Temporary staffing is on the rise in companies across the country, as well as right here in Houston. In fact, the number of jobs in the temporary help services industry reached an all-time high of 2.9 million in May 2015, accounting for 2.4% of all private sector jobs in the U.S. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If your business is one of the many hiring on a temporary basis, how do you go about finding the best candidates?

Just like you would for a full-time, permanent employee, it’s important you properly vet each person you’re considering. Keep in mind, a customer isn’t going to care if someone was full-time or temporary if they aren’t treated well. As one of Houston’s top temporary staffing agencies, Murray Resources knows part of finding the right temporary workers includes asking the right questions during the interview process.

To help you make the best temp hiring decisions, here are several questions to ask in the interview:

Can you tell me why you want to work in a temporary job? Are you looking for a long-term or short-term assignment? If a full-time job opened up, would you be interested in applying?

Why ask: These questions are important to ask because they help you gauge the candidate’s career goals – and whether they align with your needs. For instance, say your company is increasing a big increase in sales and subsequent orders. But you’re not sure you can sustain it, so you want to bring in temporary workers to handle the demand without increasing overhead. It’s important to hire those who may be interested in full-time work should it become available. Asking these kinds of questions can give you a better sense of whether the candidate is open to such an opportunity.

What hours would you like to work? Are there certain days of the week you can’t work? Are you able to work different shifts?

Why ask: A candidate may have all the skills you need. But if they can’t work around your schedule and be available when you need them to be, then it’s a no-win situation. It’s important, instead, to find those candidates who can meet your scheduling needs and who can also be flexible should those needs change.

Tell me about a time when you had to adjust to a new workplace situation.

Why ask: When it comes to temporary work, a lot of adjustment is involved. Every time a worker starts a new assignment, it’s with a different company, a different culture and a different set of rules. That’s why, to be successful, a temporary worker has to be able to quickly assimilate.

If I called your last boss, what would they say about you?

Why ask: You’re likely going to call references and asking this question gives you the chance to see if what a candidate tells you matches the information the references give.

Just because you’re hiring a worker on a temporary basis doesn’t mean you shouldn’t thoroughly interview each candidate you’re considering. The questions above are a good place to start – so you can make the best hiring decision.

Do you need expert help hiring temp workers – and taking your company to the next level? Call the team at Murray Resources. As one of Houston’s top temporary staffing agencies, our extensive database of over 8,000 candidates allows us to identity proven performers who can step in and make an immediate contribution to our clients’ growth and productivity goals. Contact us today to learn more.