The number of rec-to-rec assignments undertaken on a retained basis has increased dramatically as headhunting becomes crucial to identifying talent.

Catherine McMillan, director of rec-to-rec recruiter McMillan Bates Consultancy, told Recruiter the number of retained assignments has doubled:

“There is definitely an increase. The reason behind it is that they are looking for very specific individuals and while there are a lot of people on the market, they aren’t necessarily the right people.”

McMillan added there were obvious benefits financially as revenue is guaranteed and resources can be applied.

Tim Connolly, director of rec-to-rec recruiter A La Carte Search and Selection, told Recruiterthe company’s retained work had increased by 20% over the last six months, adding it is likely to increase further.

“As we now have more resources to headhunt it makes sense for us to work on a retained basis and to a specific brief to find those outstanding candidates,” he says.