When it comes to executive hiring, the success rate of a search model isn’t just a metric—it’s a direct reflection of how committed, strategic, and aligned the process is. While both retained and contingency firms can help fill roles, their respective success rates tell a very different story.
Retained Search: 85–95% Completion Rate
In a retained model, firms are exclusively engaged, with a portion of the fee paid upfront. This creates mutual commitment and allows the search partner to dedicate senior consultants, research resources, and time to execute a deep, exhaustive process. Because of this structure, most retained search firms maintain completion rates of 85–95%, often with average time-to-fill windows between 60–90 days.
Key reasons for high success:
Exclusive focus and alignment with client goals
Full market mapping and outreach to passive candidates
Ongoing client engagement and feedback loops
No pressure to “rush a résumé” for a quick win
Contingency Search: 20–35% Completion Rate
Contingency search firms are only paid if their candidate is hired. While this sounds like a performance-based win for clients, it often backfires. Because the model lacks commitment and allows for multiple firms to compete, it shifts focus from quality to speed. Most contingency firms operate with 20–35% success rates and often abandon difficult searches quickly if there’s no immediate traction.
Why the lower rate?
Firms prioritize roles they believe they can fill fastest
No upfront investment means minimal process depth
Limited access to passive or “hard-to-reach” talent
High candidate overlap and recruiter fatigue in the market
Why This Matters
A failed or abandoned search doesn’t just waste time—it delays critical business decisions and increases the risk of a mis-hire when urgency overtakes strategy.
If you’re hiring for a senior or strategic role, the higher success rate and deeper process of retained search is a smarter, lower-risk investment.
🔗 Learn more: Retained vs. Contingency: Which Is Right for Your Executive Hire?
