Fees are escalating due to market demand. It is difficult to find people and difficult to attract them away from their current positions. A search firm will also negotiate project-based fees. Project fees will depend on the volume and types of searches involved. The hottest industry segments seem to be software, services and Internet services.
Consulting firms seem to have the higher bases with large bonuses.
This answer has changed in recent years. It is no longer unacceptable to have changed jobs every two years or so. It is instead a liability to have been with one firm for many years with minimal other experience. Two or more jobs of less than two years duration are not good unless you are a known superstar without an attitude. All rights reserved.