Visit your client's site

It can be easily turned into a waste of time if you don't have the "right" frame of reference, when you visit a client's facility.  You want to see the actual work location for the people that you are putting on contract there, or in filling permanent jobs.

This week I had the chance to visit a large facility of a new program I just picked up.  I have worked with this particular federal agency before, but in a different location.  I am able to get a better understanding of the parking, security, work locations and even the lunch facilities.

With this information, you can make better choices which candidates are best fits.  Remember, this just isn't a technical issue, it can be a physical one too.  How far is the walk from the parking lot?  Is there a parking lot? Stairs? etc.  Because of disability laws you can't discriminate but you better let you candidates know the situation, because THEY may not be interested.  You don't want to get all the way to a first day start and find out that because of a "old football injury", you candidate refuses to walk a mile from the parking lot. 

This kind of knowledge is also useful in "selling" to a candidate.  How's the feel of the place?  Is it a modern building or a rehabbed manufacturing factory?  What lunch places are there close?

Information is always valuable and don't short change yourself when something as simple and easy as an office visit can help you beat the competition that didn't have the time.