A live coding or take-home assessment reviewed by an actual senior engineer, not just an HR recruiter checking keywords. For senior roles, a system design discussion that filters out people who can code but can't design. A code review of past work — GitHub history, portfolio projects, or sample code. Reference checks that are actual calls to previous clients or employers, not just LinkedIn endorsements. And for remote engagements, an English and communication screening to confirm they can explain a technical tradeoff clearly.
They can't explain their vetting process when asked directly, they send you 10+ resumes instead of 2-3 pre-screened candidates, there's no technical interview before candidates are submitted to you, or pricing seems too low for the stated experience level (usually means the "5 years experience" claim wasn't verified).
Even with a trusted partner, run your own technical interview on submitted candidates. A good staffing agency's vetting should mean your interview is a formality that confirms fit, not a process that catches major red flags they missed.
Need vetted developers who already use AI tools well? Greatex Services places pre-vetted contract engineers across the US, UK, UAE, and ANZ — onboarded in days, not weeks.
Talk to Greatex Services