Engaged Search · Prioritized Model

Engaged search: prioritized finance recruiting.

Engaged search sits between retained and contingent: a partial fee up front secures prioritized attention and faster turnaround, run with the same partner-led rigor as a retained engagement — without full exclusivity.

Discuss an Engaged Search Compare All Models

Engaged executive search — an ATG Partners finance recruiter on a call sourcing candidates for a prioritized search

What Engaged Means

A partial up-front commitment that earns prioritized, partner-led attention.

In an engaged search, a portion of the fee is paid up front and the balance on placement. That commitment moves your role to the front of the queue — ahead of any contingent work — and puts a partner personally on the search rather than a junior sourcer.

It's the right model when a role is important and time-sensitive, but doesn't require the full exclusivity of a retained mandate. You get retained-quality process and pace, with more flexibility on the commitment.

Start an engaged search

Why Firms Choose Engaged

Retained rigor at a middle commitment.

Prioritized attention

Your search is worked ahead of contingent assignments, with a faster turnaround and a partner-led process from kickoff.

Partial up-front fee

A modest commitment up front, with the balance due on placement — lower risk than a full retainer, more skin in the game than contingent.

Same partner-led process

The disciplined ATG sequence runs in full — discovery, targeted search, and managed placement — identical to a retained engagement.

Flexible, not exclusive

Prioritized but non-exclusive — the right balance when you want serious focus without committing to a single sole-source mandate.

Engage ATG on your search See who we've placed

The Engagement

An engaged search, step by step.

The same three-step ATG sequence as a retained search — prioritized in the queue, with a partner leading throughout and a faster pace than contingent work.

Kick off a search

Discovery & Alignment

We align on the role, team, and success metrics up front — the same disciplined intake that anchors every ATG engagement.

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Targeted Search & Evaluation

We source actively and assess for technical depth, industry fit, and leadership — presenting a considered shortlist, prioritized ahead of contingent work.

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Selection & Placement

We manage interviews, references, and the offer through to acceptance and a clean start — with the same care that follows a retained placement.

Is It The Right Fit?

When to choose an engaged search.

Engaged is the middle path — more focus than contingent, less commitment than retained. It fits when a role matters and moves fast, but doesn't demand full exclusivity.

Talk through your role

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The role is important and time-sensitive

A key hire you need moving quickly, with real focus behind it.

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You want partner-led rigor

Retained-quality process, without committing to a full retainer.

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You'll share some risk up front

A partial fee signals commitment and secures priority in the queue.

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Full exclusivity isn't required

You want serious focus, but prefer to keep the search non-exclusive.

Have a role that needs real focus?

Tell us about the search. We'll help you decide between engaged and retained — and let's start a conversation.

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FAQ

Questions about engaged search

How the engaged model works, and when it fits better than retained or contingent.

For companies

How do I hire quickly for an important finance role without a full retainer?

An engaged search gives you prioritized, partner-led attention for a partial up-front fee — faster than contingent and lighter than retained. ATG Partners offers engaged search for important, time-sensitive finance and accounting roles.

What is engaged search?

Engaged search is a mid-tier model: you pay a partial fee up front and the balance on placement. That commitment moves your role ahead of contingent work in the queue and puts a partner personally on the search, with retained-level rigor but without full exclusivity.

How is engaged search different from retained and contingent?

Engaged sits between the two. Retained is exclusive with the highest priority; contingent has no up-front cost and lower priority. Engaged gives you prioritized, partner-led attention and a faster pace than contingent, while remaining non-exclusive.

What does the up-front fee on an engaged search cover?

The up-front portion secures prioritized commitment — proactive sourcing, partner-led screening, and faster turnaround than a contingent search — with the remaining fee due when the placement is made.

For job seekers

Are engaged searches confidential for candidates?

Yes. As with all ATG engagements, your information stays confidential and is only shared with your consent. You get the same partner-led process and honest feedback throughout.

Engaged Not Quite Right?

Pick the level of commitment that fits the search.

Engaged is our middle path — but it isn't the only way to work with us. Every model is led by Tom personally, with the same rigor and calibre of candidates. Step up to full exclusivity, or down to a success-fee search, depending on the hire.

i. / Most committed

Retained Search

Exclusive, staged-fee engagement with dedicated partner attention — for the business-critical hires where a misfire is costly.

Explore retained search

ii. / Prioritized · You're here

Engaged Search

Partial up-front commitment and prioritized attention — urgency without full retained terms, or a way to test the relationship first.

Discuss an engaged search

iii. / On-demand

Contingent Search

Success-fee model with no upfront cost and the same screening standard — best when speed and optionality matter more than exclusivity.

Explore contingent search