Staffing resource - Three photos of Fredrickson Employees participating in a meeting

Finding the right staffing resource is a fine balance of science and art. When you’re working with a staffing agency to help you find a contractor who meets your needs, here are three tangible things you can do to improve your chances of finding the resource of your dreams.

1. Talk to your vendor.

Spend at least 15 minutes on the phone or in person talking to your vendor about what you are hoping for. I guarantee you that it will be time well spent. A live conversation is the fastest way for your vendor to get an accurate sense about your needs and your organization’s needs.

We are listening for certain clues:

  • How you communicate
  • How you lead
  • What it’s like to work in your organization
  • Your biggest concerns
  • What will be the most help to you

We will hear all of this in what you say, how you say it, and, similarly, what you don’t say.

A candidate (staffing resource) doesn’t just need to meet a list of requirements, they need to be a fit for the way you do business. In my experience, interpersonal fit between a client and a resource can make or break the success of a staffing engagement. A conversation with you is the best way to match you with your perfect resource. Our conversation with you is just as important as the extensive vetting conversations we have with our candidates.

2. Consider remote candidates.

These days, strong freelance and contract instructional designers and developers are in a position to choose among multiple projects. We find that many of our most experienced candidates are able to fill their plates entirely with remote work. They will only consider engagements that allow them the flexibility to work from their location of choice. If you are willing to consider remote candidates, we can draw from a wider and deeper pool of talent to meet your needs.

3. Be willing to browse.

Given that staffing is a matching game, you’ll be more likely to find a fit for your needs if you can think broadly about the tasks at hand. You may approach a vendor with a specific need. However, upon discussion, you may realize that the vendor has access to an altogether different resource that could add even more value to your team. Staffing vendors meet new candidates all the time. Our job is to keep track of who is available to do a given task at any given time. You never know what kind of talent has just become available.

 

We hope you find these tips helpful as you approach your next staffing need. We’d also love to hear more about your insights and experiences with the art and science of staffing match-making! And, of course, contact us with any staffing needs.

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