{
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the difference between contingency and retained recruitment?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Contingency recruitment means you only pay the recruiter if they successfully place a candidate, while retained recruitment involves an upfront fee and a dedicated, exclusive search process. Retained recruitment is typically used for more senior, specialised, or hard-to-fill roles."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Is retained recruitment only for executive roles?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. While retained recruitment is commonly used for executive search, it is also suitable for roles that require discretion, niche expertise, or access to a high-calibre candidate pool. It depends on the importance and complexity of the role, not just seniority."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Which method should I choose for senior executive roles?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "For C-suite or senior leadership positions, retained recruitment is usually the better choice. It gives the recruiter full attention to understand your company culture, research the market deeply, and identify high-quality candidates."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Do recruitment software platforms support both models?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. Leading recruitment software like iSmartRecruit supports both contingency and retained recruitment models. It helps tailor workflows, track placements, manage recruiter-client collaboration, and generate model-specific reports in one system."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How long does the retained recruitment process usually take?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Retained recruitment usually takes longer than contingency recruitment because it involves a more thorough search process. It typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the role’s complexity and candidate availability."
      }
    }
  ]
}