Retained Search Vs. Contingent Search: What’s Best For Your Hiring Needs?

February 28, 2023
772 Views

When it comes to hiring employees, many companies turn to recruiters for help. Choosing the right type of recruitment is essential for an effective and stress-free experience. In this article, we’ll discuss the main ways that recruiters work- and how you can choose the right fit for your business.

Retained Search Vs. Contingent Search

Recruitment companies use one of two methods when working with businesses: retained search and contingent search. For the former, you will pay upfront for the recruiter to find and hire the best candidate for your position. For the latter, you will only pay the recruiter after they find you a candidate. Here are the pros and cons of working with each type of recruiter.

Retained Search

A retained search is the more expensive and more time-consuming option. However, it provides employers with an all-in-one service. With retained search, recruiters will identify potential candidates, conduct interviews, and even help with creating compensation packages and negotiating salaries.

Contingent Search

The contingent search process is typically quicker and more affordable. However, it does not cover the same range of services that retained search does. For a contingent search, recruiters will identify potential job candidates. You will not pay the recruiter unless they find you a candidate. Many business owners love this approach as it saves them money. However, contingent search recruiters only find candidates, they do not interview and/or hire them. This means that the employer has to take a more active role in the recruitment process.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a recruiter is a personal decision. Both contingent search and retained search can help your company find great candidates. However, both have potential drawbacks that might not work for your company. An HR consultant can help you choose the best type of recruiter for your needs.

Learn More Today

Elevation HR can help with all of your talent acquisition needs. Whether you’re brand-new to the recruitment process or are looking to improve on your old recruitment methods, our team is here for you. Click here to learn more about our talent acquisition services. Ready to get started? Click the link above to book an appointment with our team.

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