A retained search is where the Client retains the search firm to conduct the search. This includes market mapping, candidate search, selection and onboarding assistance. The search firm typically uses a team of consultants, project managers, and researchers to conduct this search. The search is commonly structured in a 3 tiered goalpost framework but can be customized to fit particular search requirements and Client needs. Following these 3 goalposts the search firm invoices the Client roughly 1/3 of the agreed upon rate.