Retained executive search is when a company pays a recruiting service provider an upfront fee for their exclusive work. These client-focused recruitment services are also compensated on a monthly basis as long as the partnership is alive.
Understanding Retained Executive Search
Retained executive search is a type of recruitment service that is more personalized based on the organization/company’s hiring needs. This involves a closer partnership between the firm and the recruitment service providers because unlike contingency where it is a ‘no hire no pay‘ agreement, retained search recruitment usually requires an upfront fee before recruiters start working; and a monthly ongoing fee as long as the agreement is alive. Retained search is more focused on getting those hard-to-fill job roles such as senior and managerial levels, directors, etc.
The word “retained” means that the organization pays a retainer fee to the recruitment company for their services to find the best candidate for their open roles. This partnership between the two sides is an exclusive client-customer relation unlike contingency where competition for placement happens.
Learn more about retained executive search here: Everything you need to know about Retained Executive Search
How does retained executive search work?
In a general set up, retained search requires the recruiters to have a deeper level of understanding of your company and knowing the needs of your roles on a broader perspective, not just based on the job description.
Here is how the process usually works:
1. Initial Consultation
The hiring company discusses their culture, values, goals, etc. to the recruitment team.
2. Agreement and Commitment
This is the contract signing phase, where the partnership is solidified, fees and payment structures are planned and agreed upon.
3. In-depth research and candidate identification
The recruiting team studies all the required information, skills, and expertise for the position. They then tap their extensive network for candidates and perform a refined search.
4. Candidate Evaluation
The recruitment team conducts initial screenings, interviews, and assessments.
5. Presentation to the Client
The recruitment firm presents a curated list of the most qualified and suitable candidates to your organization.
6. Collaboration and Feedback
Your feedback on the presented candidates is crucial. The recruitment team uses your insights to fine-tune the search further, ensuring that the candidates presented match your expectations as closely as possible.
7. Interview and Selection
Once the ‘selected’ potential candidates are collected, the recruitment team might assist in coordinating interviews and providing additional insights.
8. Offer and Onboarding
Once a candidate is chosen, the recruitment firm can assist in extending the job offer and negotiating terms. They can also offer support during the candidate’s transition into your organization, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
Our Retained Search Recruitment Services
Our team knows that finding qualified talent remains challenging and retaining them could sometimes be even harder. The efforts for employee searching, posting for job vacancies, reviewing applications, conducting interviews – could be tedious especially when you do it together with your daily tasks at work.
With us you no longer need to be worried about performing these tasks again and again – we will tailor a great retained search recruiting strategy for your company so you could focus on your targets and continue to bring success to your organization.
When should you acquire a retained executive search service?
Deciding whether to choose retained search recruitment services for your company can be a bit challenging due to some factors such as fees and budget, industry specific matters, etc. and on the fact that it can ultimately impact your success in the long run.
Here are a few insights to help you make up your mind:
Filling critical senior leadership roles
When you’re in need of executives or leaders to steer your organization’s vision, a retained search service is invaluable. Senior leadership roles require candidates with extensive experience, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your industry.
These positions have a significant impact on your company’s direction, and making the right hire is crucial. Retained executive search firms specialize in identifying and evaluating high-caliber executives who can drive innovation, navigate complexities, and inspire teams.
Establishing partnership and commitment
If you are looking for a trusted partner for your hiring needs, a retained executive search provider is one of the best choice. Having a committed hiring team in the long run amplifies the chance of having the right and best people to your team which increases the chance of your company’s success.
Urgent and Confidential Hiring Needs
In situations where you have an urgent hiring need, especially for senior or specialized positions, retained search can be a game-changer. These services streamline the process, allowing you to secure top talent quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, if you’re dealing with confidential searches – such as replacing an incumbent or making a strategic move – retained search ensures that the search remains discreet, protecting your organization’s reputation and minimizing disruptions.
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Advantages of retained executive search for your company or organization
Retained executive search offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your organization’s hiring process and long-term success. Here are some key advantages:
Quality over Quantity
Retained executive search prioritizes quality candidates over quantity. The search is meticulous and thorough, resulting in a shortlist of candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also possess the necessary soft skills and cultural fit of your company.
Time-to-Hire Reduction
Having a retained executive search team for your organization means there is someone who will focus on doing the hard job for your recruitment. This is advantageous for industries that require swift placement for critical positions such as healthcare jobs.
Easy placement for hard to fill jobs
Retained executive search firms specialize in hiring for much more bigger roles such as seniors and managerial positions. They have extensive networks that include seasoned executives and professionals. This network provides access to a pool of senior candidates who may not be actively seeking opportunities but are open to the right offer.
Strategic Partnership
Retained executive search firms become strategic partners in your hiring process. Their commitment to your organization’s success goes beyond filling positions – they collaborate with you to find candidates who contribute to your long-term goals.
