How to Hire Temporary Workers for My Warehouse or Factory

In the fast-paced world of warehousing and manufacturing, the need for flexibility and adaptability is crucial. Whether it's to cover seasonal spikes, manage large projects, or fill in for permanent staff, hiring temporary workers is an effective strategy.

However, the process of bringing on temporary staff involves careful planning and execution to ensure that you get the right talent while maintaining operational efficiency. After all, if you spend too much time recruiting and hiring, you won’t be able to focus on operations.

In this blog, we show you the best way to hire temporary workers for your warehouse or factory with ease.

1. Determine your temporary worker requirements

Before you start the hiring process, it’s essential to define your needs clearly. If you skip over this step, you may end up with the wrong temporary workers or the wrong number of temporary workers — both of which can hurt your bottom line. Ask yourself the following questions before you start the recruitment and hiring process:

• What are the specific tasks and responsibilities that the temporary workers will be handling?
• How many temporary workers do we need?
• What skills and qualifications are necessary for the roles?
• What is the expected duration of their employment?

Understanding these factors will help you determine the right type of temporary workers you need and how to structure your recruitment process. Keep in mind that your needs may change as time goes on. For example, you may think you need pickers and packers but realize later that you could use another forklift operator. Just adjust your hiring strategy accordingly.

2. Clarify the job description

Once you have a clear picture of your temporary worker requirements, it’s time to create a detailed job description. Your job description is what you will share with potential candidates to pique their interest, so make sure it includes all of the important information you want to get across. The job description should include:

• Job title and key responsibilities: Outline the tasks and duties associated with the role.
• Skills and qualifications: Specify any required skills, experience, licenses, or certifications.
• Working hours and shifts: Detail the working hours, shifts, and any specific scheduling needs.
• Duration of the assignment: Indicate whether it’s a short-term or long-term temporary position.

A well-defined job description will not only attract the right candidates but also streamline the recruitment process. If your job description isn’t clear about the role, you may get candidates who don’t quite fit the bill for a temporary warehouse or factory position. This not only wastes your time, but theirs as well.

3. Choose the recruitment method for the best results

How will you get the attention of qualified candidates so you can share your job description and get them excited about the role? There are several methods to find temporary warehouse and factory workers, each with its advantages:

• Recruitment agencies: Specialized recruitment agencies like Noble Human Resources Solutions can handle the entire hiring process for you. We have a pool of pre-screened candidates and can quickly match you with workers who meet your requirements. In fact, we can hire as quickly as the next day, so there is no lag in your production.

• Online job boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor allow you to post job listings and attract candidates directly. This method gives you control over the selection process but requires more time for screening and interviews. Because you’re dealing with a wider pool of candidates, you may have many applications that aren’t right for the role.

• Industry-specific platforms: Some platforms specialize in temporary staffing for warehouse and factory roles. These platforms can connect you with workers who have relevant experience in your industry. However, many of these platforms have high fees for employers.

• Local networks and referrals: Leverage your local community and professional networks. Often, word-of-mouth recommendations can lead you to reliable and experienced temporary workers. Keep in mind that this recruitment method can be slow, often taking months to find the right hire.

4. Screen and interview candidates

Once you have a pool of candidates, the next step is to screen and interview them. If you work with a recruitment agency like Noble Human Resources Solutions, we take care of the entire process for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing. However, if you want to recruit and hire temporary workers for your warehouse or factory on your own, here’s how to approach this:

• Resume review: Examine resumes for relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

• Initial screening: Conduct a phone or video screening to assess the candidate’s suitability and availability.

• In-person interviews: For more critical roles, an in-person interview can provide insights into the candidate’s reliability and fit for your team.

• Skills assessment: Consider conducting practical tests or assessments to evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the required tasks.

During the interview process, focus on finding candidates who not only have the right skills but also align with your company’s culture and values. Make sure that the temporary workers can work the shifts you require and are available for the entire duration of the job opening.

Let us hire your temporary workers for you

Hiring temporary workers for your warehouse or factory can provide the flexibility you need to meet fluctuating demands and manage peak periods effectively. We can help you by assessing your needs, defining clear job descriptions, choosing the right recruitment method, and managing temporary staff effectively, so you can ensure a smooth and efficient hiring process.

Get in touch with Noble Human Resources Solutions today. Fill out the Employer Contact Form and tell us how many roles you’re looking to fill. Our HR specialists will get in touch with you right away to start the recruitment process.