Over the past several months, we've been inundated with search requests across a wide range of industries. As the demand for exceptional leadership grows, many of our clients are choosing to move away from traditional contingency searches in favor of Priority and Retained search models. These options provide more structure, accountability, and guaranteed results.
If you're currently evaluating your hiring strategy, here’s a breakdown of the models we offer and why so many companies are investing in Priority and Retained Search for their most critical roles.
1. Retained Search: The Sure Bet for Speed and Efficiency
Our Retained Search is the "sure bet" for companies seeking the best talent with maximum efficiency.
Dedicated Team: A full team committed exclusively to your search.
Guaranteed Results: We guarantee three qualified candidates within an agreed-upon timeframe. If we’re unable to provide these candidates, we refund your retainer fee.
Alignment-Driven: We align on candidate qualifications (experience, compensation, location) upfront to avoid mismatched profiles.
Payment Structure:
Payments split across three key milestones: commencement, candidate presentation, and placement.
Why Clients Choose Retained:
Faster time-to-hire
Higher-quality candidates
Guaranteed results
2. Priority Search: A Focused, Resourceful Approach
Priority Search offers a balance between structure and flexibility. It’s perfect for companies who want more resources dedicated to their search but don’t require full exclusivity.
Increased Focus: More resources than contingency, ensuring a tailored search process.
Strategic Efficiency: We still prioritize these roles above contingency searches.
Payment Structure:
Small upfront fee
The remaining balance due15 days after the candidate's start date
Why Clients Choose Priority:
More strategic focus than contingency
Lower upfront commitment than retained
Ideal for hard-to-fill, specialized roles
3. Contingency Search: Pay for Performance
Our Contingency Search model remains an option for clients with broader or less time-sensitive hiring needs.
Performance-Based: No upfront cost; payment is due only after a successful placement.
Lower Priority: Contingency searches are worked on after Retained and Priority clients are served.
Payment Structure:
There is no fee unless you hire someone we refer
Fee due 15 days after the candidate's start date
Replacement Guarantee: 60 days from the candidate’s start.
Why Clients Choose Contingency:
Lower immediate financial commitment
Suitable for less critical roles
Why Companies Are Shifting to Retained & Priority Search
As the war for top executive talent intensifies, businesses realize that the cost of a bad hire or prolonged vacancy is far greater than the upfront investment in a focused, results-driven search. Priority and Retained searches allow us to dedicate more resources, provide clearer timelines, and deliver higher-quality candidates.
At Harrison Gray Search, we don’t just fill positions—we help you build teams that drive long-term success. I’d love to have a conversation around our services and how we can help.
Let us help you find your next great team member.
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