Engagement Models

Three Ways to Work With EXO

Every hiring challenge is different. We don't force every client into the same engagement model. Choose the structure that fits the role, the timeline, and the stakes.

Model 01

Direct Hire

Contingency-based placement for well-defined roles at Director-level and below. Fast, focused, no upfront fee.

Best For

Well-scoped Director and below roles
4–6 week target fill timeline
Program Managers, Controllers, Engineering Leads
Contingency structure — fee at placement
Full candidate screening and assessment
Search Intelligence Brief on each candidate
90-day placement guarantee

Model 02 — Most Requested

Retained Executive Search

Exclusive, structured search for VP, GM, and C-suite roles where mis-hire risk is not acceptable.

Best For

VP, GM, C-suite, and critical Director roles
Exclusive engagement — full EXO attention
Role architecture and comp benchmarking included
50–100+ candidate market mapping
Two-tier disqualifier screening standard
Search Intelligence Brief with EXO assessment
Offer structuring and counter-offer management
Post-placement support through guarantee period
Replacement guarantee included

Model 03

Talent Advisory

Consulting engagement scoped to a specific hiring problem — before the search begins.

Best For

Role architecture and position design
Compensation benchmarking in cleared markets
Interview framework design
Post-acquisition leadership alignment
Repeated search failures requiring root cause analysis
Custom pricing based on engagement scope
Can be standalone or precede a search engagement

Feature Comparison

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature	Direct Hire	Retained Search	Talent Advisory
Engagement Structure	Contingency	Retained / Exclusive	Project-Based
Typical Role Level	Director & Below	VP / GM / C-Suite	Any Level
Target Fill Timeline	4–6 Weeks	6–10 Weeks	N/A (Consulting)
Role Architecture Support	✗	✓ Included	✓ Core Service
Compensation Benchmarking	✗	✓ Included	✓ Core Service
Exclusive Engagement	✗	✓ Always	✓ Scoped
Candidate Market Mapping	Targeted	50–100+ Targets	✗
Two-Tier Screening Standard	✓	✓	N/A
Search Intelligence Brief	✓	✓ Enhanced	N/A
Offer & Close Management	✓	✓ Full	N/A
Placement Guarantee	90 Days	Negotiated	N/A
Fee Structure	% of base at placement	% of base (staged)	Flat / scoped

Decision Guide

Not Sure Which Model Fits?

Use these signals to find your starting point. If you're still not sure, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you directly.

Start Here: Direct Hire

The role is Director-level or below
The scope and requirements are clearly defined
You need someone in seat within 6 weeks
Contingency fee structure works for your org
You've hired for this type of role before

Learn more about Direct Hire →

Start Here: Retained Search

VP, GM, or C-suite level role
The search has failed before with another firm
Exclusive focus and full EXO attention required
Mis-hire risk is not recoverable in your timeline
Role needs architecture or comp benchmarking first

Learn more about Retained Search →

Start Here: Advisory

You've had two or more searches fail for the same role
You don't know if your comp is market-competitive
The interview process is losing strong candidates
Post-acquisition org design needs leadership alignment
You want to fix the problem, not just the symptom

Learn more about Advisory →

Still Not Sure?

Book a 20-minute call — no pitch, no commitment
We'll ask 4–5 questions and tell you the right model
If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you that too
40% of inbound inquiries are declined — we only take searches we can win

Book a Call →