Hiring Engineers in Today’s Market

Posted on 22nd April 202622nd April 2026

Hiring engineers right now isn’t just competitive—it’s exhausting. Between skill shortages, evolving tech stacks, and candidates fielding multiple offers at once, even strong internal teams can struggle to keep up. That’s exactly where a specialized partner can make all the difference.

At Preferred Staffing & Recruiting, we help companies cut through the noise and connect with the right engineering talent—faster, smarter, and with far less stress. Here’s why working with us isn’t just helpful—it’s a strategic advantage.

You Gain Immediate Access to Hard-to-Reach Talent

The best engineers aren’t scrolling job boards all day. They’re working, building, and often only open to opportunities that come through trusted relationships.

We spend every day building and maintaining those relationships. Our network includes both active and passive candidates—people you simply won’t reach through traditional postings. When you partner with us, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re tapping into a pipeline that’s already been cultivated.

You Reduce Costly Hiring Mistakes

A bad hire is expensive—not just financially, but in lost time, team disruption, and delayed projects.

Our process is designed to minimize that risk. We go beyond resumes to evaluate long-term fit, motivation, and alignment with your team’s goals. The result? Better hires who stick—and contribute.

You Gain a True Hiring Partner

We don’t just fill roles—we collaborate with you to understand your business, your team culture, and your long-term goals. That partnership approach means we’re aligned with your success, not just a transaction.

Hiring engineers today requires more than job postings and hope. It requires access, insight, and speed. Preferred Staffing & Recruiting brings all three—helping you build the kind of engineering team that drives real results. If you’re ready to stop chasing candidates and start hiring strategically, we’re here to help.

Five Things to Know Before You Hire an Executive Recruiter

Posted on 5th September 20255th September 2025

Hiring an executive recruiter can be one of the smartest moves a company makes when searching for top leadership talent. The right recruiter can save you time, open doors to hard-to-reach candidates, and ensure you find leaders who align with your organization’s goals and culture. However, not all recruiters work the same way, and it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before signing a contract. Here are the key things you should know:

Ask About Industry Expertise

Not all recruiters specialize in the same fields. Some have deep knowledge of technology, finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, while others operate more broadly. An executive recruiter with proven experience in your industry will better understand the nuances of leadership skills, market dynamics, and the type of talent that thrives in your environment.

Clarify the Fee Structure and Guarantee

Recruiters typically charge between 20%–35% of the candidate’s first-year compensation. Before hiring, make sure you understand what’s included in that fee and whether the recruiter offers a replacement guarantee if the hire doesn’t work out within a certain timeframe.

Evaluate Their Search Process

A quality recruiter does more than send résumés. Ask about their sourcing strategies, assessment tools, and how they evaluate cultural fit. Strong recruiters will spend time learning about your company’s values, leadership style, and long-term goals to ensure the candidate is the right match beyond technical qualifications.

Get References

Just like you would with a candidate, check a recruiter’s track record. Ask for client references or examples of past successful placements. Speaking with other businesses that have worked with them can give you valuable insight into their effectiveness and style.

Chemistry Matters

Finally, remember that this is a partnership. You’ll be working closely with the recruiter, and trust is essential. Make sure their communication style, responsiveness, and approach align with how you like to work.

Hiring an executive recruiter is an investment. The right partner can help secure leadership that transforms your organization. Call our recruiters today at 617.723.1919 to find out if PS&R is the right fit for you!

Why Your Company Should Implement Gamification

Posted on 16th May 202318th May 2023

The concept of Gamification has been around for a while, but many companies still have not implemented the idea. If you need to ramp up employee motivation in your office and are not yet familiar with gamification practices, this article is for you!

What is Gamification?
Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is gamification? Gamification is the introduction of game play into business processes, with the intent to increase engagement and productivity from employees. The same concepts that draw people to physical games such as soccer and baseball, and thinking games like chess and Minecraft, can excite employees to participate more in the workplace.

Examples of Gamification
Here are a few ways you can introduce the concept of gamification into your workplace:
• Use points-based trivia and quizzes as part of employee training. This can help to better engage your employees with the material and give them ideas for possible areas of improvement.
• Unexpected, on the spot rewards can add excitement to the workplace and give an often-unnoticed employee a boost of confidence.
• Goal tracking software that measures employee’s productivity with a progress bar is a great way to instill a sense of progress while also providing some healthy office competition.
• Everyone loves a special event or trip, so try a qualification-based event for employees to strive for. The higher the stakes, the harder your people will work to earn that prize!

Why use Gamification?
Gamification is a great tactic for creating a learning culture within your company. It will spice up company-wide training, help uncover knowledge gaps, and create effective onboarding processes. Gamification allows for greater collaboration and feedback loops in a fun environment. Implementing gamification in your workplace can help retain employees that are valuable to the company.

PS&R is happy to help you find the right people to add to your team. Call 617.723.1919 or email kathy@psandr.com.

Why Work With PS&R?

