Using a Contingency Recruiter

by Randy Williamson
(Orlando, Florida)

I'm starting a job search and have questions about using recruiters in general, but really want to know what you think about firms that work on contingency. I know that I don't pay any fees, but I don't know if there's a down side to me if I use their services. How do I know if a recruiter is any good?

Randy -

Using a recruiter should be a part of your overall job search strategy, but your expectations need to be realistic. Recruiters only fill about 10% of all open jobs, so make sure that you're working other avenues as well.

A quick tutorial on recruiters...

There are two types of recruiters.

1. Retained and contingency. Retained recruiters are paid by their clients as they're working on a project. Payment is guaranteed under a contract, regardless of the outcome of the search.




2. Contingency recruiters are paid only when they successfully place a candidate in a position.

If you're working with a retained recruiter, you know that they have a direct connection to the hiring manager, and will know the status of the search with good reliability.

Contingency recruiters may or may not have a direct link to the hiring manager - and they might be one of many recruiters working on the same project. The strength of their relationship with the client company will be key in how up to date they are with the status of the search.

Contingency recruiters will be very engaged with you, provided you fit the requirements of one or more "hot jobs" on their desk. If your background is not a fit, they will not be interested in spending time with you.


The perception in the industry is that retained recruiters operate on a higher level, adhering to higher ethical standards than their contingent counterparts. While it's true that retained recruiters typically work more senior level positions ($100K+ jobs), many contingency recruiters adhere to the same high ethical standards the retained crowd is known for.

So, should you use a contingency recruiter in your job search?

My answer is a resounding yes, provided they are working on assignments that fit your background. Make clear to them, however, what your objectives are, and make sure that your resume is not forwarded to any prospective employer without you knowing about it.

Let the contingency recruiter know that you do not want your resume shared with other recruiters (for example, posted on a network site) without your knowledge.

Ask the recruiter the following questions before agreeing to move forward:

1. Do you have an exclusive arrangement with your client on this search?


2. Are you speaking to the hiring manager directly on this search?


3. How long has the position been open?


4. Where is the company in the interview process?

A good recruiter will know the answers to these questions, plus others. They should be able to give you details of the job opening, including reporting relationships, key requirements, compensation information, etc.

If they hedge on any of this, think twice about working with them!

For a more detailed discussion about the ins and out of working with both retained and contingency recruiters, check out the following sections of Top-Sales-Jobs.com: