BLOG

Hiring the right talent can make or break a business. The success of your organization depends on not only finding the perfect candidate but also using the best recruiting search method to get there. At North Road Staffing, we understand that every business has unique needs, and that’s why we offer tailored recruitment options. Whether you’re seeking a high-priority hire or exploring flexible, low-risk solutions, we have the right approach for you.

In this blog, we’ll explore a few different search methods available—Retained Search, Engaged Contingency Search, and Non-Engaged Contingency Search—and help you determine the best option for your business needs.

Overview Of Our Search Options

At North Road, we specialize in two primary recruitment models:

1. Retained Search – A fully committed and proactive recruitment approach.
2. Contingency Search – A “pay-only-if-you-hire” option for flexibility and budget-conscious businesses.

Each method is designed to meet specific hiring challenges, ensuring you find the right talent efficiently and effectively.

1. Retained Search

What It Is & How It Works

Retained search is our most dedicated and high-priority recruiting model. With a retained fee, we allocate 70–80% of our resources to your search, leaving no avenue unexplored to ensure we find the ideal candidate.

Benefits

• High Level of Commitment: Dedicated recruiters prioritize your search.
• Comprehensive Approach: Exhaustive candidate sourcing ensures the best match.
• Tailored Solutions: Perfect for complex or niche roles.

Ideal For

Retained search is best suited for senior-level or executive roles, highly specialized positions, and/or urgent hiring needs.

2. Engaged Contingency Search

What It Is & How It Works

Engaged contingency search offers a balanced approach, combining elements of retained and contingency models. For an engaged fee, we dedicate 40-50 % of our resources to your search, leveraging extensive databases and platforms for a broader candidate pool, limiting active projects to just 3-4 at any time. 

Benefits

• Moderate Resource Commitment: More intensive than non-engaged models but less than retained search.
• Broader Reach: Access to a wide range of talent pools.
• Cost-Effective: Ideal for companies seeking high-quality candidates without a full retained investment.

Ideal For

Engaged contingency search is ideal for mid-level or specialized roles and/or companies with moderate urgency and budget flexibility.



If you are looking forsomething that offers more flexiblity, you might consider a non-engaged contingency search.

3. Non-Engaged Contingency Search

What It Is & How It Works

Non-engaged contingency search is a flexible, low-commitment option for businesses looking to explore talent without upfront fees. We perform the search with less dedicated resources, and you only pay if you hire a recommended candidate.

Benefits

• Low Risk: No upfront investment.
• Flexible: Suitable for non-urgent roles or market testing.
• Budget-Friendly: Perfect for small to mid-sized businesses or startups.

Ideal For

Non-engaged contingency search works best for testing the talent market, limited budgets or roles that are easier to fill or non-specialized.

Choosing The Right Search Method For Your Business

Here’s how to determine the best recruiting approach for your needs:

1. Urgency of the Role: Is the position time-sensitive or less immediate?
2. Level of the Role: Does the role require seniority or specialized skills?
3. Budget Considerations: Do you have room for upfront fees, or do you prefer a low-risk option?
4. Recruiter Involvement: Do you need a fully dedicated recruiter or a more flexible, moderate approach?

Ready To Hire Smarter?

Selecting the right recruiting method can transform your hiring process and ensure you find the perfect candidate. Contact North Road today to explore your options, and let’s build a path to hiring success.