Contingent Search

In recruiter context

The dominant model below executive level. Multiple agencies typically work on the same role simultaneously, racing to place a candidate. Contingent recruiters earn 15-25% of the placed candidate's first-year salary on success, nothing on failure. As a candidate, this means: you'll often be sent to roles by recruiters who haven't fully briefed themselves; the recruiter has a financial incentive to push you toward their fastest-closing roles, not your best-fit ones; and the same role can come at you from multiple agencies (don't agree to be sent to the same employer by more than one — the resulting confusion can void the placement). Build relationships with 2-3 specialist recruiters in your niche, not a dozen generalists.