Sector information: employment agency

There are several types of staffing agencies that specialize in connecting employers and employees for temporary and flexible workers. Here are some common types of staffing agencies:

• General staffing agency: This is the most common type of staffing agency that serves a wide range of industries and functions. They offer workers for various industries such as administration, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing and retail.
• Industry-specific staffing agency: These agencies specialize in providing labor for a specific sector or industry. Examples include employment agencies focused on the medical, technical, financial or IT sectors.
• High-level staffing agency: This type of staffing agency focuses on staffing highly skilled professionals for senior management positions, executives and specialized positions. They often work with experienced professionals who are temporarily available for projects or interim management.
• Student Employment Agencies: Student employment agencies focus on connecting employers with students looking for flexible work while studying. They often offer jobs such as promotional work, hospitality, administrative support and event work.
• Technical staffing agency: These agencies provide skilled technical workers for industries such as engineering, construction, electrical and technical maintenance. For example, they mediate welders, electricians, mechanics and technicians.
• Creative staffing agency: Creative staffing agencies focus on staffing workers in the creative industry, such as graphic designers, copywriters, artists, photographers and marketers.
• Multinational staffing agency: These agencies have a global reach and offer international recruitment and staffing services. They help employers find workers for international projects and support international workers in finding temporary work in different countries.
• Online staffing agency: Online staffing agencies typically operate through digital platforms and offer a wide range of temporary jobs and assignments. They use technology to connect employers and employees through online profiles, matching algorithms and mobile apps.

Factors to consider when buying a staffing agency

If you are considering buying a temp agency, there are several important aspects to consider. Here are some points to consider:

• Licenses and permits: Verify that the staffing agency meets all legal requirements and licenses needed to operate as a staffing agency. This includes required employment licenses, registrations with relevant government agencies and compliance with labor laws and regulations.
• Client base and relationships: Research the temp agency's existing customer base. How large is the client base and how loyal are they? Look at the diversity of clients, such as large businesses, SMEs and industry-specific clients. This can be valuable in assessing the stability and growth potential of the staffing agency.
• Service offerings and specialization: Analyze the agency's current service offerings. What types of workers do they offer and what industries do they serve? Consider whether the service offerings are diverse enough to meet the needs of different clients. Also consider possible expansion opportunities of the service offerings.
• Workforce: Examine the current workforce of the staffing agency. Are there enough qualified and experienced employees, such as recruiters and HR professionals? Note the expertise and skills of the team, as well as the continuity of the staff after the acquisition.
• Technology and automation: Check the technology and automation used by the staffing agency. Do they have appropriate software for workforce management, applicant tracking, time tracking and billing? Make sure the agency's technology infrastructure meets current and future needs.
• Competition and market position: Examine the competition in the staffing industry and the agency's market position. How does the agency differentiate itself from other staffing agencies? Look at their unique selling propositions, competitive advantage, reputation in the market, and any niche specializations.