The Pros and Cons of Retained executive search
Before acquiring a retained search services, here are the key benefits that you should know, as well as some important aspects to keep in mind. By understanding these pros and cons, you will have a better idea on how recruitment experts can align with your organization’s goals.
Pros
1. Quality Focus
Retained search emphasizes finding the best candidates, focusing on quality over quantity. This results in higher-caliber hires who align with your organization’s needs.
2. Exclusivity
The exclusive nature of the arrangement ensures that the recruitment firm dedicates its resources solely to your hiring needs, leading to a more thorough search process.
3. Targeted approach for bigger roles
Retained search is especially effective for senior and specialized roles, as it involves a tailored strategy to identify candidates with the exact skills and experience required.
4. Industry Insights
Recruitment firms bring industry knowledge and trends to the table, guiding you in making informed decisions about job descriptions, compensation, and market competitiveness.
5. Partnership
The close collaboration between your organization and the recruitment firm leads to a strategic partnership, resulting in a deeper understanding of your needs and a more aligned selection process.
Cons
1. Higher Costs
Retained search often comes with a higher upfront cost compared to contingency-based models, as it requires an exclusive commitment and resources from the recruitment firm.
2. Time-Intensive
The thorough evaluation and assessment process of retained executive search can be time-consuming, potentially extending the time-to-fill for critical positions.
3. Outcome Uncertainty
Just like any other type of recruitment, there’s no guarantee that the presented candidates will ultimately be the right fit for your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retained executive search vs. contingency: what is better?
In retained search, a recruiting agency is hired exclusively by a company to fill a specific high-level position, in contingent recruitment, multiple recruiting agencies might be engaged to fill a position, and they compete to present suitable candidates. The retained search firm is paid a fee upfront or in installments regardless of whether a candidate is hired while contingent agencies are only paid a fee if their presented candidate is successfully hired. Retained search is often used for executive-level positions and involves a deeper level of involvement with the company, while contingent recruitment is commonly used for mid-level positions.
What is a retained executive recruiter?
A retained executive recruiter is a professional or an agency specialized in recruiting top-level executives for organizations. These recruiters are hired on a retainer basis by companies and are paid upfront fees aside from other fees on a monthly basis. Their role involves in-depth market research, identification of potential candidates, and a thorough assessment process to ensure the right fit for the organization’s leadership needs.
What are the biggest advantages of retained executive search?
The biggest advantage of retained search is the specialized and dedicated approach to filling high-level positions. Some key benefits include:
Exclusive Focus: The recruiting agency dedicates its efforts solely to filling the specific position.
Access to Top Talent: Retained executive search recruiters often have extensive networks and resources to reach the best candidates.
In-depth Assessment: A thorough evaluation of candidates ensures they are the right fit for the role and organization.
Client Collaboration: Close collaboration between the recruiter and the client ensures alignment with organizational goals.
How much does retained search services cost in the United States?
The cost of retained search can vary widely based on factors such as the level of the position, industry, geographic location, and the specific recruiting agency being used. Generally, retained search fees are higher than those of contingent recruitment due to the exclusivity and depth of the service provided. Retained search fees can range from 20% to 35% of the candidate’s first-year salary or even more for executive-level positions. It’s important to discuss and negotiate the fee structure with the recruiting agency before engaging their services. Keep in mind that while the upfront cost may be higher, the investment can pay off through finding the right candidate for crucial positions.
How do you retain or keep your employees?
The most favorable key drivers for employee retention are: job fulfillment, individual empowerment, collaboration and ‘being a part of the group’, learning and professional growth opportunities, and salary. There could be more than one reason why employees would jump ship and move on to another – this is what employee and staff retention services aim to solve. Learn more through our guides:
Things you must know about employee retention
Work With Devore Recruiting
We are committed to bringing you quality recruitment service that goes throughout. Contact DeVore Recruiting today and let us discuss how we can focus on finding the right candidate for your team.
Let's get connected
To know more about our Retained Search Services, talk to us through our contact page or call us at 1-877-411-4358
You can also reach us at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/de-vore-recruiting
Email: Sean@DeVoreRecruiting.com
Office Phone: 818-783-6981
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I am extremely satisfied with De Vore Recruiting. Sean and Kimberly are great. Kimberly always checked up on me to see how my interviews went follow up with me and kept me updated. She definitely worked hard for me I can say I'm definitely lucky thank you so much once again. :) 
- Fantastic group of professionals! I loved working with both Sean and Lauren. Amazing team!
- Expert, diligent, professional are nice adjectives to describe the service I received at De Vore Recruiting, none are the reason they received the 5 star rating. Sean and his crew treated me like a person and not a number, they were genuinely concerned about me and my employment status. They took the time to get to know me and then took the time to try and find the right fit.
Anyone looking for a career move(not just a job) then use De Vore they will match you with your dream job.