Retained Search Isn’t the Fix. Better Qualification Is.
Aug 26, 2025
Getting more retained searches won’t fix your business.
Qualifying your clients better will.
Retainers only help when you're working with companies that respect your time, your process, and your expertise.
Otherwise, all you're doing is getting paid to be micromanaged or ignored.
I’ve seen recruiters stuck in retained relationships for over a year that never went anywhere.
Not because they couldn’t deliver.
But because they were afraid to challenge the client.
If you’re not willing to have the tough conversations, around timeline, access, decision-making, or urgency, no payment model will save you.
But if you are willing to hold your clients accountable?
Then you can work any model with confidence.
That includes retainers.
Because retainers work best when you control the process, not when you're paid upfront and still treated like a contingency vendor.
Fix the foundation first.
The payment model is just a multiplier.
If you’re a recruiter who wants to qualify better, position stronger, and win work that actually closes
👉 Book a 30-minute LinkedIn Roadmap Call
We’ll walk through your process and show you exactly how we’d sharpen your positioning and business development strategy.
Ready for a Smarter Approach?
If you’re a consultative recruiter and want a clearer system for winning better work — without wasting time on the wrong roles — book a 30-minute LinkedIn Roadmap Call.
We’ll walk through your strategy and show you the exact approach we’d use in your seat.
Free LinkedIn Outreach & Content Course for Recruiters
