Contingents appear more satisfied with staffing firms this year than last, according to research by staffing software provider Bullhorn. Its survey of more than 1,000 contingent workers globally found that 68% would work with their staffing firms again — up from 57% last year. However, staffing firms can do more to keep contingents loyal.

A smooth recruitment experience would increase contingents’ likelihood of working with a staffing firm again by about 50%, according to Bullhorn’s research. Here’s a breakdown of impact by recruitment function, if it were a smooth experience:

• Job search, 27% increase
• Interview process, 44% increase
• Filling out forms, 57% increase
• Job fit, 48% increase
• Logging and submitting time, 35% increase

Prompt communication is important. The research found 73% of contingents are more likely to keep working with a staffing firm if their recruiter communicated promptly. In terms of frequency, 60% of candidates expect to hear from their recruiter at least once a week; if this is the case, 84% of candidates would work with them again. And email is the preferred communication channel, with 44% of candidates listing it as their top choice.

Another key to contingents’ loyalty: accuracy. The research found 31% of contingents said they chose a staffing firm because it had access to the jobs they wanted. And there was a 48% increase in willingness to work with a firm again if its recruiter found jobs that were a good fit.

Speed is also a factor. Nearly three-quarters of candidates, 72%, said they want to be placed in a job within four weeks of first contact with a staffing firm, and 22% hoped to be placed within a week. On the flip side, 62% stopped working with a staffing firm because the process took too long or they found another job before the firm was able to complete the process.

However, the study noted, given the growing reliance on contingent labor by employees and a persistent talent shortage, it’s become more important for staffing firms to exceed candidates’ expectations to secure their willingness to work with the firm again.

“As staffing firms strive to retain business and improve their margins, it’s more important than ever to cultivate a loyal community of satisfied talent,” Andre Mileti, product evangelist, talent experience at Bullhorn, said in a press release.

“The firms that succeed in this climate will be those that can place candidates in the right jobs quickly, while offering a convenient, consumer-grade experience,” Mileti said. “And the recruiters who will be able to do this best are those who have the right talent-facing technologies accompanying their efforts.”