Edmondson Group works on a retained search basis only, secure in the knowledge after over 20 years in the industry that this is the way to ensure best practice, focused customer service and detail in all areas of the search process.
What is the difference between contingent and retained search?
In retained recruitment, the search firm/ recruiter is paid a scheduled fee - there is an initial payment up front before the search project begins and then further payments are scheduled throughout the process (for example, after the short listing and then again after contracts are signed). Someone from the search firm will work exclusively with the client - they are the one point of contact for the whole process.
Contingency recruitment means that the search firm only gets paid if they are the first to find the talent - a sort of ‘no win, no fee’ principle. Multiple recruiters will be given the task of sourcing candidates and it can be that the focus becomes speed as opposed to quality. Whoever finds the ‘right’ candidate gets paid. You can get situations of exclusive contingency – where one recruiter works on the role, however, speed is still of the essence.
The benefits
Your business and recruitment needs
Retained search means that you, the client, are given absolute priority. More time is spent on the search as there is no ‘rush for commission’ often seen in contingent searches.
Retaining Edmondson Scott means that we are not ‘in competition’ with anyone for your business - we can focus on the quality of candidates and not a speedy search to secure the commission.
When a role is given to a company that deals only in contingent search, that company has to prioritise, and it may not be your search that gets to the top of the pile.
With a company that offers only contingent search, you may have to deal with a number of different people through the process which can be confusing, time consuming and frustrating
A retained search can lead to finding talent that might have been missed in the quick search that is contingent. We often find outstanding candidates who are not visibly open to work, or who are a great cultural fit, which is something that is established by spending time with the candidate and which cannot be measured by a resume alone
Our expertise
With Edmondson Group, you will deal with one person through the whole process - they will be your point of contact.
We have built entire teams for organisations who have retained us to complete their search mandate - this means that not only have we sourced outstanding individuals but also people who will work collaboratively to enable innovation and organisational success
We dedicate part of the search project to detailed market mapping of the current candidate field based on deep data and 20 years of industry experience. This can expedite the process but it also gives an honest representation of the quality of candidates available to you
The process
A retained search is about the team being proactive - our researchers, resources and the executive team work together to source the best in talent both ON and IN the market
Retained search means a customised search. We have the time to get to know you, your stakeholders and the needs of your organisation. We can tailor the search to your timeline, budget and recruitment requirements.
Retained search also means that we have time to get to know candidates too - we take into consideration not only competencies but culture, vision and ethos to make sure that they align with yours
We offer feedback, reports and reviews throughout the retained search process. We have the time to meet, to discuss and to support you from the shortlisting stage, through to final interviews, reference and social media checks and onboarding.
There is a misconception that retained search means more expense when in fact the opposite is often true. We offer competitive rates that suit your business needs and because retained search means quality rather than speed, it is more likely that our processes will result in the hiring of an outstanding candidate that shares your culture and vision leader to greater staff retention
Retained search also reduces the time you will need to spend liaising with multiple different people from one recruitment company
If you have any questions about our processes, schedules or competitive fees, please do not hesitate to contact us!
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