Did you know that more than 90% of companies now use some type of staffing agency? This cuts down on the long process of recruitment. But when it comes to finding janitorial staffing, do you know what you are looking for?

If not, then we can help. Read on for our essential guide on what to look for from a janitorial staffing agency in Columbia, SC.

1. Reputation

It is not impossible to find a brand new staffing agency that will do a great job. However, you are taking a risk. It is much easier to get one you know can be trusted. 

Luckily, the internet has made it easier than ever to check the reputation and ratings of services and businesses. Start by looking on a prospective companies website for testimonials and see if you can contact the people for an independent reference. After this, look on local forums and social media for ratings.

Finally, speak to other business owners. They may have an excellent company they can refer you to.

2. They Know Your Business

A quality janitorial staffing agency should be interested in your business when you have your first consultation. This is because each company is different and will have different cleaning requirements. If they assume all jobs are the same it shows inexperience and could cause problems later. 

For example, imagine you agree on a candidate based on the agency assuming they are working in an office. When the janitorial service arrives, they assume they are looking after a nine to five office but arrive at a busy factory. This could require additional staff and different experience levels. 

3. Pricing

Unclear pricing can show that staffing agencies don’t know how to price their services. In the worst case, it can be a blatant attempt to mask hidden charges. Before hiring, ask to see a sample breakdown of the costs and how they will be presented. 

Part of the pricing comes down to you and what you expect from the company. Before approaching, be very specific about what you do and don’t want from candidates. This can help the company provide a clearer final price. 

4. Compromise

This comes more from you than the staffing agencies you work with. However, you should be willing to compromise on a candidate. If they have most of the attributes you are looking for, then get the agency to send them over. 

A perfect candidate may exist somewhere, but they may not be on the agency’s books. You could be waiting months or years when a job needs doing.

Get the best match, then you can then see how the agency staff fit into the role. They may end up being the perfect candidate after all. 

5. Strong Networking Skills

The best staffing agency in Anderson SC will have great networking skills. This is how they get the best staff. They will know who is good and available by talking to people and building relationships. 

Networking skills are built in a number of ways. They may have people who have turned up to their offices and signed up or recruited people from other work. A website for people to submit a resume is a must to ensure they have a large pool of potential candidates. 

6. Quick Communication

In any recruitment, you need to be able to communicate quickly and effectively. Things can change in an instant. If your communication is delayed, the best candidates may go elsewhere or your needs may change at the last minute. 

The faster you give feedback on a potential recruit, the quicker the agency can start a new search or finish the one they are on. This also works for your company. If you take a long time to reply or don’t get back to the agency, they may place the better candidates elsewhere. 

Establish a connection, so you know who you will always be talking with. Ask if they prefer to be phoned or emailed.

7. Hiring Process

When using any temp agencies in Columbia and surrounding areas, for janitorial or otherwise, you need to know their hiring process. This is for two reasons. 

The first is that the hired staff will be working in your organization. Despite being hired help, they also need to embody the values and service that you have built. Essentially, they have to understand the company, how it operates, and its overall mission. 

You also need to make sure that these people have had thorough background checks. You would not want someone on your property who could cause security or safety issues. 

Secondly, you need to ensure they are trained. Perhaps the company may train the staff themselves, or only accept people with a certain degree of experience. In either case, you don’t want to hire someone who does not know what they are doing. 

8. Insured

Even in ideal situations, accidents can happen. If you hire janitorial services that are not fully insured, when this time comes problems can occur. In the worst case, you may end up paying compensation and legal bills for something that was not your fault. 

Certification is also something you should look for. This ensures the company work to a certain set of standards and principles, and has been judged on doing so. 

Finding a Staffing Agency in Columbia, SC

Now you know what a great staffing agency in Columbia, SC should be offering, you just need to find one. Speak to other professionals and check online. If others are using them, then they will also have the staff on their books that you need. 

Defender should be your first point of contact when recruiting. We provide workforce solutions for all your janitorial and cleaning needs. Contact us here to discuss what we can bring to your organization.