Retained search is an exclusive, consultative search process typically used for executive, senior leadership, board, and other business-critical roles. The search firm is retained to conduct a disciplined process that includes defining the role, building a candidate strategy, proactively sourcing talent, evaluating fit, managing interviews, and supporting selection.
Contingency recruiting is usually non-exclusive and often used for roles where multiple recruiters may submit candidates and only the recruiter who fills the role is paid. While contingency recruiting can be useful for certain positions, retained search is typically better suited for confidential, senior-level, specialized, or strategically important leadership roles where quality, fit, and process discipline matter most.
Strategic Talent Partners uses a retained search model because the firm’s work goes beyond resumes and titles. STP evaluates leaders for cultural alignment, leadership style, strategic and operational capability, fit with future-state organization design, and long-term potential.
