Sometimes, your business needs a quick team boost. You’d like extra people for a project without hiring full-time. One way out is staff augmentation. It’s a form of outsourcing, where you bring in experts for just what you need. But, in contrast to classic outsourcing, you keep control of your project. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of this practice and how to choose staff augmentation provider you can rely on.
What Is Staff Augmentation Exactly?
Imagine you're working on a big project and suddenly realize you need an expert in a particular field, say, a data analyst, but only for a short stretch. In this case, choosing IT staff augmentation is a smart move. You quickly get specialists who join your team to fill those specific gaps.
Let’s take a closer look at how it works. You don’t post job ads, sift through resumes, or conduct endless interviews for a full-time position. Instead, you pinpoint the skills you need and bring in an expert temporarily. This expert, sourced from a staff augmentation company, slots into your team just like any other employee. Meanwhile, no long-term commitment or overheads of full-time hiring are involved.
Of course, it's not a catch-all solution. It works best when you have a clear understanding of your project's needs and the specific expertise missing.
Benefits of Staff Augmentation
So is it time for you to find staff augmentation company? Or should you stick with classic outsourcing? If you are in two minds, let’s review the benefits of the former.
#1 Right Skills for the Job
With staff augmentation, you match your exact needs. You (or, more precisely, the provider) choose an expert who fits perfectly with the task at hand. This precision helps your project succeed because everyone's doing what they're best at.
#2 Pay for Work Done
You're only paying for the work, not for things like the benefits full-time employees normally enjoy. It's like hiring a plumber — you pay for the fix, not for the plumber to hang around just in case.
#3 Skip the Long Hiring Process
Hiring can take forever. You post a job, interview candidates, and it drags on. With staff augmentation, you skip that. You pick a professional who's ready to jump in. You get moving on your project without waiting weeks or months.
#4 You're Still in Charge
Even with extra hands, you're calling the shots. Augmented team members join your crew, following your lead. You tell them what's needed, and they get it done. This way, the project stays true to your vision.
Choosing the Best Staff Augmentation Provider
To enjoy the benefits we reviewed above, you should choose staff augmentation company that is experienced and reputable. Here are a few tips that may help.
- Know What You Need
Map out your project's requirements. What specific skills are missing in your team? Is it a temporary need or a longer-term project? Determine the level of expertise needed — junior, mid-level, or senior.
Create a detailed job description for each role. This clarity will help the augmentation company provide the right candidates and ensure you're not getting over- or under-qualified personnel.
- Do Your Homework
Look at different companies. What have they done before? Are their clients happy? You want to pick a company that's known for good work.
Plus, try to understand the industries the companies specialize in. An agency experienced in your industry will likely provide better-suited candidates.
- Talk to the People
When you're considering a provider, request to interview the specific individuals who would be joining your team. Evaluate their technical skills. Plus, assess their communication abilities and problem-solving approach. Ask for case studies or examples of previous work similar to your project.
- Check the Company Inside Out
Investigate the company's recruitment process. How do they source and vet their talent? What training do they provide? This will give you insight into the quality and reliability of the professionals they'll be sending your way. Also, check the company's financial stability and market reputation.
- Culture and Communication
Discuss the potential augmented staff's working style, communication preferences, and flexibility. Ensure they can adapt to your team's working hours, especially if they're in a different time zone. Clarify expectations regarding availability for meetings, responsiveness, and preferred communication channels.
- Clear Agreements
Last but not least, be clear about what you want and when you want it. Set deadlines for specific parts of the work, not just the end. Ensure there's an agreement on how intellectual property will be handled.
Final Thoughts
As you see, picking the right staff augmentation company can make your project shine. You get the help you need, when you need it, without the fuss of traditional hiring. Just make sure to do your homework and talk to the candidates. This way, you’ll get all the benefits without any surprises.
