Talent Center vs Talent Auction Sites

Talent Auctions are a way for job seekers to find jobs and for employers to fill job openings. Auctions allow candidates to submit their job criteria, credentials and desired hiring price by filling out a standardized form online. They then enter the cue of available talent to be bid upon by employers. The downside to Talent Auctions is that there is no screening or qualification process prior to the employer hiring the applicant.

An application typically remains active on an auction site for about a week, although this varies from site to site. Employers, recruiters and HR professionals bid on an applicant until an offer is made. The contract usually goes to the applicant with the lowest asking fee. Once employers have acquired the talent, they pay a fee to the website hosting the auction. This fee is dependent on the final worth of the contract.

The very advantage auctions offer can work against an employer. The primary drawback is that the buyer cannot be certain the candidate is presenting their qualifications truthfully and accurately and there is no time for verification. Without proper screening methods, employers can wind up with a mismatch and have to begin the search process all over again. If, for any reason, the auctionee does not possess the skills presented at the time of auction, the employer has no recourse to either recoup monies already paid out or to quickly find someone else with the correct skills.

Internet job boards remain by far the favored online recruiting method. They provide candidates in a much more controlled environment. When using a staffing agency, if the placement of an applicant does not work out for any reason, the employer would typically be provided with a replacement immediately at no cost.

The staffing agency provides the ability to streamline the hiring process and minimize risk by providing services auctions don't.

The Staffing Agency Expertise:

• Pre-screen candidates and conduct reference checks with former employers
• Provide skills testing and training to upgrade skill base
• Conduct behavioral interviews
• Obtain copies of technical certificates, diplomas and other required documents
• Find matches for unique skill sets required by employers
• Manage payroll, withholding taxes and other traditional HR related paperwork
• Facilitate temp to perm arrangements