What is Contingent Recruiter?
A contingent recruiter is paid a fee only if the client hires a candidate they presented. They usually work on many roles at once and often compete with other recruiters for the same role. Contrast this with a retained recruiter, who is paid to run a search whether or not a hire is made.
How the model works
- The client shares an open role, often with several recruiters at once.
- Each recruiter sources and sends candidates who fit.
- The client interviews and may hire one.
- Only the recruiter whose candidate is hired earns the fee, under the signed agreement.
Strengths and tradeoffs
| For the client | For the recruiter | For the candidate |
|---|---|---|
| No fee unless a hire is made | Wide range of roles to work | May be submitted to several roles |
| Several recruiters bring more candidates | Unpaid if the client hires elsewhere | Fast contact, since speed matters to the recruiter |
Because pay depends on a hire, contingent recruiters tend to move fast. Candidates should confirm that a recruiter has permission before their resume is sent to a client, so it is not sent twice.
Candidates are never the payer
The fee comes from the client. Never pay a recruiter to be submitted for a job.
Example
The recruiter submits three candidates, the client hires one, and the fee is due on the hire as the agreement says.