7 Questions to Ask a Recruitment Agency Before Signing
Choosing a recruitment agency can feel like a big decision—especially when the success of your care home hinges on finding the right people. But how do you know if the agency you’re considering is the perfect fit?
The secret lies in asking the right questions. By digging a little deeper, you can ensure that the agency you partner with understands your needs and delivers exactly what they promise.
Here are 7 essential questions to ask before signing on the dotted line.
1. What Is Your Experience in the Care Sector?
Not all recruitment agencies are created equal. Some may have general expertise, but if you’re in the care sector, you need an agency that truly understands your world.
Ask about their specific experience in care home workforce recruitment. Do they specialise in health and social care roles like healthcare assistants, nurses, and support workers? Have they worked with care homes similar to yours?
An agency like Temps4Care, for example, focuses exclusively on the care sector. Since 2018, they’ve been matching care providers with skilled, pre-screened temporary staff. This level of experience can make a world of difference when it comes to finding the right candidates.
2. How Do You Vet Your Candidates?
Quality matters—especially in care work. You can’t afford to bring in staff who aren’t properly qualified, experienced, or committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
Ask the agency about their vetting process. How do they ensure candidates meet your standards? Do they conduct background checks, verify qualifications, and review references?
Temps4Care, for instance, has a rigorous screening process to ensure every candidate is reliable, skilled, and ready to hit the ground running. This kind of attention to detail gives care providers peace of mind.
3. What Happens If a Candidate Doesn’t Work Out?
Even with the best vetting process, not every hire works out. So, what’s the agency’s policy if a candidate isn’t the right fit?
Find out how they handle replacements. Do they have a guarantee period? Will they provide a replacement quickly if needed? Understanding this upfront can save you headaches down the line.
4. How Do You Handle Urgent Staffing Needs?
Care homes often face last-minute staff shortages. You need an agency that can step up when you’re in a pinch.
Ask about their ability to respond to urgent requests. Do they have a pool of candidates ready to step in at short notice? How quickly can they deliver temporary staff to cover shifts?
Temps4Care is known for its rapid response to staffing needs. Whether you need someone for a single shift or ongoing support, they have the resources to fill those gaps efficiently.
5. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
A good recruitment agency should have a track record they’re proud to share. Don’t be shy—ask for client references or testimonials to get a sense of their reputation.
Hearing from other care providers who’ve worked with the agency can give you valuable insight into their reliability, communication, and quality of hires.
6. What Roles Do You Specialise In?
The care sector includes a wide range of roles, from healthcare assistants to managers. It’s important to know whether the agency can cater to your specific needs.
Ask which roles they specialise in. Do they cover temporary, short-term, and long-term placements? Can they provide staff for niche positions, like dementia care specialists or nurses with specific certifications?
Temps4Care, for example, offers flexible staffing solutions for a variety of roles, ensuring you get the right person for every vacancy.
7. What Makes You Different from Other Agencies?
This question can reveal a lot about an agency’s values and approach. Are they focused on building long-term partnerships? Do they prioritise quality over quantity? What unique processes or systems do they have in place?
Temps4Care stands out by combining sector expertise, a seamless recruitment process, and a commitment to matching care providers with top-tier staff. Their dedication to the care sector sets them apart from generalist agencies.
Why Asking These Questions Matters
Your recruitment agency isn’t just a service provider—it’s a partner in your care home’s success. The right agency will save you time, reduce stress, and deliver candidates who align with your values and standards.
By asking these questions, you ensure that you’re making an informed decision, setting the foundation for a successful hiring partnership.
Partner with Temps4Care for Reliable Care Staffing
If you’re ready to work with a recruitment agency that truly understands the care sector, look no further than Temps4Care. Since 2018, they’ve been helping care providers like you find skilled, pre-screened temporary staff to meet urgent and ongoing needs.
With Temps4Care, you’ll benefit from:
- Expertise: A deep understanding of the health and social care sectors.
- Flexibility: Staffing solutions tailored to your unique requirements.
- Reliability: Vetted professionals who are ready to step in and deliver exceptional care.
Don’t leave your recruitment to chance. Learn more about Temps4Care’s services or request staff today.
With the right partner by your side, you can build a strong, dependable care team—and focus on what matters most: delivering outstanding care to those who need it.
