Tips on Choosing the Best Temp

The temporary workforce in America continues to grow. In fact, according to the American Staffing Association, “More than three million temporary and contract employees work for America’s staffing companies during an average week.”
When you decide to take on a contract worker, choose carefully, despite the urgency to fill the position. Choosing the right temporary worker can be challenging, but if you follow a simple protocol, you have a better chance of hiring a temp who will be a perfect fit.
The Application
Your company’s employment application can tell you a few things about the prospective recruit beyond their resume. It can assess whether or not they:
• Pay attention to detail
• Follow directions
• Adhere to any deadlines you set forth
• Provide a cover letter that’s tailored to your company, and not just a boilerplate letter
Show, Don’t Tell
Your applicant has passed the resume, cover letter, and application test, but now it’s time for the face-to-face interview. Although the applicant seems believable, telling you about their skills and proving their capability are two different things.
Prepare tests for each available position in your company to evaluate applicants’ skills. Then move on to the next step, the personality test.
Personality
Candidates are usually on their best behavior during interviews but, what you see is not always what you get. One way to get a glimpse of one’s true personality is to interview in a social setting. Meet for coffee. If you provide a less formal environment, you are more likely to meet a more relaxed interviewee.
References
Another way to get the real scoop is to contact personal and business references. However, some states have requirements on what an employment reference can disclose.
Q & A
Ask questions that require thoughtful answers.
• Why do you want to work as a temporary employee?
• What motivates you?
• What frustrates you at work?
• Tell me about your communication skills.
Outsource the Process
You’re busy doing multiple tasks. Taking time to hire right can be daunting. Connect with a staffing agency, like Lingo Staffing. Our experts work diligently to ensure that every candidate placed meets your required specifications. We back every employee with a satisfaction guarantee.
About Lingo Staffing
Lingo is a full-service staffing firm dedicated to providing top quality services to its clients and its candidate pool. With extensive knowledge and experience in light industrial, administrative, and professional employment, Lingo encompasses the capabilities and resources necessary to help you get ahead.
Meet our experts at an office near you: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia. Lingo, the language of On Demand solutions. Contact us at an office convenient to you.