Most staffing surprises come from things nobody asked about: conversion fees, minimum hours, overtime billing and who is responsible for what. Take these questions to every engineering staffing firm you call, write the answers side by side, and get the important ones in writing.
Typical timing (rule of thumb): often weeks for specialists.
The Questions
- What is the bill rate, and how much of it reaches the worker as pay?
- Who handles payroll, payroll taxes, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance?
- What is the conversion fee if we hire the worker directly, and when does it drop to zero?
- What is the replacement guarantee if someone does not work out?
- How do you verify licenses and certifications such as a PE?
- Do you carry professional liability insurance for this work?
- Have you placed people in our exact industry?
- Can your contractors get site or security clearance access?
- Who pays for travel and per diem?
Advertisement
Tips
- Verify engineering licenses with the state board yourself.
- Spell out travel, per diem and overtime rules in the quote.
- Ask for examples of similar placements, without confidential names.
Before You Sign
- Check the rate, start date, job duties and work location in the agreement.
- Read the conversion, cancellation and overtime terms.
- Agree who trains, who supervises and who reports injuries.
- Keep the signed copy where your payroll or HR person can find it.