Finding the right temporary employee can be a challenge. You not only need someone with the right skills and personality but who’s able to get up and running quickly so they can contribute to the team. This is all tough to tell from just a resume. So how do you move beyond this document and get the insight you need? Here are some tips to help you:

Assess their application.

Beyond their actual resume, look to how they applied for some information on their attention to detail and abilities. Did they follow your instructions exactly? Did they meet the timeline you set forth? Did their cover letter sound compelling or was it boilerplate and vague? These can all give you a good indication of the quality of the candidate.

Test their skills.

During the hiring process, the interview is a critical time to find out more about the candidate. But do more than simply ask questions. After all, candidates can look great on paper and sound articulate during interviews only to fall short once on the job.

Instead, test their skills, too. For instance, if you’re hiring someone to proofread, give them a document to edit. If a big part of their day will be answering phones, conduct a mock call with them. The bottom line is that it’s important to see them in action to ensure they have the skills you need.

Evaluate their personality.

During interviews, candidates are on their best behavior. It can, therefore, be difficult to find out what they’re really like. One more effective method is to invite them into a social setting, such as for coffee or out for a drink during happy hour. You can also call their references and ask for more insight into their personality and how they work as part of a team.

Don’t skip steps in the process.

If you’re hiring temporary employees, chances are good that you need them quickly. But don’t let this impact the speed at which you hire, bringing someone on board simply to fill a gap or an empty seat. It’s best to check all the boxes – screening, interviewing, testing, and reference and background verifications – so you can get both the people and peace of mind you need.

Interested in professional help hiring on a temporary basis?

Turn to one of the Houston temp staffing agencies relied upon by some of the top local companies in the area: Murray Resources. We have a well-qualified, fully vetted network of temporary employees ready to go to work for you. Contact us today to learn more.