helping you understand the different types of staffing services available and their benefits.
17What are your onboarding and integration support services, and how do you help with new hire success?
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What are your onboarding and integration support services, and how do you help with new hire success?
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Why this works
Assesses support services while helping you understand how the agency supports new hires and ensures successful integration.
18What are your industry certifications and accreditations, and how do they ensure quality and compliance?
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What are your industry certifications and accreditations, and how do they ensure quality and compliance?
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Why this works
Validates agency credentials while helping you understand the agency's professional qualifications and commitment to quality standards.
19What are your competitive advantages and unique value propositions, and what sets you apart from other agencies?
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What are your competitive advantages and unique value propositions, and what sets you apart from other agencies?
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Why this works
Identifies agency strengths while helping you understand what makes the agency unique and why you should choose them over competitors.
20What are the next steps in the partnership process, and how do you help us get started with your services?
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What are the next steps in the partnership process, and how do you help us get started with your services?
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Why this works
Clarifies the partnership process while helping you understand how to begin working with the agency and what to expect.
Best Practices for Staffing Agency Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Agency Expertise
Ask questions that help you determine if the agency has the knowledge and experience to meet your specific hiring needs and industry requirements.
Evaluate Candidate Quality
Include questions about screening processes, candidate assessment, and quality assurance to ensure you get the best candidates.
Assess Service Value
Ask about pricing, guarantees, and support services to ensure you get good value for your investment in staffing services.
Question Sequences
The Expertise and Capabilities Sequence
The Value and Support Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Price
Avoid making decisions based solely on cost. Consider the agency's expertise, candidate quality, and support services to ensure you get the best value.
Don't Ignore the Process
Avoid focusing only on outcomes. Include questions about the recruitment process, communication, and candidate experience.
Don't Skip the References
Avoid working with agencies without checking references. Ask for client testimonials and case studies to validate their claims.