How can you accurately assess the quality of candidates for staffing services roles?

1 Define the role and the expectations

Before you start looking for candidates, you need to have a clear and detailed description of the role and the expectations you have for the person who will fill it. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on the most relevant criteria. Think about the skills, experience, qualifications, and competencies that are essential for the role, as well as the soft skills, values, and personality traits that are desirable. You can also consult with your clients to understand their needs and preferences, and align your expectations with theirs.

2 Use multiple assessment methods

Relying on one or two assessment methods, such as resumes and interviews, can limit your ability to gauge the quality of candidates and their potential performance. To get a more comprehensive and objective picture of their abilities, fit, and motivation, you should consider using multiple assessment methods. Pre-employment tests are standardized tests that measure various aspects of candidates' skills, knowledge, aptitude, personality, or behavior. They can help you screen candidates based on specific criteria. Work samples are tasks or projects that simulate the actual work that candidates will do in the role; they can help you evaluate candidates' skills, creativity, and quality of work in a realistic context. Additionally, references from previous employers, supervisors, colleagues, or clients can provide insights into candidates' work history, performance, achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. They can help you verify claims and identify any red flags or concerns.

4 Consider the fit and the potential

When assessing the quality of candidates for staffing services roles, it's important to look beyond their current skills and experience. You should consider their fit and potential; fit being how well they match the culture, values, and expectations of your organization and your clients, and potential being how much they can learn, grow, and adapt to changing needs and challenges. To accurately assess this, you can ask candidates about their motivations, goals, and preferences to see if they align with yours. Observing their behavior, attitude, and communication during the hiring process can also be beneficial. Additionally, you can ask them to demonstrate how they handle feedback, criticism, or conflict, as well as how they cope with stress, uncertainty, or change. By following these tips you can find the best talent for your organization and your clients.