@Tiffany Home & Accessories shot by Grant Cornett
Staffing remains one of the biggest challenges for any organization trying to expand overseas. First, of all there’s the challenge that comes with not knowing the local business and job market. There are also some cultural differences that you have to deal with.
Unless you have boots on the ground before you move in, you’ll run into roadblocks very quickly and could eventually find yourself in legal trouble. The solution here is to work with a competent overseas staffing agency. But what makes a particular agency a good fit? Here are some things you’ll have to consider first.
Make Sure They’re Legitimate
The very first thing you have to do is make sure that they’re legitimate. Make sure that you check the credentials in any market you were thinking of getting in. Check public records to see when the company in question was established and if they had any cases against them. Check their address and see if it’s consistent. Look for relevant registration in their jurisdiction, and look for references and reviews from past clients.
Look at the Scope of Service
If you’re moving into a difficult market with a complex regulatory framework, chances are you’ll need a lot of assistance. This is why it’s usually a good idea to keep everything in-house and work with an agency that has a large scope of service.
This is especially important if you were thinking of moving somewhere like China. However, you can work with an agency like New Horizons that will handle things like legal services, immigration and visa issues, office rentals, and payroll, all while acting as a China employer of record. They can also handle things like recruitment, labor contract management, and more. If you want to learn more about this firm and what they have to offer, you can find out more here.
@montegrappa
Go for a Specialist Team
You also have the option of going for a super specialized team if you feel you need it. Continuing with China as an example, a China Recruitment Agency might be able to help if you have very specific needs. They might be able to help if you’re looking to hire from a large pool of international applicants or if you’re looking for an executive.
Relational or Transactional?
Different firms will have different approaches. Some will see each job as a transaction and they’ll focus on finding the right people you need fast. This might be a good option if you mainly need unskilled laborers and you don’t expect your recruitment needs to go much beyond that.
On the other hand, you have firms that are more relational in their approach. These are the ones who will try to immerse themselves in your company’s culture. They are important for firms that are very conscious about their brand and brand voice and want it to be consistent with their client-facing staff. They’re also important for those who want to hire at all levels of the organization, but make sure that the people who are hired are a good fit with the company’s ethos.
These are some of the things you’ll have to keep in mind when looking for a staffing team overseas. No matter the case, always make sure that you start by verifying their credentials, and pick a team that fits with your objectives and vision.
@bang & olufsen
