Elevating Quality Assurance in Staffing: The Crucial Balance Between Speed and Excellence
In a rapidly evolving staffing landscape, where speed and quantity often take precedence, the question that lingers is: Where is the quality assurance in staffing? This query was recently posed by Sally, a seasoned Senior Program Manager with over a decade of experience in MSP program management. Her insight, gleaned from managing a significant contingent spend portfolio, sheds light on the shifting dynamics of staffing practices. This article explores Sally's concerns and delves into the essential balance between speed and quality in the staffing process.
Sally, an adept professional in the realm of Managed Service Provider (MSP) program management, oversees a substantial $22 million contingent spend for a large manufacturing company. Her responsibilities encompass diverse fields, including Information Technology/Engineering, Professional Services, and light industrial roles. Amidst the fast-paced staffing world, Sally's observations have sparked a crucial conversation about the current state of quality assurance.
Sally's inquiry into the quality of submissions raises pertinent issues that transcend industry boundaries. She pointed out that, in her experience, the focus on quantity and speed has led to a noticeable decline in the quality of candidate submissions. Resumes arriving on her desk often exhibit unexplained employment gaps, omission of work locations (potentially to conceal the need for temporary relocations), and inadequately crafted summaries. Furthermore, many resumes tend to list job descriptions rather than highlighting accomplishments and relevant skills—a critical oversight in the competitive job market.
One of the most significant shifts Sally noted recently is the frequent need for clarification. She finds herself constantly returning to staffing agencies seeking additional information. In cases where certain agencies habitually fall short in delivering quality submissions, Sally opts to bypass their candidates altogether. This trend suggests that recruiters may hesitate to delve deeply into candidate interviews, fearing the loss of a potential hire. This reluctance, however, may result in incomplete information being presented to clients.
Addressing gaps in work history and probing into the reasons behind multiple short-term assignments are aspects often left unexplored in initial candidate phone screenings. Even a candidate's commute time, which can significantly impact job suitability, is occasionally overlooked. Moreover, the importance of a well-crafted resume cannot be overstated. In Sally's estimation, candidates unwilling to refine their resumes may face a slim chance of securing a position.
In the realm of MSP program management, where agility and volume are paramount, it is imperative not to forsake the cornerstone of staffing—quality. Sally's astute observations serve as a poignant reminder that while speed and quantity matter, they should never overshadow the essence of delivering exceptional candidates to clients. As the staffing landscape continues to evolve, striking a harmonious balance between speed and excellence in quality assurance remains the key to success. It's a reminder that in the race to fill positions swiftly, the foremost goal should always be to match candidates with the right skills, experiences, and dedication to the job at hand.
About Rang Technologies
Rang Technologies, based in New Jersey, has dedicated over a decade to delivering innovative staffing solutions and the best talent to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of the latest technologies and build high-performing teams to achieve their digital transformation goals.