When choosing a staffing agency, you will decide who will come to your home, how well they will match and what happens if there are issues. Every agency will operate differently. Asking the right questions will ensure you have all the information you need. Here are 7 questions to ask.
1. How do you vet candidates?
This is the most important of all the questions to ask. A great agency will be able to give you clear answers on how they vet their candidates. This can include ID checks, background/criminal record checks, address verification, contacting previous employers for references and face to face assessments.
If they cannot give you clear answers or just say they ask for a CV and a phone number then be wary.
2. Do you specialise in domestic placements?
Not all agencies will work with domestic staff. Office roles and factory placements involve less trust and more of a general fit. Agencies who specialise in domestic and personal services will understand your needs much more.
3. How do you match candidates?
It is not just about skills. Ask how they get to know you as a family, including your lifestyle and expectations. A great agency will ask you lots of detailed questions.
4. What happens if they don’t match?
Sometimes even with careful matching it won’t always work out. Ask what they do in this situation. Do they offer replacements? How quickly? Are there any conditions? Ensure you get clear answers (ideally in writing) before signing anything.
5. Do you offer ongoing support?
A great indicator of a caring agency is if they offer ongoing support. Find out if they contact you in the first few weeks, check in with you and your staff member and help to resolve any concerns. This shows they really care about your outcome.
6. How do you manage confidentiality?
You will be sharing information about your family, home and lifestyle. Find out how they protect your information and also how they protect the candidate’s information. Many families value discretion as much as they value a great candidate.
7. Can you give me a clear breakdown of your charges?
Ask them for a full breakdown of charges. When will you be charged? What will you be charged for? Are there any extra costs? A trustworthy agency will be transparent with their charges and will have this in writing.
What is a Great Answer?
The best agencies will be confident to answer your questions with specific answers. They will not be defensive and are happy to answer your questions as they know having an informed client means they will be a great partner.
Ask Us Anything!
At Solitaire Consultancy Services we are happy to take you through each of these questions. We focus on thorough vetting processes, careful matching and ongoing support.
Get in touch with Solitaire Consultancy Services.
1. How do you vet candidates?
This is the most important of all the questions to ask. A great agency will be able to give you clear answers on how they vet their candidates. This can include ID checks, background/criminal record checks, address verification, contacting previous employers for references and face to face assessments.
If they cannot give you clear answers or just say they ask for a CV and a phone number then be wary.
2. Do you specialise in domestic placements?
Not all agencies will work with domestic staff. Office roles and factory placements involve less trust and more of a general fit. Agencies who specialise in domestic and personal services will understand your needs much more.
3. How do you match candidates?
It is not just about skills. Ask how they get to know you as a family, including your lifestyle and expectations. A great agency will ask you lots of detailed questions.
4. What happens if they don’t match?
Sometimes even with careful matching it won’t always work out. Ask what they do in this situation. Do they offer replacements? How quickly? Are there any conditions? Ensure you get clear answers (ideally in writing) before signing anything.
5. Do you offer ongoing support?
A great indicator of a caring agency is if they offer ongoing support. Find out if they contact you in the first few weeks, check in with you and your staff member and help to resolve any concerns. This shows they really care about your outcome.
6. How do you manage confidentiality?
You will be sharing information about your family, home and lifestyle. Find out how they protect your information and also how they protect the candidate’s information. Many families value discretion as much as they value a great candidate.
7. Can you give me a clear breakdown of your charges?
Ask them for a full breakdown of charges. When will you be charged? What will you be charged for? Are there any extra costs? A trustworthy agency will be transparent with their charges and will have this in writing.
What is a Great Answer?
The best agencies will be confident to answer your questions with specific answers. They will not be defensive and are happy to answer your questions as they know having an informed client means they will be a great partner.
Ask Us Anything!
At Solitaire Consultancy Services we are happy to take you through each of these questions. We focus on thorough vetting processes, careful matching and ongoing support.
Get in touch with Solitaire Consultancy Services.