RETAINED SEARCH
Critical hires deserve
a more committed search.
A focused, relationship-led search for companies making important leadership and professional hires—delivered with urgency, clear communication, and respect for everyone involved.
Dedicated search partnership
Direct access and communication
A thoughtful, accountable process
WHY RETAINED SEARCH
When the hire carries real weight, the search needs ownership.
Important roles rarely get filled well through job postings, resume volume, or a recruiter working on the position only when time allows.
Retained Search creates a committed partnership around the hire. We take the time to understand the business, define what success requires, engage the right people, and manage the process through acceptance.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
The structure and support behind a well-run search.
Each engagement includes practical tools, clear communication, and carefully developed information to support better hiring decisions.
Position Brief & Success Profile
A clear definition of the role, priorities, required capabilities, leadership expectations, and desired business outcomes.
Search Strategy & Market Map
A focused plan identifying relevant industries, companies, talent pools, experience, and potential market challenges.
Progress Communication
Consistent updates covering outreach activity, candidate response, market feedback, progress, and recommended adjustments.
Curated Candidate Profiles
Carefully selected candidates presented with relevant experience, motivation, compensation expectations, and recruiter observations.
Interview & Debrief Support
Structured evaluation guidance, interview coordination, candidate preparation, feedback collection, and decision support.
Offer & Transition Guidance
Support with offer development, candidate communication, acceptance, notice periods, and preparation for the start date.
HOW THE SEARCH WORKS
A disciplined process that keeps the search moving.
Every step has a clear purpose, defined communication, and forward momentum—from the initial conversation through the accepted offer.
Align
Define the business need, role priorities, required outcomes, candidate profile, and interview process.
Search
Map the market, identify potential candidates, and conduct focused, proactive outreach.
Evaluate
Assess experience, results, motivation, leadership alignment, and readiness before presenting qualified candidates.
Select & Close
Manage interviews, feedback, candidate communication, offer development, acceptance, and transition toward the start date.
THE OUTCOME
The goal isn’t more resumes.
It’s a confident hiring decision.
Clearer Alignment
Everyone involved understands the role, priorities, evaluation criteria, and desired outcome.
Stronger Candidates
The search reaches qualified people beyond the applicants already visible in the market.
Better Communication
Clients and candidates know where the process stands and what should happen next.
Greater Confidence
The final decision is supported by a thoughtful search, consistent evaluation, and fewer surprises.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What to know before starting a search.
Every engagement begins with a conversation about the role, the business need, and whether Richardson Recruiting is the right partner.
What types of roles do you recruit?
Richardson Recruiting supports executive, leadership, professional, operational, and specialized direct-hire positions. Each assignment is evaluated individually before the search is accepted.
How is Retained Search different from contingency recruiting?
A retained engagement creates a dedicated partnership around the position. The search receives focused attention, proactive market outreach, defined communication, and process ownership through the accepted offer.
How long does a typical search take?
Timing varies by role, market, location, and responsiveness, but many searches are completed within two to six weeks. Expectations and potential challenges are discussed at the beginning of the engagement.
Do you work outside Florida?
Yes. Richardson Recruiting is based in Sarasota and supports companies across Florida and beyond when the role and engagement are a strong fit.
What happens if the placement does not work out?
Direct-hire placements include a 60-day replacement guarantee, subject to the terms of the recruiting agreement.
START A SEARCH
Have an important role
you need to get right?
Let’s discuss the position, what the business needs, and whether a retained search is the right approach.