What is the difference between a retained search firm and a contingency firm?
A retained firm is hired by the client to fill a specific position. It works with a small number of. searches but on an exclusive basis. A contingency firm (or agency) works with perhaps hundreds of clients, but not on an exclusive basis. Contingency firms serve as “brokers”, generally sending dozens of resumes to the client for their consideration. Retained search firms have a closer relationship with the client and provide many consulting services to them. Only the ”finalists” are forwarded to the client for their decision. The search firm is generally heavily involved in the decision-making process. We operate as a retained search firm. We feel that we can best serve both the client and the candidate in this manner.
