How to Start a Home Placement Services Agency

Starting your own home placement services agency can be very challenging. However, with unemployment on the rise it makes sense to consider a work-at-home business that will be profitable for you and provide quality work assignments to those in need. This type of home-based business requires dedication, diligence and the ability to work well with others.  

• Select your target market(s). Decide what market you will structure your business around. If you want to focus on administrative jobs, you should focus building your client base around clerical positions and office management. Computer markets can range anywhere from IT positions to engineering and software jobs. 


• Create a business plan. Build a budget and business plan that will include all of your expenditures for a minimum of one year. You will need to include the cost of renting or purchasing office equipment as well as payroll. Your proposal should be financially sound. Register the new company name and verify licensing requirements. 


• Set up your home office. Design your office in a manner that is welcoming and inviting. You should have a prepared area for consultations and a separate area as your own individual workspace. 


• Learn client recruitment procedures. Take advantage of social media sites to contact local businesses and explain that you are opening your own placement service. You can also send formal letters with your business letterhead to them or place flyers in select, high traffic locations. Explain what services you will offer that will be beneficial to the their specific needs. Many companies also prefer to outsource their screening and interviews to specialized placement agencies. For large companies, it saves money because these two steps are the longest and most costly. 


• Research employee recruitment procedures. Compete with other agencies by employing the best and most skilled workers. Social media, Internet posts and newspaper advertising will keep your costs low.  Also, take advantage of your friends and family. Tell everyone that you are looking for quality employees to match quality jobs. You may find some of your first employees will be someone you know. 


• Meet with an attorney. Contracts, documents, employee handbook's and other policies should be done with your selected attorney.  


• Build a filing system. Add new clients and employees, and maintain their information with a computerized filing system that can be recalled instantly. Paper files will always be a necessity, but try to keep them to a minimum. Contracts and employee personnel paperwork that is considered confidential should be kept in a locked file cabinet. 


• Keep building your business.  Acknowledge and appreciate your current client base but never forget to keep a steady stream of clients, employees and work coming in. If your business is to become successful, you must constantly remind people that you are always there to assist them with their employment needs.