Recruitment Contract Template — Placement Fees & Guarantees

This Recruitment Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Recruiter: [YOUR NAME/AGENCY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Recruiter")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")
This Agreement governs recruitment and staffing services described below.

Recruitment Type: [RETAINED SEARCH / CONTINGENCY / CONTRACT STAFFING]
Services Included:
  - Candidate sourcing and screening
  - Resume review and initial interviews
  - Candidate presentation and coordination
  - Reference checks
  - Offer negotiation support
Position(s): [JOB TITLE(S) AND DESCRIPTION(S)]
Exclusivity: [EXCLUSIVE / NON-EXCLUSIVE]
If exclusive: Client will not engage other recruiters for these positions

Fee Structure:
  - Retained Search: $[AMOUNT] retainer + $[AMOUNT] upon placement
  - Contingency: [X]% of first-year salary (minimum $[AMOUNT])
  - Contract Staffing: [X]% markup on hourly rate
Fee Calculation:
  - Based on: [ANNUAL SALARY / HOURLY RATE × HOURS]
  - Includes: Base salary, guaranteed bonus, sign-on bonus
Payment Terms:
  - Retained: [X]% retainer due upon signing, balance upon placement
  - Contingency: Due within [X] days of candidate start date
  - Contract: Billed [FREQUENCY] with timesheets
Late Payment: [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period

Guarantee Period: [X] days from candidate start date
During guarantee period, if placement doesn't work out due to:
  - Candidate voluntary resignation
  - Candidate termination for performance or cause
  - Candidate failure to meet job requirements
Recruiter will provide replacement candidate at no additional fee
Guarantee does NOT apply if:
  - Client lays off candidate due to business changes
  - Client changes job requirements significantly
  - Client terminates candidate without cause
Replacement must be for same position and requirements
Only one replacement provided per original placement

Direct Hire Protection:
  - If Client hires Recruiter's candidate directly (bypassing Recruiter), Client pays full placement fee
  - Look-back period: [X] months from candidate introduction
  - Applies even if Client finds candidate through other channels after introduction
Off-Limits Period:
  - After Agreement ends, Client may not hire Recruiter's candidates for [X] months without paying fee
Recruiter Non-Solicitation:
  - Recruiter will not solicit Client's employees for [X] months after Agreement ends
Exclusivity: [IF EXCLUSIVE - Client will not engage other recruiters]

Sourcing Methods:
  - Job board postings
  - Direct sourcing and outreach
  - Referral networks
  - Social media and professional networks
Candidate Presentation:
  - Recruiter will present [X] qualified candidates within [X] weeks
  - Each candidate includes: resume, summary, interview notes
  - Client will provide feedback within [X] business days
Client Responsibilities:
  - Provide detailed job description and requirements
  - Participate in candidate interviews
  - Provide timely feedback on candidates
  - Make hiring decisions within reasonable timeframe

Reference Checks:
  - Recruiter will conduct initial reference checks
  - Client may conduct additional reference checks
Background Verification:
  - [INCLUDED / CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY / AVAILABLE AS ADD-ON]
  - If included: Standard background check included
  - Advanced checks (credit, drug testing): Additional fees
Recruiter warrants candidates are presented in good faith based on available information
Client responsible for final hiring decision and verification

Contract Staffing Arrangement:
  - Candidates are employees of Recruiter, not Client
  - Recruiter handles payroll, benefits, taxes
  - Client pays hourly rate + markup to Recruiter
Contract Duration: [TEMPORARY / PROJECT-BASED / ONGOING]
Conversion Fee:
  - If Client hires contract employee permanently: [X]% of annual salary
  - Conversion fee due within [X] days of conversion
Termination: Either party may terminate with [X] days notice
Client responsible for workers' compensation if applicable

Both parties will maintain confidentiality of:
  - Candidate information and resumes
  - Client business information and job requirements
  - Salary and compensation discussions
  - Hiring strategies and processes
Recruiter may share candidate information with Client for recruitment purposes only
Client may not share candidate information with third parties without consent
Confidentiality obligations survive termination of Agreement

Recruiter's liability limited to total fees received for specific placement
Recruiter not liable for:
  - Candidate performance after placement
  - Candidate misrepresentation despite due diligence
  - Client hiring decisions or onboarding processes
  - Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
Recruiter provides recruitment services, not guarantees of candidate success
Client responsible for final hiring decision and candidate evaluation

Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice
Upon termination:
  - Client pays for all placements made before termination
  - Non-solicitation and off-limits provisions continue
  - Retained search retainers are non-refundable
  - Contingency fees due for placements made before termination
If Client terminates exclusive retained search early: [X]% kill fee

Both parties agree to the terms above.
Recruiter: _________________ Date: _________
Client: _________________ Date: _________