Posted on 8th March 20238th March 2023

There are so many staffing and recruiting agencies in the Boston area, so why work with PS&R? Three major themes set Preferred Staffing & Recruiting apart from other recruitment agencies to make us the obvious choice: Trust, Experience and Action.

Trust
Kathy Orcutt, founder and president of PS&R, is hands on with each and every client and candidate. Her professionalism coupled with her phenomenal listening skills put people at ease, confident in the knowledge that she is truly working for them.

Experience
PS&R was originally established in 1984. Now, with over thirty years of experience, we continue to provide top quality staffing services to companies and institutions in the Greater Boston area and beyond. Kathy’s team has placed temporary and direct hire candidates across all industries. Here is a sample of the job placements we specialize in:

Executive Placements
• Director of Operations
• CEO’s
• VP of Business and Strategic Partnerships
• SVP of Product
• VP of Product
• Director of Facilities

Engineering Placements
• Application Engineers
• Sales Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Director of Manufacturing
• Electrical Engineers
• Senior Process Engineers
• Engineering Managers
• Manufacturing Technicians

Finance/Accounting Placements
• Controllers
• Senior Accountants
• Staff Accountants
• Bookkeepers
• Payroll Managers
• Accounting Assistants

Office Support
• Executive Administrative Assistants
• Personal Assistants
• Administrative Assistants
• Office Managers
• Receptionists

Action
It’s one thing to say you can place the right candidate but executing it is a whole different story! Our PS&R team succeeds because we treat every job opening as a new challenge, and we work tirelessly until the perfect match is found. We get back to our clients and candidates promptly with communication, so you know we are always at work helping you in your employment search.

Come and learn why Preferred Staffing & Recruiting’s collaborative and consultative approach makes us the best staffing agency in the greater Boston area and the perfect fit for you. Visit us at andrewf318.sg-host.com or call Kathy today at 617.723.1919.

Is Now The Right Time To Consider Temporary Employment?

Posted on 18th November 202118th November 2021

You’ve been searching and searching, but after months you still haven’t landed that perfect job. You might not have considered it yet, but temporary employment has many benefits, especially in our current job market. PS&R knows that temporary employment is often a great bridge to a permanent position. Read on for help determining if a temp gig might be the right move for you.

You need to find work quickly. If you’ve been unemployed for a while and need to find a job fast, a temporary role may be your best option. Typically, employers look to contract workers when there is an immediate need; so the hiring process moves more quickly. If your top priority is a paycheck, applying for a temp position could be a great idea.

You aren’t certain where your career is going. If your career goals are unclear, or you are thinking of switching industries, temporary roles are a great way to test the water. Most temp jobs have a set assignment end date, so you’ll know how long you’ll be committed and when you can start the next position. It’s also a great opportunity to try out a new role or even a brand-new industry.

You need more time. It is unlikely that you will be taking temporary work home with you at night, and some temp assignments are part-time. This should give you ample free time to continue your search for a direct placement, ensuring you don’t lose important momentum.

PS&R has been assisting Boston area employers and candidates find the right fit for over thirty years. Whether you are looking for a temporary role or direct placement; we’re here to help. Contact us at 617.723.1919 or visit our website at andrewf318.sg-host.com.

Tips for Improving Employee Retention

Posted on 25th June 202125th June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of workers to rethink their present employment situation. Not surprisingly, those who are choosing to find a new opportunity are ultimately searching for a more meaningful and fulfilling job. They are also looking for employers that care about their personal well-being. PS&R has come up with some strategies to help you with employee retention.

Recognize milestones to promote teamwork. All employees deserve to be recognized, not just your very top performers. Celebrating team milestones is a great way to make everyone feel included and valued.

Start employees on the right foot. This means thorough onboarding and an orientation process that introduces the new hire to company culture. Also inform them on feedback loops, timing and process of reviews and other communication touchpoints – this will show them you truly care about their future success with the organization.

Make wellness a priority. The pandemic has prompted many employers to increase their wellness offerings to employees, and for good reason. Employees are putting a greater focus on their work-life balance and their overall physical and emotional health. This means employers also must make it a priority if they plan to retain workers. Consider additional live and virtual wellness offerings, flex work schedules, and increased training and mentoring programs.

It’s easy to avoid the cascading fallout after the loss of an MVP if you use the tips above. If your employees know you’re there for them, they will be there for your company. When your organization is looking to make the next great hire, PS&R can help. Call us at 617.723.1919 to learn more.

Get The Most Out Of Your Staffing Agency

Posted on 25th February 202125th February 2021

If you only call your staffing firm when you have a specific job to fill, you are likely not using them to their full potential. Here are some ways to take advantage of everything your recruiting firm can offer you:

Increase your access to talent. We use a wide range of sites and tools to track down both active and passive candidates. Working closely with a staffing agency can give you access to candidates you otherwise wouldn’t know about.
Stay connected. Maintain regular contact with your executive recruiting firm so that they keep you top of mind. Touching base often and reminding them of the type of candidate you typically look to hire will make it more likely they will think of you when a talented candidate is uncovered.
Learn about trends. Your staffing firm knows the ins and outs of the current local hiring market. Why do the hard work yourself when you have a great partner who’s already done it for you?

