Some roles need more than a job posting.
The right candidate may not be actively looking. For critical or hard to fill roles, a more targeted search can help you reach experienced candidates who aren't applying to traditional postings.​
​
Our retained search team manages the process from search strategy and proactive sourcing through assessment, selection and offer.
​
Our rates start at just 18% of annual salary and include a minimum 3-month replacement guarantee.
How We Can Help
SEARCH
​
Search Strategy
Market Research
Proactive Sourcing
Candidate Outreach
Talent Mapping
​
ASSESS​
​
Candidate Screening
Structured Interviews
Candidate Assessment
Shortlist Development
Reference Checks
HIRE
​
Interview Coordination
Selection Support
Offer Strategy
Offer Negotiation
Candidate Close
How Retained Search Works
1. DEFINE​
​
We get clear on the role, business, team, and what success actually looks like short-term and long-term.
2. SEARCH​
​
We proactively identify, approach and assess candidates, including those that aren't job searching.
3. SELECT
​
We present qualified candidates and support interviews, assessments and final selection.
4. CLOSE​
​
We support the offer, negotiation and candidate transition through to hire (including their first day).
What Makes Us Different
Is Retained Search Right for You?
You get access to our entire network - and that's powerful.
BUSINESS FIRST
We learn the business and what success in the role actually requires, not just the job description.
PROACTIVE SEARCH
We actively source and approach candidates instead of relying only on applicants.
​
EXPERIENCED TEAM
Experienced recruiters & HR professionals assess both capability and fit throughout the search.
It might be a good fit when...​
​
✓ The role you're posting is confidential.
​
✓ The role is critical to your business.
​
✓ You need specialized or hard-to-find experience.
​
✓You don't have internal capacity to run a targeted search.
​
✓The right candidates may not be actively looking.
​
Need flexible recruiting help without a retained search?
Explore Hourly Recruitment →
Related Services
Senior HR leadership for organizations that need Fractional Director or CHRO expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retained search?
Retained search is a recruitment model where an organization engages a search partner to manage a specific hire from start to finish. Rather than simply providing resumes, we manage the search process, including screening, candidate assessment and presenting qualified candidates for consideration.
​
How much does retained search cost?
A&A Consulting's retained search fee starts at 18% of the successful candidate's annual salary, paid through milestone payments during the search. We'll confirm the fee and payment schedule before the search begins so you know the total recruitment cost upfront.​
​What types of positions are best suited to retained search?
Retained search can be a good fit for professional, specialized, management and leadership positions where finding the right person requires more than posting a job and reviewing applicants. It can also be useful for difficult-to-fill roles or when an organization is looking to confidentially fill a position.
​
What happens if the person we hire doesn't work out?
Our retained searches including a 3-6 month replacement guarantee. If the success candidate leaves or the employment relationship ends within the guarantee period, we'll conduct a replacement search at no additional charge.