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2 Crucial Characteristics to Look for in a Staffing Company

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Once you have determined that working with a staffing company is the right move for you and your business, the next challenge comes when you have to choose the firm which is best suited for your needs.  While many businesses base the decision simply on price, there are other factors that should be a larger priority.

Before you make your final decision as to which staffing company is right for you, be sure to examine these two crucial characteristics that can help determine whether your selection will lead to a successful business relationship, or send you back to the drawing board.

Local Reputation

The reputation of a staffing agency can provide significant clues as to how they function as a business, especially when it comes to recruiting in your local area.  While many businesses seek out information on the company as a whole, this may not provide a clear indication as to how they operate within your specific community, especially when examining national chains.

Each location should be considered its own separate entity, regardless of the presence of a larger corporate structure, as you will likely only have interactions with the location closest to your business.  If you want to see how the staffing company’s services are viewed within your area, consider contacting other local businesses who use the staffing company’s services for a review, or solicit for recommendations within the community.

While the firm’s reputation within the business community is important, discovering how their services are perceived by those working as employees through the service is also vital.  If you want to ensure you are gaining access to the most qualified talent, align with a firm that attracts the best candidates regardless of their relationship with your company.

Consider taking the time to speak with your employees to determine the staffing company’s reputation from that side of the equation.  If employees speak positively about the company, it is more likely that qualified candidates will be attracted to the service as well.

Experience and Specialization

Just as you would prefer your employees to have the appropriate amount of experience within a specialized position, you should consider that a key factor when selecting a staffing company, especially when the positions you are looking to fill are industry specific or highly skilled in nature.  By selecting a company that focuses on your sector, you can increase the likelihood they will be able to meet your needs.

Just as an experienced employee can perform better than a less experienced co-worker, an experienced staffing firm has advantages over less experienced competitors.  Less specialized staffing companies may not be able to keep up with all of the trends within your company’s field as they work with a large number of markets.  Specialized firms can focus on a primary area of expertise, allowing them to dedicate the time necessary to truly understand your industry, as well as the people who work within it.

Additionally, specialized staffing firms have a well-established pool of potential candidates, as well as a deeply entrenched network of professionals within the community.  This can provide them with unprecedented access to information regarding the local employment and business markets, which allows them to spot trends that are pending on the horizon.

Looking For A Top IT Staffing Company?

If you are ready to work with a staffing company that can meet the unique needs and demands of the IT marketplace, Resolution Technologies is here to help.  With staffing experience specifically focused on technology, we have the knowledge necessary to find the right candidates for your open positions.  Contact Resolution Technologies today to see how you can put our knowledge to work for you.

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Essentials Every New IT Manager Needs

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Stepping into your first IT management role can feel like walking into another world.  The position comes with a new set of roles and responsibilities that are well removed from the day-to-day tasks of an IT professional.  If you want to prepare to take your seat at the management table, here are some management essentials every new IT manager should possess.

Be Technically Competent

If you are going to lead a team of IT professionals, it is critical that you have a working understanding of their various skill sets and areas of expertise.  While you may not need to be able to perform every task that is assigned to each team member, you should have a fundamental understanding of every key piece of software, primary operating platforms, and other critical technology-based solutions that are being created, used, or supported by your team.

Be Able Take Charge and Lead Well

Whether you are taking a promotion within your current leadership structure or are beginning with a new company, be prepared to assert yourself in the role.  This includes effectively communicating your expectations to your new team, as well as serving as their representative in larger leadership gatherings.

As an IT manager, you function as a go-between in regards to your team and other nontechnical areas of the business.  You have to make sure other business areas understand what it takes to meet certain technical expectations, as well as be realistic about what is or is not possible based on your current resources.  At times, this requires being able to express highly technical information in a way that is easily understood by those without an IT background, as this helps ensure business-wide comprehension.

Be a Problem Solver and Negotiator

Regardless of the skills brought by your and the members of your team, issues will inevitably arise.  Whether it is based on a technical error or unexpected incompatibility, or a project goal that cannot be realistically met, you will need to work with both the members of your team as well as members of management in order to craft realistic solutions to problems as they come to pass, or before they are fully realized.

Functioning as a problem solver requires being informed of the current progress of any projects, as well as keeping abreast of any barriers your team may be concerned about when it comes to a project’s success.  As a negotiator, you have to work with the business as a whole to keep expectations reasonable, especially if changes are being requested on a project that is already in progress.

Be Authoritative

As an IT leader, it will be your responsibility to make sure project information is accurate when it is gathered, and you will also be the primary voice to stand up against unnecessary scope creep.  You will need to assess any changes in costs, both financial as well as those associated with the anticipated shifts to deadlines, in order to articulate how seemingly simple requests can have large-scale implications.

Looking to Advance Your Career in the IT field?

While taking your first IT management position can seem overwhelming, by focusing on the key areas above, you can begin by presenting your best self.  If you are looking for additional information on working as a leader within your workplace, or would like assistance acquiring your first hire, contact Resolution Technologies today.

 

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