Recruitment Placement Agreement Template
A free, editable Word document built for recruitment agencies and independent recruiters — not a generic all-purpose template.
A placement agreement's most important job is protecting your fee — both when a placement succeeds, and when a candidate you introduced gets hired later through another channel.
This template covers placement fee structure (typically a percentage of first-year salary), a guarantee period with replacement terms if a candidate leaves early, and a candidate ownership clause that protects your fee even if the client engages the candidate directly after your introduction.
This template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or HR advice. Have it reviewed by a qualified professional before using it with a real client or employee.
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Once this is in place, startbuddi for recruitment agencies handles the client, invoicing, and follow-ups that come after — automatically.
See startbuddi for recruitment agenciesQuestions about this template
What guarantee period is standard?
It varies by market and role seniority, but 60-90 days is common. Whatever you choose, the key is having it in writing before the search begins, not negotiated after a candidate has already left.
What does the "candidate ownership" clause actually protect?
It protects your fee if a client tries to avoid paying by waiting a few months after your introduction and then hiring the candidate directly, or through another recruiter. The clause sets a window (commonly 6-12 months) during which the fee still applies.
Does this work for exclusive and non-exclusive searches?
Yes — Section 5 has a placeholder to specify which type of engagement applies. Exclusive searches typically justify a stronger guarantee period in return for the client not using other recruiters.
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