Retained vs Contingency
- Focused Attention: With retained search, you get a dedicated team solely focused on your hiring needs. This means a more personalized approach compared to contingent search, where attention might be divided among different clients.
- Quality Matters: Retained search is all about quality over quantity. Recruiters take their time to research and pinpoint the best candidates for your role, ensuring a precise fit. In contrast, contingent search could sometimes prioritize quantity.
- Partnership Commitment: Going with retained search shows a strong commitment from both you and the search firm. It’s a teamwork-driven approach that usually leads to better results. Contingent search lacks this exclusivity.
- Tapping into Hidden Talent: Retained search experts are great at uncovering hidden talent – those who aren’t actively looking for jobs. These candidates often bring unique skills. Contingent search tends to focus more on those actively seeking jobs.
- Private and Delicate Searches: If confidentiality is key, retained search is the way to go. Your search stays under wraps because the firm is dedicated only to you. Contingent search, with multiple clients, might not ensure the same level of privacy.
- Your Way, Your Process: Retained search can be tailored to your preferences. You can shape the search strategy, interview process, and candidate evaluations. Contingent search is often more cookie-cutter due to its high-volume nature.
- Knowing You Inside Out: Retained search firms invest time in getting to know your company, culture, and needs. This helps them find candidates who not only tick the skill boxes but also fit your vibe. Contingent search might not have the same depth of understanding.
- Time Without the Pressure: Retained searches offer a more relaxed timeline for thorough candidate evaluation. There’s less rush compared to contingent searches, which sometimes push for quicker decisions.
- Beyond One-Time Deals: Retained searches build long-term relationships. Recruiters become an extension of your team, especially handy for ongoing hiring needs. Contingent search is often more transactional.
- Serious Roles, Serious Search: For tricky senior roles, retained search shines. The deep search, industry knowledge, and consultative approach work better for complex positions compared to the more straightforward contingent search.