The Innovative Recruiter

Recruiting Trends: Contract Employment Still on the Rise

With economic and employment forecasts still in fluctuation for many industries, a growing number of "commitment–shy" companies are continuing to rely on contract and temporary employment as a cost-effective way to improve productivity and meet workload demands, without significantly increasing overhead expenses. It's a trend that shows no signs of slowing, since it offers advantages to both employers and contract hires. Employers using contract hires gain the advantage of a flexible workforce and a pay-per-job arrangement that often results in significant cost savings.and minimal hiring risk. At the same time, more and more employees are discovering that in a still-shaky economy, being able to work on a contract basis for multiple employers gives them a steady but diversified income, without having to rely solely on one employer for work.

Below are several articles outlining the case for contract employment from the corporate perspective. For recruiters, understanding this need can help in providing the right staffing solutions to satisfy the budgets and expectations of both clients and job candidates.

Contract Workers Keep Overhead Costs Low in Fluctuating Economy

As the economy continues its slow but steady recovery, businesses are turning to contract workers to help them address their employment needs while also continuing to keep overhead costs low.

"A lot of companies have recognized it's a tremendous, time-consuming challenge to hire people," Paul LaFrance, an employment expert, told Crain's Detroit Business. "We're having a recruiting crunch where you have difficulties meeting all of the needs of your clients so people will use a 'contract to hire' type of process." Read full article

Contract Workers Provide Companies With Flexible Employment Options

In the past, being hired as a contract worker was seen as a temporary position at best. However, recent changes in the marketplace have led an increasing number of businesses to look to these employees when considering expansion. Hiring temporary workers has become more and more appealing in today's uncertain economic climate, as it allows businesses a degree of flexibility and the opportunity to "try out" employees without making a serious commitment.

"Everybody's going to be a little gun shy at this point to scoop people up, just waiting to see if this economy is a hiccup or if we're really out of the woods yet," Paul Alberti, owner and president of Buffalo-based SPS, told Buffalo News. Read full article

Contracting Job Applicants Can Help Employers Evaluate On-The-Job Skills

Hiring processes typically follow a general formula: An applicant submits his or her resume; if it impresses employers, an interview is set up, and if both sides are content, the candidate is hired. However, this isn't always the most comprehensive strategy, and can lead to an HR administration hiring individuals who simply don't fit. This has led Jason Freedman, of the blog humbledMBA, to call the standard system "crazy" and advocate for a new method of finding future employees.

"I think of hiring as mutual courting. The only way to court in a work setting is to spend time working together," Freedman writes. "Whenever I'm thinking of hiring someone … we do a project together. I pay them a reasonable contractor fee for the work, and I make sure it's the type of work that's easily definable, has clear deliverables and lasts a few weeks." Read full article

Innovative Recruiter
of the Quarter:
Joel Slenning

Meet Joel Slenning of ICON Medical Network, our newest Recruiter of the Quarter. Based in Oregon, he specializes in healthcare, locum tenen, and IT placements. According to Joel, the success of his business comes from a strong emphasis on "never, ever letting your level of service drop." "Stay true to your word," he advises, "never 'sell' anyone, always talk people through the decision making process, and listen, listen, listen." And while he obviously enjoys a high level of success in working with clients and candidates, Joel maintains that the best part of his job is leading his talented staff. "Our clients and candidates are wonderful to work with," he says, "but my passion is really developing, growing, sharing and celebrating with my team."

In his spare time, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa, their children Zoe and Evan, and his extended family. To honor his recruiting accomplishments, he will receive a $50 American Express gift card and certificate from IES. Congratulations, Joel!

The Recruiter of the Quarter award is an honor presented to one outstanding IES recruiter client after the close of each quarter. Honorees are selected based on a variety of criteria, including quarterly revenue generated, number of new clients and employees payrolled through IES, and jobsite safety success.

Interested in taking advantage of contact placement opportunities without any additional work? Let us show you how. Call 858-300-2750 to learn more.

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