For independent recruiters
Contingent searches pay only when somebody’s hired, and you do the work either way. Sell retained searches as an offer with the first third due now, and invoice the rest at the shortlist and the start date.
Paid at the end, if at all
A contingent search takes six weeks of work and pays nothing if the client hires internally.
The hiring manager engages you, and accounts payable has never heard of you.
Clients sign up for a retained search and then stop answering when the candidates arrive.
What’s different for independent recruiters
A retained search, paid in thirds
Send an offer with the role, the fee and a third due now. They accept your terms and pay before you start the search; the rest is invoiced from the client’s row at each stage.
The invoice to accounts payable
The hiring manager taps Bill someone else on each invoice and names who pays, and the reminders go there.
Questions independent recruiters ask
What’s the difference between retained and contingent recruiting?
A retained search is paid in stages whether or not anyone is hired; a contingent one is paid only on a hire. Retained suits senior roles where the search takes months.
How much do recruiters charge?
Often a share of the first year’s salary, commonly fifteen to twenty-five percent. Retained searches split that into thirds across the search.
What should a recruiter’s terms say about a candidate who leaves early?
Whether you replace them or refund part of the fee, and within how many months. Agree on it before you present anyone.
Your page on the first day
This is the consulting setup, and it’s what your page starts with. Change any of it where it appears.
- Clients can book from tomorrow onward.
- Moving or canceling is free up to 24 hours before.
- There are 15 minutes clear after every session.
- Before booking, your page asks: “What should I read before we talk?”
Your engagement letter opens with this: Advice is given in good faith on the information you share; decisions and outcomes stay yours.
What it doesn’t do for you
There’s no applicant tracking, no candidate database and no fee charged automatically on a hire. You invoice each stage from the client’s row.
Others who start from the same setup
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