You likely know that there are software solutions out there specifically designed for staffing agencies and HR teams that manage skilled workers. But how do you determine which one is right for your organization? What features will you need? What questions should you ask during demo calls?
We created this guide to help you answer those questions and more, so you’re more informed to make the right software decision for your staffing agency or HR team.
Is your staffing agency or employment agency ready for a digital solution?
Before you start shopping, it’s worthwhile to ask if your team is ready to make the move to a new digital platform. Software is a significant investment, and not every organization is ready to make the leap.
One telltale sign that your organization is ready? Your current system—whether it’s all contained within paper files or a maze of spreadsheets—is no longer cutting it. If important tasks are beginning to fall through the cracks as you grow, there’s a good chance it’s time to bring in staffing software customized to your company’s needs.
Your organization’s size, scale, and specific operations will also determine whether you’re ready to integrate staffing software, as will your team’s willingness to adapt to change. Read more on determining if your staffing agency is ready for a digital transformation.
What kind of software does a staffing need?
Staffing agencies and HR teams that manage skilled workers require software with specific functions to meet the needs of clients. Staffing temporary and shift workers is vastly different from other HR functions, and your software should reflect that difference.
Software can help staffing agencies manage a database of candidates, track their skills and qualifications, send communications, and store documentation. Look for apps with user-friendly interfaces that will streamline your everyday operations, making your team more effective and efficient.
What software features should your employment agency look for?
Whether your team is searching for your first software solution, or you’re hunting for something new to meet your evolving needs, here’s a list of what you should consider in your search.
A user-friendly UI
Lengthy application processes and unfriendly interfaces discourage qualified candidates from applying to staffing agencies. Look for software that’s easy for applicants to use, so you’ll be more likely to engage and retain new candidates.
Of course, your team will appreciate a great interface too. Functions that make staffing software more user-friendly might include the look—clean and simple is best—as well as the quality and ease of the essential functions. Your people should be able to effortlessly access basic information about workers, search for specific qualifications, and generate a short list of candidates on your new platform in just a few clicks.
Customizable options
Every staffing agency and HR team works differently, and your software should, too. Search for software solutions that allow for customization where you need it. That might include customizable application fields for the specific qualifications you need or filters you can add and change to reflect certain skillsets.
Powerful filters and tags
Filters and tags have the power to transform your agency’s processes. Your staffing software should offer fields and tags that allow your team to easily filter candidates by an array of specifications that align with your clients’ needs.
When selecting software, ensure the app can filter candidates by experience, education, availability, and relevant certifications. The right program will enable you to narrow down the field of candidates easily using information from candidate profiles.
Certification management tools
If you’re concerned about sending out skilled workers with expired licenses or certifications, the right program can help.
Seek out a software specifically developed to manage certifications for skilled workers. The right solution should include certification storage, tracking, and an automated renewal process that can send reminders to workers when it’s time to renew their credentials.
Document storage
For staffing and employment agencies, document storage is a must. It’s critical to store everything from diplomas to reference letters to police record checks—and you need to be able to access it at the touch of a button.
Make sure your staffing software provides document storage that is convenient and easy to use. Every document should be accessible on a candidate’s profile, so you can find it when you need it.
Communication functions
We know how time-consuming it can be to contact candidates, confirm their interest in a role, and compile a shortlist of staffing options. Communications embedded right in your staffing software makes every step of your workflow easier.
The best software options enable teams to send automated text messages and emails right in the app. These functions will allow your people to contact candidates efficiently to fill jobs faster.
Collaboration tools
Recruitment is a team sport. Your staffing software should include collaboration tools to help your people make informed decisions together.
Look for apps that enable collaboration wherever possible. Keep an eye out for options to leave notes on profiles, add extra information for your team members, and easily share top profiles. When your team can work together within the app, it has the potential to save everyone hours of emails.
Personalized support
Software should never be a one-and-done experience. Look for a solution that offers ongoing, personalized support to meet your organization’s changing needs and solve any problems that may arise.
The bottom line
When searching for a software solution for your staffing agency or HR team, you shouldn’t have to compromise. Look for a platform that is specifically designed for organizations that manage skilled workers to ensure that the solution is customized for you. You’ll be glad you shopped around.
Is your staffing agency searching for a software solution to save your team time and resources? Built for Human Resource departments and staffing agencies, Labourly™ is a simple, intuitive solution for managing your skilled workforce. Book a demo call with our team today to explore options for your business.
