Hiring models

Permanent, contract or contract-to-hire: choose the model that fits the role.

The search is calibrated the same way whichever model you choose. The model decides how the person joins and what you commit to. Not sure which fits? We will recommend one in the hiring review.

At a glance

Hiring models compared.

ModelBest whenYou get
Permanent placementThe role is core and long-termA shortlist assessed against your scorecard, and support through to joining
Contract staffingYou need specialist skills for a fixed period or projectProfessionals on contract, with employment administered by us or a partner
Contract-to-hireYou want to see someone work before making a permanent offerA contract period with conversion terms agreed upfront
Executive searchA leadership hire where discretion and alignment matterA confidential, researched search with structured leadership assessment

Each hiring model in detail

Open-plan engineering floor with developers at their desksPermanent placement

Permanent placement

Best when: the role is core and long-term.

You get: a shortlist assessed against your scorecard, and support through to joining.

Rows of servers in a bright data centreContract staffing

Contract staffing

Best when: you need specialist skills for a fixed period or project.

You get: professionals on contract, with employment administered by us or a partner.

Two software engineers reviewing code on large monitorsContract-to-hire

Contract-to-hire

Best when: you want to see someone work before making a permanent offer.

You get: a contract period with conversion terms agreed upfront.

Executive office overlooking a city skylineExecutive search

Executive search

Best when: a leadership hire where discretion and alignment matter.

You get: a confidential, researched search with structured leadership assessment.

Questions

Choosing a model

What is the difference between contract staffing and contract-to-hire?

Contract staffing covers a fixed period or project with no plan to convert. Contract-to-hire starts on contract with an agreed option, and agreed terms, to make the person permanent.

Can a contract hire become permanent later?

Yes, if the conversion terms were agreed at the start. If they were not, we agree them with you before any offer.

Which model is fastest?

Contract roles often start sooner because notice periods are usually shorter. The search itself follows the same calibrated process whichever model you choose.

Not sure which model fits?

We will recommend one in your hiring review, with the trade-offs spelled out.