Why we recommend retained search for Sales Leadership roles
When it comes to filling sales leadership roles, one of the best ways to ensure you get the right fit for your organization is through a retained search. Each agency does things a little different, but for SalesFirst Recruiting, a retained search is a highly managed process in which we work with our clients to identify, recruit, and assess the best candidate for a "difficult to fill" position.
What makes a search retained instead of contingent is twofold. First, the client provides a down payment prior to starting the search. The typical up-front payment is only around 30% of the expected fee, but it can dramatically change the experience for the better. Second, SalesFirst commits to a standard of performance that mandates X amount of candidates in X amount of time.
Here’s why those two things matter. It gives clients front-of-the-line access to our recruiters who specialize in finding top-level talent for sales leadership roles. These experienced recruiters truly understand how to uncover the real qualities of the leaders they find, and they also keep up-to-date on new trends in sales leadership hiring practices. Additionally, they have access to expansive networks that allow them to quickly find potential candidates that may not be available through more traditional methods.
Additionally, the down payments provide assurance to the executive recruiters that the client is serious and ready to make a hire. With a financial stake in play from both parties, the recruiter is confident that investing weeks of hard work would be a wise decision- and the client therefore knows that their search is getting its proper undivided attention.
There is NOTHING wrong with using the contingent model. We recommend contingent all the time to many of our best customers- especially for account executives, outside sales reps, sales development reps, etc. But certain searches call for access to dedicated, specialized experience- And Sales Leadership certainly fits that bill.
