As a retained Executive Search Partner, we often get asked “Why should we pay a retainer?” and we routinely hear “Other recruiters don’t require any payment unless we get a candidate.”
There’s definitely a place for contingency search – BUT it shouldn’t be the route you take when you’re looking for a mission-critical executive to fill the roles of Controller, CFO, CEO, President, VP, General Manager, etc.
Many times clients end up talking with us because, after they objectively evaluate the effectiveness of their current strategy, it becomes obvious that something is lacking.
What makes us different is our unwavering commitment to meet or exceed our client’s recruiting expectations…from engagement to completion.
We don’t have our heads in the sand. We’re aware that the marketplace is flooded with agencies and contingency firms that play the numbers game and enjoy a profit….sometimes at the expense of quality.
One of these things is not like the other….
We’ve simply chosen not to become part of the crowd. We aren’t interested in numbers – we’re interested in people and we’re personally invested with each client and every engagement.
There’s a reason why the majority of our work (85%+) comes from existing clients and their referrals.
Once a client breaks away from the crowd and retains our firm, they “get it” and appreciate the Cornerstone Kansas City difference. We aren’t pushing paper or mining a database. We’re working specifically on meeting our client’s needs, always with a trained eye on the long term success of the client and the candidate we’re placing.
So why pay a retainer?
You’re going to pay a fee either way. Wouldn’t you rather receive exclusive focus, personal investment by your recruiting partner, a commitment to work on your behalf until the job is done, and a guarantee once it is?
It’s mitigating risk. It’s relationship. It’s proven successful. And that’s why we still do it “our” way.
