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. Some recruiters voluntarily go thru a professional certification process to keep apprised of new employment laws. What Recruiters Aren't Recruiters are not employment agencies. Employment agencies help individuals find a new job and may charge individuals a fee for their service.