Free Recruiter Quote Template
Recruiters quote before starting a search because retained and contingency models are priced differently. A contingency quote is free unless a placement is made; a retained search involves an upfront fee. Clients deserve to know which model applies before any interviews are arranged.
Currency
Live Preview
How does a recruiter write a quote?
A recruitment quote sets out the planned placement and the fee before it starts, such as a permanent placement fee, a shortlist report, and background checks. List the fee basis, often a percentage of salary, and any guarantee, and note what a re-search would involve. The fee is an estimate until accepted.
Typical line items
- Permanent placement fee (15% of salary)
- Candidate shortlist report
- Background check coordination (per candidate)
- Role briefing and advertising
- Candidate screening and interviews
- Replacement or rebate guarantee note
- Fee basis (percentage of salary)
- Skills or psychometric testing
How the work is charged
Recruiters usually quote a placement fee as a percentage of the placed salary, payable on the candidate starting, with testing and checks itemised. A rebate or guarantee period is stated.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote commonly proposes the fee on the candidate's start date, with a rebate if they leave within a guarantee window. The fee holds for a stated period and is an estimate until accepted.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Confirm the tax treatment that applies to recruitment services where you work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recruiter charge for a permanent placement?
Contingency recruitment fees for permanent roles typically run 12% to 20% of the first year's base salary. A £30,000 role at 15% costs £4,500. Senior roles above £80,000 may attract fees of 20% to 25%. Retained search fees (paid in stages regardless of outcome) are common for director-level and executive appointments.
What is the difference between a contingency quote and a retained search quote?
A contingency quote means you only pay a fee if a placement is successfully made. A retained search means the client pays an upfront engagement fee (often one third of the estimated total fee), with the balance due on placement. Retained searches are appropriate for senior, specialist, or confidential roles.
What is a rebate clause in a recruitment quote?
Most recruitment quotes include a sliding scale rebate if the placed candidate leaves within a period (typically 3 to 12 weeks). A standard clause offers 100% rebate in weeks 1 to 4, 50% in weeks 5 to 8, and 25% in weeks 9 to 12. After this, no rebate applies. Always include your rebate terms in the quote.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
Back to Quote Generator →