Fixed Fee Vs Traditional Recruitment: A Modern Approach To Hiring

Choosing the right recruitment model can significantly impact your hiring budget and outcomes. Let’s explore the two main approaches and help you decide which might work best for your business.

Traditional Percentage-Based Recruitment

Most recruitment agencies operate on a contingency basis, charging between 15-25% of the successful candidate’s first-year salary. For a £50,000 role, that’s typically £7,500 to £12,500 per hire.

The advantages:

• No upfront cost—you only pay for results
• Access to extensive agency networks and databases
• Multiple agencies can work on your role simultaneously

The considerations:

• Costs can be difficult to predict and budget for
• Higher salaries mean higher fees, which can create conflicting priorities
• You may be competing with other clients for the agency’s attention
• Fees can add up significantly when hiring multiple roles

Fixed Fee Recruitment

Fixed fee recruitment charges a set price for the service, regardless of the candidate’s salary level.

The advantages:

• Complete cost transparency from the outset
• Easier to budget and forecast recruitment spend
• No conflict of interest around salary negotiations
• Same cost whether hiring junior or senior roles

The considerations:

• Upfront or staged payment typically required
• Less common, so fewer agencies offer this model
• May need to commit to one provider rather than running multiple agencies

Which Model Suits Your Needs?

Traditional recruitment might work better if:

• You hire very infrequently
• You need access to multiple large agency networks simultaneously
• You prefer paying only on successful placement
• You are in need of a direct headhunt

Fixed fee could be more suitable if:

• You want predictable recruitment costs
• You’re hiring multiple roles throughout the year
• You value a transparent, partnership-based relationship
• You want to control your recruitment budget more effectively

The Hatched Talent Approach

We offer fixed fee recruitment with straightforward pricing designed for growing businesses:

Single Hire: £995

• Full recruitment service for one position
• Includes job advertising, candidate sourcing, screening, and interview coordination

Membership (for ongoing hiring needs): From £147/month

• Discounted rates on multiple hires throughout the year
• Priority service and expert recruitment advice
• Flexible support that scales with your business

No hidden fees. No percentage calculations. Just transparent recruitment that works for modern businesses.

Making Your Decision

There’s no universally “right” answer—the best recruitment model depends on your specific circumstances, hiring frequency, and budget preferences. Traditional percentage-based recruitment has served businesses well for decades, while fixed fee models offer a newer approach that prioritises cost transparency and partnership.

The key is understanding what matters most to your business.

Want to explore how fixed fee recruitment could work for your business?

Visit hatchedtalent.uk or get in touch to discuss your hiring needs.