Types of Recruiters - there are 2 types of recruiters - contingency and retained. The retained recruiter typically works on job searches of $200,000 base salary or more. There is no difference to candidates in terms of the type of recruiter you deal with. The contingency recruiter is paid by the company after they place a person in a position. Typically, they are one of several recruiters that the company uses to fill positions. The retained recruiter is hired on an exclusive basis by the company and is paid whether or not the position is filled.