"CONTAINER SEARCH" - WHAT IS IT?

Simply stated, a "container search" is a combination contingency search with an estimated retainer fee paid up front to cover expenses.   One-third of the estimated annual starting salary (at 25%) is paid upon agreement to take the search.  The balance will be due immediately on the start date of the new employee.  The one-third fee is not refundable regardless of the outcome of the search.  This fee ensures our firm that our research and recruiting efforts (which are always conducted like a retained search) are covered.  This also gives the client more of an incentive to seriously consider the candidates that are being submitted for their review.  Once again, the candidate has a "cost" associated with him/her and is therefore more valuable at this point than one submitted strictly on a contingency basis.  Guaranteed replacement if candidate leaves before 90 days.


"CONTINGENCY SEARCH" - DEFINED

Our firm will conduct exclusive contingency searches only.  An exclusive search means that the search will not be given to any other search firm at the same time.  This does not mean that advertisements cannot be placed.   If our firm is going to conduct a contingency search with the same "zeal" and attention that we would with a retained search, we have high expectations of completing the assignment successfully.  When multiple search firms are involved in the same search, the client's reputation may become tarnished as the same individuals are contacted several times for the same recruiting assignment.  This is a huge waste of time, effort and money on the part of the recruiting firm.  As duplicate efforts become more apparent, the corporate client loses.  If there is no great incentive to fill the position, then the contingency firm will move on to a more lucrative assignment where the competition is less fierce or where they know they have a better chance of making a placement.  Competitive contingency searches are not perceived as being very professional (although they can be conducted as such).  An exclusive contingency assignment gives a much greater incentive to the recruiting firm to fill the position and make the client happy.   Guaranteed replacement if candidate leaves before 60 days with another candidate.