What are the differences between contingency and retained search firm?

An executive search firm is generally paid in one of two ways, either on retainer or on a contingency basis. When a search firm is hired on a contingency basis, the client company pays no fees until a placement is made. The placement fee is generally a percentage of the annual base salary. When a search is conducted on a contingency basis, it is often given less priority, as the client company is generally pursuing other sources of candidates as well. When a search firm is hired on retainer, the client pays a portion of the estimated fee upfront. The retainer generally constitutes 1/3 of the estimated fee. The remainder of the fee is paid in two installments at different intervals during the search process. A retainer is used when a client company does not utilize other, more public methods of recruiting, and has a higher priority on filling the position.

Why has O'Brien & Roof been so successful over the years?

O'Brien and Roof has earned a reputation for establishing successful lasting professional alliances. We are recognized for recruiting highly qualified candidates who satisfy the immediate needs of our clients and contribute to a company's continued success over the long term. Thorough searches are conducted for each client, producing candidates who are genuinely interested in aggressively pursuing a career with our clients. As a result of these practices over 75% of our assignments result from repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers.

How does a professional search firm find candidates?

There are many ways an Executive Search Firm can find candidates. At O'Brien & Roof, our clients benefit from our networking abilities, our growing database, and our direct recruiting efforts. Through continuous networking, we diligently maintain and expand our circle of contacts through the many professional organizations and associations, at the regional and national level, that we have encountered over the years. Our firm has been in business over ten years. We have worked with many clients and candidates who, over time, have helped to build our database. With multiple recruiters on staff, our database continues to grow and evolve to keep up with the ever-changing market. Lastly, clients of O'Brien & Roof benefit from our direct recruiting efforts. There are many people in the workforce today, who are happily producing in their jobs, and don't look at the want ad's or internet job postings. Through direct recruiting, these people can be found and presented with opportunities, or sourced for others that they know who are currently open to new opportunities.