Comment by pam claughton on January 13, 2011 at 5:03pm

To each his own. I see benefits to both as well and don't think one approach is 'better' than the other. Really depends on the client relationship more than anything else.

Comment by Rayanne on January 14, 2011 at 10:03am

Wow, Jeff..., I think this should be a blog.  Agreeing with Pam, to each his own.

 

I have worked on retainer and on contigency - also worked in-house as a corporate recruiter.  They each have their benefits.., I think that success not only comes from within, but also from with out.  Meaning, in each type of recruiting, if you are not surrounded by people you like, in an sector you like, you will probably struggle with being successful. 

And on top of the "like" factor is the support and/or success-based factor.  I worked in-house for a venture-backed, new tech company.  It was fantastic, I loved the people I worked for and those that I was able to recruit into our company.  Management was incredibly supportive, but, ultimately, upper management failed us when funds and big decisions were mismanaged.  So, the work I did and the others in each individual role, didn't matter - the company still failed.  Challenge is the key in each environment - if you are challenged, growth is sure.

 

And the lessons you take with you will always sharpen your steel.

Comment by Sandra McCartt on January 14, 2011 at 12:57pm

That's all very interesting Jeff but having been mostly contingent for over three decades my observation is that retained recruiters who do not deliver don't get repeat business, contingency recruiters who don't deliver don't get repeat business.  I work at the same level whether i am on retainer or working contingency and have little problem getting listings on a contingency basis.  I have many times been told that a company had a retained search going on but if i wanted to work on it they would consider my candidates.  I delivered the candidate they hired so the next search was mine first before the company would consider giving anyone a retainer.

 

My take is that it is delivery that builds a relationship that builds business.  Retainers are good when it is a difficult search that will take months, involve a lot of time, advertising expense, etc with the client expectation for time to hire being lengthy.

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