Sales growth/net new accounts, account penetration and sourcing candidates ranked as the top three challenges facing staffing executives in a new ClearEdge survey of 55 staffing executives. When asked to choose just one primary concern, “sourcing candidates” was the answer executives gave most.

Staffing executives were asked, “Please provide your top three pain points from the list provided.” Responses include:

• Sales growth/net new accounts: 63%
• Account penetration: 53%
• Sourcing candidates: 53%
• Internal hiring: 44%
• Ramp-up time: 36%
• Engaging consultants/contractors: 13%
• Leadership and company culture: 9%
• Retention: 7%
• Employment branding: 4%

“Another challenge that I often see that impacts each of these areas is accountability,” said Tom Nunn, strategic consultant to the staffing Industry and member of the TechServe Alliance board of directors. “Firms often give themselves a ‘C ‘in accountability. People think it’s very hard to hold people accountable. You can coach people and hold them accountable in a positive manner, you don’t need to scream. What are you doing for positive or negative reinforcement right now?”

And when asked to provide their top two candidate sources, responses included:

• Referrals: 60%
• Job boards: 58%
• LinkedIn: 55%
• Passive sourcing: 13%
• My own website: 9%
• Social media: 4%