A. Some recruiters are hired by companies on retainer, and they usually paid for their efforts regardless of whether a candidate is hired through the efforts of the search firm. Usually retained firms are used for high level searches or when confidentiality is essential. Retained firms use a rifle approach, doing lots of screening of candidates in a effort to select a few that are most likely to make a direct hit with the specific needs of the client.

Many recruiters work on contingency; they are paid only if their candidate is hired. These firms tend to use more of a shotgun approach, sending out lots of resumes in the hopes of getting a hit.