Independent Banker - August 2024 - 25

Next: Keep leadership supplies on hand 
as well as the average length of
engagement for placed employees, "
she says. " By partnering with a
staffing firm that prioritizes longterm
fit and retention, you can build a
strong, loyal workforce that will drive
your bank's growth and success for
years to come. "
Kaplan says staffing firms should
perform due diligence to get to know
a bank so they can present candidates
who are the right cultural fit. " This is
especially important with executive
positions, " he says. " For example,
if a bank has a collaborative and
consensus-building culture, a CEO
candidate with a hierarchical, topdown
approach probably won't be a
good cultural fit. "
Donnelly agrees about the
importance of culture. " Banks need to
build a relationship with the search
firm, so the firm presents candidates
who are a good cultural fit and have
a real shot at filling the position, " he
says. " Otherwise, search firms are just
wasting your time. "
Clear, consistent communication
is also critical. " There should be an
agreed-upon communication cadence
in which the staffing firm provides
the bank with regular updates and
progress reports, " says Kaplan.
" Banks don't want to fall into the
communication 'black hole.' "
Industry expertise is important
Utsey recommends partnering with a
staffing agency that specializes, or at
least has extensive experience, in the
banking or financial industry.
" The firm should understand the
unique challenges, skill sets and
regulatory requirements needed
to succeed in the fast-paced, everevolving
world of the financial services
sector, " she says. " By collaborating
with a staffing partner that knows
your industry, you can ensure an
effective hiring process and maintain
" Ask for specific
examples [of] the
agency's impact on
their clients' hiring
outcomes. "
-VALERIE R. UTSEY, ICBA
a competitive edge in an increasingly
competitive environment. "
A staffing agency should also be
highly responsive, communicative
and service-oriented. " Good,
proactive service is key, " says Utsey.
When evaluating a partner, ask
pointed questions to gauge their
responsiveness and dedication to
keep you informed throughout the
process. Ask about their average
response time to calls and emails and
about who will be the lead recruiter
for your assignment.
Most importantly, find out if
the firm is willing to take time to
gain a deep understanding of your
community bank's culture and the
specifics of the role.
" Inquire about their track record
on key metrics such as types of
positions filled in your industry, the
time to fill those positions and the
average tenure of their placements, "
says Utsey. " Don't hesitate to ask for
specific examples and case studies
illustrating the agency's impact on
their clients' hiring outcomes. "
Once you have hired a staffing firm,
evaluate its performance continually
to assess whether it's meeting your
needs. For example, are you being
presented quality candidates within
the expected timeline, provided
helpful guidance and feedback, and
The three types of
staffing agencies
1
Contract agencies
recruit lower- and
mid-level positions
on a temporary or
short-term basis
2
Contingency firms
recruit mid- and
upper-level positions,
such as commercial
lenders and branch
managers
3
Retained executive
search firms recruit
C-suite positions
demonstrated an understanding of
your requirements?
" A successful staffing relationship
is a two-way street. By providing clear
guidance and feedback, you can help
your staffing partner optimize their
service and deliver the results you
need to build a winning team, " says
Utsey. " The right staffing firm will
welcome the opportunity to showcase
their value and expertise. "
Donnelly believes that hiring the
right employees is one of the biggest
factors in a community bank's
success, and staffing agencies can play
a big role in this.
" We've all got similar technology
and products, " he says. " But if you
build the right team and everybody's
pulling in the same direction, you can
make magic happen. "
Don Sadler is a writer in Georgia.
independentbanker.org // 25
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - August 2024

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