Choosing an MSP or RPO means making a big decision. You need a company to help you with your recruiting processes, to be a partner in finding great candidates and in improving these processes with your organization. You want to find one that has expertise in your field, that you can trust and that will provide you with reliable, timely service while helping to support your company’s strategic goals.
But you’ve probably realized that many firms make the same promises:
- We’re different.
- We build relationships.
- We have a proprietary database.
When you set out to interview providers, don’t take their words at face value—ask them for more information!
Ask them to explain their processes in depth and how they would use those processes to help you. How will their relationships work to your advantage, and how do they screen for cultural fit?
You’ll also want to watch for the following factors:
- Available resources. Does it seem like they have enough people on board to handle your business? Will they assign you a dedicated manager? Will they be able to find the people and capabilities you need when you need them?
- Local market expertise. They should know which people are available, who the major competitors are, and how local market dynamics affect their clients’ abilities to grow, change, and develop. These firms should have a strong focus on developing their personal and professional connections in the areas they serve.
- Ability to strategize with you. Are they showing that they know how to work with clients to create strategic staffing plans that support their clients’ business goals? After all, their job is to help you save money and stay competitive.
If at this point you’re feeling good about this provider, ask them for references. Any RPO or MSP can say they have a proven track record, but can they provide you with testimonials or case studies to back up their claim?
When you contact these references, ask them for their initial impressions about working with the company, then ask them to confirm what you’ve observed about the RPO’s resources, expertise and capacity for teamwork.
Selecting an RPO provider is more than just sending out an RFP (request for proposal). If you look, ask the right questions, and really listen to the answers, you should find the provider who can become a true partner to you.
If you have any questions about this process or about what an RPO can do for you, please contact CSSvSource. We look forward to hearing from you!