Frequently asked questions

I work on a no-hire no fee basis.

This means as client you pay nothing until Alex finds someone you want to hire.

Full T+Cs will be provided and must be agreed before search.

My fee at that point is 15% of the first year’s take-home pay for that person.

The cost of each position successfully filled is equal to 15% of the remuneration package during a fixed term of engagement, up to 12 months.

*Fee is also charged on any bonus, commission or other taxable benefits.

VAT will be charged on the fee

My fee is calculated on the total 1st year take home.

This means either we agree on a projected bonus element and my % is calculated on the total.

Or, I check in at 6 months and 12 months for an accurate total earned.

It is rare that a placement with Curious Connections doesn’t work out.

But if that does happen - Alex will always try and find a replacement for no further fee of course.

Alex has a very clear rebate system.

1-4 weeks 100% fee refund

5-8 Weeks 75% fee refund

9-12 weeks 50% fee refund

You must keep CC informed of any issues throughout the probation period.

There is no rebate due if you make the candidate redundant.

Alex will always try and find a replacement for no further fee of course.

There are standard procedures that employers need to follow when engaging anyone. My T+Cs are industry standard.

Whilst CC works hard to ensure that the hire is perfect, we are dealing with humans and there are factors that CC can’t control including management, candidate behaviour and personal chemistry.

This is why the process with CC can be more detailed that normal - to make sure all parties are clear.

Making a hire with or without a recruiter is an investment and should not be undertaken without detailed interrogation.

Please see rebate schedule in T+CS

I prefer to work exclusively but this is a small industry and you no doubt have an excellent network.

Alex doe ask that you share a list of people you have contacted or intend to contact. I will then consider these names off-limits.

If you plan to advertise the role online - this needs to be discussed with Alex in advance for clarity.

If I introduce you to someone that you know, but you haven’t declared at the start or during the search, I would still be entitled to my fee.

This is clearly outlined in T+CS and also my Candidate Permissions for that repeats this element for avoidance of doubt.

It is worth noting that as a recruiter I can approach candidates that are already in roles - this is not poaching - it is headhunting.

Absolutely, PLEASE BE aware Curious Connections would be entitled to % fee for any position you fill with a candidate we introduce.

More information on T+CS

Curious Connections has been going for 18 months and in that time I have placed 25 permanent candidates (plus dozens of freelancers) 98% have stayed put.

Alex has found that ensuring that all communication goes through her leads to the best results.

Of course there are times when direct communication is more useful, but please ensure to cc or notify CC before doing so.

All candidates are obliged to notify CC when a client contacts them direct and also in the following 12 months after introduction.

See T+CS for clarification

No deals are available.

In contrast to some recruiters Alex works on a no hire no fee basis.

There is no “non-refundable research fee” (often circa £2000)

Even if Alex works on your brief for a year without finding the right candidate, there is no charge to you.

Alex also invests in sessions with emerging producers from under-represented backgrounds, which the hire fees helps to subsidise. READ MORE HERE

Alex places excellent producers in short and long-term Freelance and FTC positions.

The fee structure is the same :

for FL and FTC charged monthly on the total take-home for the agreed period in full.

On the anniversary of their first day- my fees are no longer due.

All this is detailed in the T+CS

Curious Connections will invoice you the day the candidate starts working with you.

You’ll have 14 days to pay the invoice in full.

Curious Connections is due a fee for any hire of a candidate that Alex’s introduces to you within a 12month period and beyond.

Please see T+CS for clarification.

Then no fee is payable. But, bear in mind I have over 1,000 candidates in my connections portfolio. I speak to new people every day. I regularly attend networking events where I discover new talent all the time. The likelihood is that I have a number of possible candidates for your role.

As you interview for the role, we’ll all get more clarity on what you are looking for. Share your thoughts with me and I can revisit my connections to see if there are more suitable people for the role.

All conversations are confidential.

Alex will do what she can to ensure the containment of the hire discussions, but can not be responsible for other parties in that case.

If you don’t have an HR team then Alex can suggest model contracts, but it is your company’s responsibility to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Curious Connections is an accredited member of the regulatory body REC and use them for reference and legal outlines.

Curious Connections is not an HR company - but would be happy to refer some excellent organisations who could help.

I work hard at this, not because it’s fashionable but because it’s my job.

Please head to my DEI policy for more details

Also my DEI metrics are published each year on my socials.

The terms of the agreement span 36 months.

See T+Cs