Are recruiting firms only interested in closing deals?

The goal of most professional recruiters is to provide a valuable service that will lead to a successful placement of a candidate with a client company (and repeat business).

I’ve heard that all search-firm employees are has-beens who work on straight commission, which means they'll mass-mail your resume if it produces a fee.

The recruiting industry is a multi-billion dollar business composed of trained, ethical practitioners. Reputable search firms aren't in the business of marketing people, they are in the business of solving client staffing needs and helping candidates achieve their career goals.

If I accept a position through a recruiting firm, will my compensation will be lowered to pay the fee?

Companies hire search firms for their services and pay a fee that's calculated on a new hire's salary but paid completely separately. If you're recommended by a search firm, it should have no impact on your final salary negotiations. Using a recruiting firm can give you all the information needed on current pay levels, which will ensure that you'll receive a competitive offer. We often keep the salaries current with industry standards and competition.

What is a retained executive-search firm?

Firms that specialize in finding top-level candidates exclusively on a retained basis, which means they receive payments regardless of whether a candidate is hired. Firms usually receive one-third of the fee up front, one-third after 30 days and the balance at the end of the assignment.

What is a contingency recruiting firm?

Search firms that place candidates in mid- to senior-level positions. Fees are paid by client companies on a "contingency" basis, or contingent upon the firm finding a candidate who's hired for the position. If asked to find more senior candidates, such firms might charge retainers to conduct the search. Contingency firms tend to specialize in certain industries or functions.

What is an employment or personnel agency?

This term is less frequently used but refers to companies that place lower-level or staff employees in clerical, skilled or semi-skilled openings. These agencies usually don't specialize by function or industry, and are paid fees by employers on a contingency basis.

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