Frequently Asked Questions

Retained executive search is a specialized, partner-led process used to identify and recruit senior leaders and hard-to-hire talent. It is appropriate when one or more of the following are true:

• You need to fill a C-suite or senior leadership or senior technical role.
• A strategic organizational objective must be reached
• The search is confidential.
• The role requires rare skills or market expertise.
• You want a guaranteed, consultative process with re-perform obligations if a placement does not work out.

Contingent recruitment focuses on manager-level and professional roles below the executive tier. Our subsidiary, Tall Trees Talent, delivers boutique-quality contingent services with:

• Industry specialization in energy, utilities, manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation.
• A 25,000+ candidate database and strong networks.
• Flexible terms (flat % fee, 90-day guarantee).

Rapid execution for everyday hires.

Executive search covers one type of hiring need, contingent covers another; together they provide maximum coverage.

Retained search is built for roles that need structure, targeted outreach, and a managed process from first intake to final offer. This includes confidential leadership hires, niche technical work, and situations where the business wants a defined slate, scorecards, and a set timeline. The fee structure reflects the dedicated resources that go into running that type of search.

The contingent recruiting [agency] model is optimized for speed and flexibility. It works best for mid-level or volume hiring where the role is clear, timelines move quickly, and the client desires strong candidates without the heavier retained structure. Payment on hire makes it easy to keep the pipeline moving while comparing candidates from disparate sources.

The two models aren’t competing; they solve different problems. Retained search brings depth and precision. Contingent recruiting brings agility and coverage. Used together, they give a company complete support across leadership, technical, and operational hiring needs instead of forcing everything into one model.

Consider:

• Level of role (executive vs. professional).
• Urgency and confidentiality of the search.
• Strategic vs. transactional needs.
• Support required beyond hiring (e.g., HR advisory, coaching, assessments).
  Our team will guide you through options to ensure the right fit.

Talent optimization aligns people strategy with business outcomes. As a Certified Predictive Index™ Partner, we offer:

• Behavioral & cognitive assessments.
• Succession planning and job mapping.
• High-performing team workshops.
• Engagement surveys and diagnostics.

These tools help ensure the right people are in the right roles, improving performance and reducing risk; whether you need a new hire or not.

Yes. Through Predictive Index™ (PI) and other platforms, we provide:

• Behavioral and cognitive assessments.
• Team workshops to reduce conflict and improve collaboration.
• Succession planning and leadership development.

• Executive-level candidates: The Energists typically approaches you directly for retained searches.
• Professional-level candidates: Tall Trees Talent welcomes applications and referrals for contingent roles.

You may also reach out if you are considering a career move and want impartial advice.

We recruit across the energy and related sectors, including:

• Executive leadership: CEO, COO, CFO, President, MD.
• Senior management: EVP, SVP, VP, Director.
• Technical leadership: Engineering, geoscience, science & technology.
• Functional roles: Finance, HR, Legal, Supply Chain, Business Development.
• Professional-level hires: Manager, supervisor, and specialist positions via Tall Trees Talent.

No. Candidates should never pay for search or recruitment services. If asked, it is likely a scam.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. We comply with GDPR and other data protection laws, ensuring:

• Your information is never shared without your express consent.
• All data is stored securely and used only for legitimate recruitment purposes.

Tall Trees Talent is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Energists Group.

• The Energists focuses on retained executive search and advisory.
• Tall Trees Talent specializes in contingent recruitment for professional-level roles.
  Together, we provide a one-stop shop for talent solutions across all levels.