When you're looking for a new job, you want to use all the resources available to you. One resource to use can be a recruiter, also known as a headhunter or search firm. Recruiters do not charge candidates for their services. Companies pay all fees.
Contingency recruiters earn a fee when a client company hires their candidate.
Retained recruiters earn a fee, usually paid in installments, whether or not a client company ultimately hires their candidate. Many recruiters offer clients both services, contingency and retained. Most recruiters specialize. Specialties can be industry, discipline, region or any combination of these. At present, recruiters do not have to be licensed nationally or in the state of California.