Preferred Staffing & Recruiting’s collaborative and consultative approach makes us the best staffing agency in the greater Boston area and the perfect fit for you. Visit us at andrewf318.sg-host.com or call Kathy Orcutt today at 617.723.1919.

Tips for Helping WFH Parents Succeed

Posted on 29th October 202029th October 2020

Parents currently working from home while their kids are remote learning are in a uniquely difficult situation, especially if both parents hold a full-time job. There are many steps employers can take to show these workers that they care, and that they are willing to help them succeed. Below are just a few ideas companies might keep in mind to make sure they retain these parents and help them avoid burn out.

Allow for Flexibility. Be sure to empathize with the challenges that these employees are currently facing. While these parents are likely reaping the benefits of no longer commuting to work, they are also facing new challenges to their work-life balance. Offer flexible scheduling or windowed work if possible. If needed, be prepared to spread the workload by bringing in interim staff. You should also consider what post-pandemic flexibility might look like. These employees may be incented by the idea that after their children return to school, they will still have options to work from home and have a more manageable schedule.

Provide Resources. Studies have shown that working moms are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to NPR, 865,000 women left the workforce in the month of September. Employers should help these employees understand that they are not alone in their struggle. Providing a platform for parents to connect with other parents at the company would be a great way to show that you care. Consider creating a spot on your company website to offer parents information on childcare options, children’s’ activities and field trips, recipes, stress relief and other helpful websites or webinars.

Communicate. It’s easy for remote employees to feel isolated from the company, especially when you add in the stress of managing a child’s at home learning. This is the time to overly communicate with your employees. Be sure to celebrate accomplishments and big wins. Schedule team-building events over zoom to keep up camaraderie and make everyone feel like they are part of the team.

Are you looking to add to your team? Let PS&R help you find your next great hire. Call 617.723.1919 to start working with one of our experienced executive recruiters.

Remote Job Interview Questions You Should Master

Posted on 27th August 202027th August 2020

Not ready to return to a traditional office setting? You are not alone. As many companies are operating with all remote employees, work from home opportunities are more readily available than before. But employers are still looking for a candidate that is the “right fit”, and that now means someone who has the habits and qualities of a self-motivator. PS&R has put together some questions for you to review and consider before you interview for that remote position. Think about how you will communicate the way you work and what you do to stay productive.

How do you balance your work and personal life when working from home?

It can be hard to prioritize your own physical health and mental health, along with family time, when there is no separation between work and home. Think about how you will structure your day and how you will make time for yourself.

What does your “at home” workspace look like to make you successful?

If you have a home office, think about what equipment you will need to be comfortable and effective. This could mean a standing desk, a larger monitor, or special headphones.

How do you prioritize tasks throughout the day?

Working remotely can put you in a more fast-paced environment than you are accustomed to. Think about how you will prioritize calls/meetings and tasks throughout the day. It’s important for your potential employer to know you have a handle on this.

What concerns you about working remotely?

If you are asked about your concerns with working remotely, your potential employer is looking to see if you are aware of your weaknesses and how you might work to improve in these areas.

When interviewing for a remote position, it’s important that you have thought through your strategy for working effectively, avoiding burnout, and operating as part of a team. Clearly communicate your approach and you are one step closer to your next opportunity!

If you are looking for a work from home job or if you are an employer looking to fill remote positions, PS&R is here to help! Our experienced executive recruiting team can be reached at 617.723.1919.

Four Tips for Hiring a Stand-Out Administrative Assistant

Posted on 16th July 202016th July 2020

Administrative assistants are often considered the backbone of an organization. The most successful admins are trained and can execute a wide variety of tasks. The following tips will help you hire an administrative assistant who can make your company stronger:

Make a clear list of job expectations. You don’t know who you’re looking for until you know what qualities a successful candidate will need. Make an exhaustive list of responsibilities and from that, determine a list of skills and experiences that are required for the role. Now you can use that list to compose a well-written and compelling job description. It’s also important to understand salary trends and make sure that the scope of the role matches the range of salary you are willing to offer a candidate.
Let people know you’re searching. There are a lot of hard working, experienced executive assistants out there, and alerting your network that you are looking might uncover talent you wouldn’t have otherwise found.
Pay attention to certain details. When reviewing candidates, notice instances when they have gone above and beyond in past roles. Pay attention to the candidates that have shown an effort to better themselves through training or participation in industry organizations. These are good signs that they are highly motivated professionals.
Partner with a Staffing Agency. Preferred Staffing & Recruiting has been helping clients find great people for over thirty years. Our experienced staff is particularly skilled at finding qualified administrative assistants, from entry to executive level. We’d love the opportunity to work with you!

Contact PS&R today by calling 617.723.1919 or visit us at andrewf318.sg-host.com!