Contingency Recruiting is Costing You
- Paul Mitchell
- May 20
- 1 min read
Updated: May 21

SMB Leaders: Contingency Recruiting Might Be Costing You More Than You Think.
If you're using contingency recruiters because there's "no upfront cost," it's time to rethink what you're really getting — and what you're potentially losing.
Contingency firms compete to fill roles quickly, not necessarily strategically. That often means:
🔸 Speed over quality
🔸 Limited access to passive or high-performing candidates
🔸 Dozens of unvetted resumes for you to sort
🔸 Little alignment with long-term business goals
Now contrast that with a retained search model — a true partnership focused on precision hiring:
✅ Dedicated Time & Resources – The recruiter commits fully to your search
✅ Strategic Candidate Sourcing – Targeted outreach to passive, top-tier talent
✅ Thorough Vetting & Cultural Fit – Curated shortlists aligned with your needs
✅ Confidentiality – Crucial for sensitive or high-impact roles
✅ Better Long-Term Outcomes – Hires that drive value and stay
For SMBs, every hire is high-impact. A wrong decision at a key position can slow growth, damage culture, and cost real money. Retained search isn’t just recruiting—it’s risk management and strategic growth support.
If you’re hiring for leadership, revenue-driving, or hard-to-fill roles, invest in the process—not just the outcome.
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