Experienced staffing agencies can help contractors by providing workers and managing HR issues. However, the consequences of a bad hire through an inexperienced agency can be significant. 

This article provides factors to consider when hiring a staffing agency and several potential land mines to avoid during the agency relationship.

Preliminary Research
Conduct online research beforehand. Be sure staffing agencies post jobs similar to what you’re looking for – otherwise they may not have the experience or depth of candidates to ensure a quality hire. Look for involvement in local, state, or national trade associations, which typically indicates a working knowledge of the construction industry.

Learn tips on how to select a staffing agency + pitfalls to avoid.

Research how long they’ve been in business or in the construction industry. Developing industry knowledge, experience with HR, and a wide employee base requires time. Finally, ensure they licensed, registered, and insured in your state. States have different levels of staffing agency regulation and oversight.