Temporary Help Screening Worksheet

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 
		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