Staffing Scenarios

What is your situation?

Sep 18, 2018


You have probably noticed over the years that there is a mixture of job openings:  ones posted directly from a company and others posted from staffing firms.  What’s the difference? Why do some companies use a staffing firm while others don't? Did you know there are laws covering how you classify the people who work for you?  Before choosing whether to hire on your own or hire a staffing firm, consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: You just landed a huge construction project from a new client with a short deadline, and there is no way your small office staff can handle the extra workload. Do you:

  • Call a staffing firm and have them send qualified, experienced construction workers who will work on-site for you, but be paid by the staffing firm?
  • Pay for multiple job ads so you can hire several people at one time? (Hiring means putting them on your payroll, then laying them off when the project is done.)

Scenario 2:  Your administrative assistant is going on medical leave and you need someone to temporarily replace her/him. Do you:

  • Call a staffing firm and have them send qualified, experienced admins who will work for you on-site during the hours you dictate, but be paid by the staffing firm?
  • Pay for a job ad so you can hire someone? (Hiring means putting them on your payroll, and then laying them off when your receptionist returns.)
  • Ask your staff for referrals for a freelancer and pay them hourly without withholding taxes (and thus not incurring unemployment charges when you let them go)?

Scenario 3: Your Controller is retiring and your company is looking for a replacement. Your internal accounting staff does not have the experience or qualifications to promote from within. Do you:

  • Call a staffing firm and have them send a qualified, experienced Controller and pay a direct hire fee to hire them straight into your payroll?
  • Pay for multiple job ads, go through countless resumes, set up lengthy interviews, and conduct extensive background and reference checks so you can hire someone?

Rather than spend precious hours in the grueling hiring game, the safest, most effective answer for all of the above is A. 

Not sure how to handle your open position? Call Lofton Staffing Services to help.

About Lofton: Founded in 1979, Lofton Services offers clients the best of all worlds. We provide the responsive, personal service and flexibility of a small local firm while having the technology, resources, and infrastructure to deliver the benefits of the biggest players in our industry. Lofton Staffing can deliver the right people, with the right skills, right when you need them. Contact us today


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