Find your candidates

You can search the database of the American Staffing Association's members by location, type of services you need, and occupational categories. Once you've come up with a list of possibilities from your Internet research, referrals from other business owners or advisors, you can whittle the list. If a firm isn't willing to visit your business to get a feel for your corporate culture and meet your top bosses, think twice. If a firm is an American Staffing Association member, you'll know it has agreed to conform to industry standards and is up on the latest human resources developments and trends.

I recommend: Search the ASA member database.

Know who you're dealing with

Find out key stats about the agency, including how long they've been in business, how they recruit workers and what type of compensation and benefits they offer. Determine too, whether the firm provides skills tests, training and whether it does background checks and drug tests.

I recommend: For more on employment agencies, you'll want to go to the American Staffing Association. Also check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.

Make sure your agency is a good fit

You want to work with a firm that has extensive experience in your industry. Also, make sure to inquire about their fee structure.

I recommend: See this article on Choosing a Staffing Partner; and read more advice on the topic from Manpower International. There are additional considerations to be made if you are hiring an IT specialist.