Veritude Helps Companies Execute Cost Effective IT Staffing Strategies for Successful IT Project Development

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - October 14, 2008) - Assembling the right IT project team can be a challenge, further compounded when an organization is managing across multiple locations. Many organizations are struggling to identify the right talent to fill highly specialized technical and professional positions while staying within a given project timeline and meeting budget guidelines. However, according to a new white paper released today by Veritude, a staffing services provider, by taking a creative and cost-conscious approach to assembling an IT project team, businesses can reduce both costs and staffing challenges.

Veritude's white paper explores: Is it more cost effective to staff a project in one location or does it make sense to tap talent around the country to build a productive team? Entitled, "Staffing an IT Project? Five Steps for Savvy Sourcing and Recruiting," the white paper identifies five key components and processes to help organizations execute a staffing strategy specifically for project development.

"Successful IT projects are contingent on having the right people on the team to get the job done," said Jim McCoy, senior vice president, Veritude. "This is particularly critical in IT hiring, where finding the right blend of skills at the right price point is essential. As a result, many organizations struggle to implement a cost effective sourcing and recruiting strategy."

Developing a strategy for successful project development starts with a full review of internal talent, including workers in other divisions or other geographical locations. Once internal resources have been identified, HR and hiring managers can ascertain gaps and determine the best way to fill those roles to meet business needs.

McCoy noted, "It is best to consider all sources of labor, especially when creating an IT project team. At Veritude, we encourage organizations to think creatively about where to source talent. In fact, for those organizations that need to look externally, talent pools such as recent graduates or retirees who dabble in consulting can be great resources at an affordable price."

Developing a rate card is another important component in the process. Since different skill sets are more readily available in different locations and the price for and availability of quality talent varies even within the U.S., Veritude encourages organizations to develop a rate card to forecast pay rates within the development team. McCoy added, "Having a location-based rate card helps an organization determine the most cost-advantageous approach to staffing a team that meets business goals. For example, it might make sense to hire a project manager in Boston yet have the application development team in Raleigh."

After rate cards have been established, Veritude recommends developing a project timeline that illustrates the tasks and types of positions required throughout the project. This "blueprint" is a valuable tool that helps HR and hiring managers identify the resources that are needed at various stages of the project. With the rate cards and timeline in place, HR and hiring managers have the information that they need to help them compare costs and determine where to locate a team.

McCoy said, "Thinking creatively about where to find staff to build an IT team can result in substantial savings. Unlike other projects, IT teams can be spread across the country and still work as a cohesive unit completing assignments on-time and on-budget."

Executing a savvy staffing strategy and taking into consideration the key components and processes outlined in Veritude's white paper will help ensure that work continues moving to keep pace with business demands. Whether a project is staffed from one location or the project is staffed with a mix of employees in different regions, organizations must take a cost-conscious and creative approach to recruiting and staffing.

Engaging a staffing firm that understands the nuances of the competitive landscape in local markets is one way organizations are able find the right talent. Staffing firms help clients achieve their business goals through a variety of services that enable organizations to reduce administrative burdens, lower labor costs, improve the consistency and quality of staff and enhance productivity.

To download a copy of Veritude's white paper, "Staffing an IT Project? Five Steps for Savvy Sourcing and Recruiting," visit www.veritude.com.

About Veritude

Veritude offers a full suite of temporary and permanent staffing services. It partners with a wide range of clients in a variety of industries to develop and deliver workforce solutions that adapt to changing business and demographic realities. Veritude's unrelenting commitment to outstanding customer support and candidate quality offers competitive advantages to clients and rewarding career opportunities to associates. Visit www.veritude.com or call 1-800-597-5537 for more information.