UK Recruitment Glossary
Retained Search
In recruiter context
Used at C-suite, director, and very senior individual contributor levels. The recruiter dedicates significant time to a longlist, interviews 30-50 candidates, presents a shortlist of 4-7, and works closely with the employer through to offer. Retained search firms (Spencer Stuart, Egon Zehnder, Heidrick, Russell Reynolds) operate at executive level; below that, sector-specialist firms (Goodman Masson in finance, Eames in tech, etc.) run retained for senior placements. As a candidate, you're typically only contacted by retained recruiters if you're 'mapped' for a specific role — they don't take CVs from job seekers. The cleanest way in: get on their radar via published thought leadership and selective LinkedIn presence.
Related terms
TOIL (Time Off In Lieu)
An arrangement where employees take time off later in exchange for working extra hours, instead of r…
Outplacement
Employer-funded career support — CV help, interview coaching, search platforms — for employees being…
Screening Interview
The first interview, usually 20-30 minutes by phone or video, run by a recruiter.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)
An umbrella term for hiring practices that broaden candidate pools and reduce bias.