Contingency vs. Retained Recruitment: Which Healthcare Hiring Model Suits You Best?
At Athena, we specialize exclusively in healthcare recruitment—matching top-tier clinical and non-clinical talent with hospitals, clinics, and medical groups across the U.S.
Understanding the difference between contingency and retained recruitment can help you choose the most effective and cost-efficient hiring strategy for your organization.
What Is Contingency Recruitment?
Contingency recruitment is a pay-on-success model. You only pay once we successfully place a candidate in your healthcare facility. It’s best for:
- High-volume or urgent staffing needs
- Nursing, allied health, and support staff roles
- Facilities that want minimal upfront risk
Benefits of Contingency Recruiting with Athena:
No upfront fee
Access to a broad pool of pre-vetted healthcare professionals
Speed-focused recruitment process
Ideal for time-sensitive or high-turnover roles
What Is Retained Recruitment?
Retained recruitment is a partnership-first model, where a portion of the fee is paid upfront and the rest upon successful placement. It’s ideal for:
- Senior-level, physician, and leadership roles
- Hard-to-fill specialties or confidential searches
- Healthcare organizations seeking dedicated, high-touch support
Benefits of Retained Recruiting with Athena:
Exclusive access to passive and high-caliber talent
In-depth candidate screening, including credential verification
Dedicated recruitment team with specialized healthcare focus
Strategic alignment with your organizational goals
