Recruiting staff for a project can be a time-consuming endeavor, but there are ways to speed up the process — and reduce stress — in the long run. From amplifying recruitment efforts internally to using external partners, there are some great options to simplify the process.
At Strom MN, we have years of recruiting experience for both project-based and long-term job placement. If you’re looking to recruit staff for a specific project, here are the best tips to move forward effectively.
Best Tips for Quickly Recruiting Staff for a Project
To recruit more efficiently for your next project, there are a few steps you can take to improve the process. It’s important to have a different approach for project-based staffing than for a direct placement role, as you likely will need to offboard as well as onboard.
1. Determine Estimated Length
The first step to recruiting for a project is determining how long the position needs to be filled. Figuring out the length of the role can help you write the job description properly and appeal to the right audience. Estimating the length of a project can be tricky, but we recommend the following steps:
- Create a list of key tasks and the overall scope for the project – this is where you should identify the final step of the project. You should do this and the following steps per each job function. So for example, you might start this process by looking at the tasks of a mechanical engineer and then later repeat by looking at the tasks for a CNC machinist.
- Collect a time estimate for each task, and add them up. If you don’t have documented hours for specific tasks, your best bet is to “guess high.” It’s better to overestimate and complete the project sooner than underestimate and have to go over budget.
- Add estimated revision time to your estimate. If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is any task that may need revision, either double the hours from the original task or divide them in half, depending on the task. For example, something that may require just a quick review to confirm details could be estimated at half hours, but something that may potentially need more revision work – like reviewing a blueprint – aim higher.
- On top of this total, add in some extra hours for unexpected events, delays, etc. 10-15 hours are a good buffer for unforeseen circumstances.
- You should now have a grand total of estimated hours for this project.
You now have two options for posting your job listing. You can list out the total number of estimated hours (ex: 100 hours), or you can divide your estimated hours by desired working hours (ex: 2-3 weeks). The determining factor here will be the type of job and what collaboration is necessary. For many industrial, mechanical, and engineering positions, you’ll want to look at a length of time vs. specific hours, as your hire(s) will likely need to collaborate with other team members and work on-site. In this case, they will need to work within your working hours.
2. Create a Strong Job Listing
Now that you have your perimeters, it’s time to create a job listing. The key to finding the right people interested in the position is to create a strong job listing. Instead of merely listing what you want from people, focus on the value for the job seeker. What is the company culture like? What’s exciting about this project?
When hiring for a specific project, it’s absolutely vital to be upfront that this is a contract position and not a long-term position. This will be a huge deciding factor for applicants, and you need to make sure they can see that immediately. Include phrases like “Contract Position” or “Project Position” in the actual job title itself. The job description should also make it clear that this position is for a project only. This is where you’ll reference the estimated length you identified in step one.
Related Content: How to Write Effective Job Postings
After determining the content of your job listing, the next step is to get it in front of the right people. Blasting it out on every job posting site will likely lead to a lot of applicants – but they might not necessarily be a good fit. You’ll often get unqualified applicants filling out job listings. That’s why it’s important to…
3. Find the Right Staffing Agency
The best way to find qualified applicants is by choosing a good partner. A staffing agency can match your project with their pool of qualified candidates. Recruiting is what staffing agencies are best at, and you’ll be able to reap the benefits by working with them. However, find the right staffing agency starts with these tips:
- Define your requirements (see tip 1)
- Do your research on potential staffing agencies
- Get recommendations from colleagues in the industry
- “Interview” the agency by asking questions
- Assess communication quality and customer service
- Look for a specialist in your area
These tips will help you find the right staffing agency to fill an empty position in your company quickly and get you back on track.
Related Content: Find Qualified Staff Now
Partner with Strom Minnesota
Using our tips above, you can find great candidates faster than ever. If you’re looking for assistance with the hiring process, our team at Strom MN can support you every step of the way. With years in the recruiting and staffing industry, we will help you find the right candidates for any high-skilled engineering position. If you’d like to hear how we work, reach out to us today to get started.
Strom Minnesota is an engineering and technical recruitment agency that specializes in high-skilled job candidates for highly technical positions. We facilitate contract employment, project staffing, temp-to-perm and direct hire opportunities. Industries served include IT, engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing. We are affiliated with Strom Engineering, a national staffing and recruitment agency.
