In our industry, executive search consulting and contingency recruiting are often thought of as being the same, however they are completely different professions and skills. This is best explained by the AESC (Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants):

“Executive search firms are specialized management consultants retained by clients in an advisory capacity. Executive search firms partner with a client to identify, assess and select the very best possible candidate. Contingent recruiters are hired to present a pool of candidates that fit certain criteria. Contingent recruiters generally work the front-end of the process, leaving the assessment and selection work to the client.”