Contingency Search: A type of search in which the fee is contingent upon the organization hiring one or more of the candidates the firm puts forward. The firm usually provides resumes but does not manage the rest of the search process. Typically it starts putting forward candidates within a few weeks and will continue to do so until someone is hired. During this process, the organization typically continues to search through its own sources. This type of search is best for specialized professional areas or lower to mid-level staff jobs.