Staffing agencies: quick fix or long-term solution: don't panic. Help is at your fingertips.

• Author: Sergeant, Deborah Jeanne

It's 7:32 a.m. and your receptionist hasn't shown up. Finally, five minutes before the office opens, she calls in sick. What can you do?

Many Alaska employers call a temporary agency to bridge the gap during both unexpected and expected absences. Saving time and money and sustaining morale, temp agencies can make managing human resources a little easier.

Some employers rely upon temp agencies to help them fill a longterm position as well. Temp agencies also help increase the labor pool more quickly by helping newcomers to the state get working right away. Here's how temp agencies operate.

As an employer, it only makes sense to tell the agency you use everything you can to make their search for qualified applicants more successful.

"We really go in and know who our employers are," said Anne Bulmer, co-owner of Alaska Executive Search in Anchorage. "We make them tell us what they're looking for and if they have problems or issues with that position."

Alaska Executive Search has been in business for 30 years and typically has about 125 individuals working in temporary assignments daily in 110 different offices.

A THOROUGH CHECK

Employment agencies also check out the applicants who come to their offices seeking work. Depending upon the position, background checks can include employment history, credit, references, criminal and driving record, educational achievements and licensure.

Thorough background checks earmark a good temp agency. "We have a reputation of sending people who are qualified," said Bob Bulmer, coowner of Alaska Executive Search. "We don't throw a lot of resumes at our clients."

Most employment agencies evaluate applicants' skills and personality to decide if any of their clients' needs may be met. For most agencies, all applicants must complete a basic test to assess their reading, writing and comprehension skills. Depending upon their desired employment, other tests may be required, such as data entry, using specific software or filing.

Many employment agencies work with the same temps over and over, which helps ensure quality staff. "We have a performance track record; employers may not get that going to the Internet (to find employees)," said Bill Zavatchin, vice president of marketing for SOS Staffing, which owns Adams & Associates in Anchorage.

Whether it's for a temporary position or a long-term employment, screening helps ensure that your new staffer will represent your company well. Remember, people unfamiliar with...