Contingency:

This type of search is best described as a "pay by placement" search. It allows the company to make sure that they have seen all there is to see before making their hiring decision. This amount can either be a percentage of the candidate's starting salary or a flat fee.

Partial Retainer (Mini-Retainer):

This is a hybrid of a contingency fee and a full retainer. Typically, the company will identify a certain number of positions to be filled and will advance a portion of the total fee towards the front-end costs of the search. The remaining balance will be paid upon hire or placement. This is usually a flat fee agreement.

Mini-Retained: Partial deposit required. This is a higher priority level placement type of search.

Retainer:

This is the most effective search which creates a partnership between the hiring authority and the recruiting firm. This is like having the recruiting firm as an extension of the hiring company's HR department. This type of search usually creates the best communication and also has the highest success rate.

Retained searches may be billed by a flat monthly payment or a combination of a flat fee and a contingency fee.