With over two decades of experience in the staffing industry, Artemis president Sarah Pervo knows the secret to IT consulting success.
“So often we hear people say that they’ve had bad experiences with staffing agencies in the past. Getting ghosted by a candidate or recruiter, focusing on candidate quantity over quality, lack of vetting — all are common frustrations,” Sarah says.
“But when we dig deeper, we find that the essential piece is always missing: relationships.”
Building and nurturing strong relationships is a key element to any company’s success. Yet despite its simplicity, not all agencies possess the capacity to master this essential aspect.
“Not all recruiting and staffing agencies have a relationship mindset. For some, it’s purely transactional. The key is to seek out agencies who invest in the long term.”
Sarah Pervo, Artemis president
So what exactly does a strong staffing relationship look like with an IT recruitment partner? Here are four telltale signs.
Regular Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, and this is especially true in staffing and recruiting. A reliable IT recruiting partner will provide you with expectations upfront about communication frequency and methods.
Clear Expectations
At the outset of the partnership, your IT staffing agency should establish how often you can expect updates. This could include weekly check-ins, bi-weekly progress reports, or immediate updates for critical developments.
Progress Updates
Regular updates on the candidate pipeline or the search process — even if there are no immediate results to report — demonstrate transparency and commitment to the relationship.
This could look like presenting contract opportunities, a change in the hiring process, or industry trends that may impact your company. Regardless of the update, providing expert guidance is the key underlying factor here.
Accessible
Look for proactive communication from your recruiting partner — one that is responsive, always available, and easy to reach.
Honesty and Transparency
Honesty and transparency are essential in building trust with clients and tech candidates. Here are specific examples of these principles in action:
Setting Realistic Goals
When discussing candidate availability or timeline expectations, your recruiter should provide accurate estimates and not overpromise.
Candidate Fit Assessment
If you’re not a suitable candidate for a specific role, your recruiter should candidly explain why. This could include a discussion about skill gaps, experience limitations, or cultural misalignment.
Capability
As a client, your recruiting partner should be transparent about what they can and cannot accomplish for your organization — especially if you request a service that falls outside their expertise or capabilities. In that case, your staffing partner should offer alternatives if possible.
“I tell both clients and candidates that we are not everything to everyone. Sometimes it’s better to say that we are not the right fit.”
Sarah Pervo
A Personalized Approach
Instead of providing a one-size-fits-all solution, your staffing agency should offer solutions that are uniquely tailored to candidate needs and the challenges faced by each client.
Individualized Strategy
The staffing agency should customize their approach based on the client’s specific tech talent requirements. This could involve tailoring the sourcing strategy, interview process, or skill assessment methods.
Candidate Preferences
For candidates, the recruiter should take into consideration factors like preferred contract types, work environments, and communication styles. For clients, recruiters should have a clear understanding of their ideal candidate qualifications and capabilities.
Understanding Your Motivations
Being aware of a candidate’s personal career aspirations or a client’s specific project goals helps your recruiter present contract opportunities or expert tech candidates that align with your unique needs.
Artemis Staffing & Recruiting has relationships that have endured over 20 years — a tribute to our commitment to getting personal and acting as a trusted partner.
Value-Added Services
To truly differentiate from other staffing agencies, your recruiting partner should offer value-added services that go above and beyond traditional staffing services. This demonstrates a holistic commitment to your success and growth. Examples include:
Professional Development
Offering workshops, training sessions, and resources to candidates for skill enhancement and upskilling showcases the agency’s commitment to the candidate’s growth.
Resume Building and Coaching
Providing guidance on resume improvement and interview preparation helps candidates put their best foot forward.
Market Insights
Offering regular reports on the tech job market, salary insights, and other valuable trends that give you a strategic advantage.
Nurturing Vital Connections in the World of IT Consulting
Whether you’re just branching out as an IT consultant, are a seasoned tech expert looking for a new contract gig, or you’re an organization looking for professional tech talent to fill project needs — nurturing a strong relationship with your staffing partner is essential for success.
Recruiting relationships benefit all parties involved when they’re built on communication, honesty, personalization, and value-added services. Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong relationships in this industry.
Want to know what a Great Recruiter looks like?
Read Artemis testimonials from IT consultants and clients who share their experience with our talented tech recruiters and sales teams.
