Checklist_Temporary Help Agency Screening

. Before you call the temporary help agency, ask yourself what you need

 Do you need a last-minute fill-in for an absent employee?
 How long will you need the temporary? If the need is long term, estimate the length o time.
 What hours will the temporary need to work?
 What particular skills will your temporary worker need to have? Consider:
 Specific computer and software skills
 Public contact skills (in person or on the phone)


Once you know what you need, pick a few agencies from the phone book and assess their:

 Responsiveness and professionalism
 How many times did the phone ring before it was answered?
 Was the person courteous and helpful?
 Did the person ask meaningful questions, give you clear answers to your questions, and make sure you were fully informed?

 Ability to meet your needs
 Does the firm specialize in placing the kinds of workers you need?
 Does the firm have workers in your geographic location?
 What customer service and satisfaction features does the firm have?
 Are the agency’s rates competitive for the kind of worker you need?


After you’ve called a few agencies and have narrowed your selection to a few possibilities, make an appointment to visit those agencies to discuss more specifically what you need. When you visit, be sure to cover the following points:

 How are temporary workers tested and screened?
 What benefits are offered to workers (better benefits attract better workers)?
 Pricing information:
 What are the billing rates?
 How are workers categorized into skill levels and corresponding pay rates?

 Payment information
 What methods of payment are acceptable?
 When is payment due for the services provided?
 If you want to permanently hire the temp worker, how much you will have to pay the temporary agency?
 Does the agency carry workers’ comp, liability insurance, and errors and omission insurance?
 Are employees and workers bonded?

After you have collected this information, you should be able to make a more informed decision about which agency will be able to help you. In making your decision, be sure to:

 Check the agency’s references
 Contact the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for information on the agencies
 Check with other business owners and colleagues


Now, Download your favorite business document template for FREE!
Checklist_Temporary Help Agency Screening