Staffing firms should better understand clients’ businesses and develop longer-term career path with candidates, according to TechServe Alliance’s new study, “IT & Engineering Staffing Firms, Clients & Candidates: A 360-Degree Perspective.” The report examined opportunities and challenges in the IT and engineering staffing industry from the perspectives of clients, candidates and staffing firms.

Findings include:

Value trumps cost: Businesses look to IT and engineering staffing firms for the value they deliver, not simply cost savings. Forty-two percent of clients believe costs associated with utilizing a staffing firm are less then hiring a full-time resource directly, and 23 percent believe the cost is the same.

Knowledge of the client’s industry is critical: The right skill match is the primary factor in placement success. However, clients rank “knowledge of their industry” as second in importance to ensuring a successful placement.

Work together to improve VMO/VMS programs: The 60 percent of clients that funnel staffing requirements through VMO/VMS tools expressed disappointment in three primary areas: Less understanding of their requirements than working directly with staffing firm; takes too long to fill a position; and process or rate restrictions limit access to top talent.

Support onboarding process: The number one pain point for companies working with IT and engineering consultants is the time it takes to get new talent up to speed. Staffing firms need to continue working with the client and the candidate after the hiring decision is made to ensure an effective onboarding process.

Act fast: There is strong demand for IT and engineering professionals. Eighty-four percent found their latest position in three months or less and about 32 percent landed their position in two weeks.

What candidates want:

•  Greater stability
•  Speed of placement 
•  Better-quality opportunities
•  Access to exciting work

TechServe Alliance is a collaboration of IT staffing firms, solutions firms, clients, consultants and suppliers.

Inavero conducted the online study on behalf of TechServe Alliance between June 11 and Oct. 4, 2012. It included 96 IT and engineering staffing firm leaders; 274 clients; and 377 job candidates/consultants.