---
title: What is Contingency Recruitment? - ACS Staffing Solutions
description: Contingency recruitment involves outsourcing talent acquisition to a recruitment company. This saves you money and ensures you find a suitable candidate.
---

[Staffing & Recruitment Insights | ACS Staffing Solutions Blog ](https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/blog)

# [What is Contingency Recruitment? - ACS Staffing Solutions](https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/blog/what-is-contingency-recruitment)

 Written by [chris-wright](https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/blog/author/chris-wright) | Feb 13, 2026 12:00:00 AM

Contingency recruitment involves outsourcing talent acquisition to a professional recruitment company. Unlike retained recruitment agencies, contingency agencies receive payment only when an employer hires their candidate. This saves your business money and ensures you find a suitable candidate swiftly.

## How does contingent recruitment work?  

If a company wants to hire through a contingent recruitment agency, it must provide a detailed job description for the role. Then, the agency and company will agree on the recruiting fee. The company will pay it if the agency finds a candidate whom the company hires. This typically equals 20% of the salary for the advertised role.  

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Next, the agency will promote the role and reach out to business connections to find a suitable match for the position. They will review top talent pools and can also screen candidates through an in-person meeting or call. The CVs and details of promising candidates will be submitted to the company.

 

The company can then review the applicants and decide which to take to [interview](https://www.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/blog-posts/how-long-should-an-interview-last). The interviews are conducted internally, and if one of the agency’s submissions is hired, then the agency will be paid.

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## Benefits of contingency recruitment  

With the contingency recruitment process, the business avoids upfront costs and only pays for successful candidates. This no-win, no-fee arrangement helps your business save money and improve your hiring strategy. It also motivates the agency to find a suitable match.  

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Agencies can compete against other agencies or your internal hiring team to fill a role. This means the hiring process is quicker, and your team can prioritise other responsibilities. The agency will then filter incoming job applications.  

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Contingency recruitment does not require a long-term commitment, unlike retained recruitment. This means you are not tied to a specific agency.

At ACS Staffing Solutions, we offer traditional contingent recruitment and recruitment management services. This gives you the best of both worlds. To learn more, contact the [ACS team](https://www.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/about) on 01604 704058 or email [info@acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk](mailto:info@acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk).

[View full post](https://acs.acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk/blog/what-is-contingency-recruitment)

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