Temporary Help Screening Worksheet

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

• How long will you need the temporary? If the need is long term, estimate the length of 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 long are billing rates effective?
  • 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?
• What billing methods are used?
• 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

 Reprinted with permission. © CCH