As the market picks up companies may be recruiting and fees may (possibly) be higher but there is certainly no less competition for the roles. Not only are you competing with every other agency on the block, everyone is using the same techniques to win the same clients and source the same marginal candidates.
What about a new model?
I’ve experienced working in both a retained and contingency environment and I can tell you that it was whole lot more pleasant working retained roles! Retained Search offers an entirely different approach and is recognised as a different product. It isn’t just the fee structure that makes it different. Of course, it has been around for decades it’s just not considered the domain of most recruitment firms.
Fees can be higher and guaranteed if done correctly.
But retained search isn’t suitable for every business or every market. If you are considering dipping your toe in the water there are no doubt blog articles you can read but it can be difficult to make an informed decision without investing considerable time and money.
I recently spoke with Peter Rodgers of Rodgers Associates who are a specialist retained search consultancy. Peter trains in Executive Search for the REC and is a former Chairman of the Association of Executive Recruiters, the Executive Search and Search and Selection sector of the REC. His mandate included training.
He has developed a four volume DVD (also downloadable) designed precisely to help you make that decision.
The programme is split into four sections each covering a distinct area of retained search and how to get there. Together it will help you harness what you already know, what you think you know and what you actually need to know.
I’ve taken a look at the DVDs and they are a great tool to help you decide if this type o f business is for you. If you are interested in finding out more check out their online Store.
