Flexible Search Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
Choose from our Contingent, Retingency, or Retained models to secure your next elite leader.
Recruitment Solutions That Deliver Results
Contingency Search
Strategic Partnerships with Zero Upfront Cost
A contingency search allows you to utilize our professional search firm with no out-of-pocket expenses until a candidate is hired and starts. Our contingency group takes a focused approach, directly sourcing through our specialized 40M+ database, online research, and direct cold calling.
The Model
We are only paid when a candidate is placed. Our standard fee is 25% of the first-year base salary with a 90-day guarantee.
The Commitment
You will have a single point of contact-an expert recruiter in your specific practice area-accessing all our advanced research tools.
The Dynamics
This model works best for client-vendor relationships where the need is less urgent. Success is directly attributable to communication; since recruiters work several assignments at once, clients who provide quick, detailed feedback see the greatest success.
Important Considerations
Because there is no exclusive commitment, job orders are balanced against other available resources. This can sometimes result in a "rushed" process where "good" is chosen over "great." It may also involve more interviews and time consumption on the client’s end as multiple recruiters compete to fill the role.
Retingency (Engaged) Search
The "Skin in the Game" Hybrid Solution
Retingency (also known as a "container" or "engaged" search) is becoming our most viable solution for clients. It straddles the fence between contingency and full retained search, offering a proven solution for critical openings with niche requirements.
The Model
We charge 20% of the first-year salary. This includes an initial engagement fee (25% of the projected fee) to begin, with the 75% balance due at the end.
The Commitment
This triggers a 120-day free replacement guarantee. It also ensures dedicated resources, including both a researcher and a recruiter assigned specifically to your position.
The Advantage
We utilize the initial retainer to engage our internal research department to target specific companies, geographies, and skill sets. Because we work on this "mini-retainer," we can use your Company Name to engage high-level candidates who might not otherwise respond to "contingency" inquiries.
Why Clients Choose This
It captures the recruiter’s full attention and secures a firm level of commitment. It is ideal if you want accountability, a joint-venture relationship, and candidate control before they are sent to your competitors.
Retained Search
The Executive Standard for Top-Level Leadership
Retained searches are reserved for your most critical, high-priority assignments, typically for roles with a salary of $200k+. This is an exclusive relationship built on a high level of trust.
The Model
The standard fee is 30% of the first-year base salary with our strongest 180-day free replacement warranty.
The Structure
Payments are made in three equal installments. The first begins the search, and the remaining two are tied to specific timelines or performance outcomes.
The Commitment
This is an exclusive agreement. We are not at liberty to present identified candidates to any other companies until you either fill the position or release the candidate.
The Structure
Payments are made in three equal installments. The first begins the search, and the remaining two are tied to specific timelines or performance outcomes.
Which Search Option is Best for You
Choose Contingency if:
High-quality candidates are readily available in the current market.
The need is important but not mission-critical.
You have the internal bandwidth to vet and interview a higher volume of candidates.
Choose Retingency if:
The need is urgent and critical to your company's mission.
You want a dedicated resource who stays engaged until completion, no matter how difficult the search.
You value a "joint venture" feel and want to see the best possible talent before your competitors do.
Choose Retained if:
You are hiring for a C-suite or $200k+ executive role.
The position is your organization's highest priority.
You require an exclusive partner to manage the entire process with total candidate control.