What is the difference between contingent and retained search?
Contingent search is success-based: you pay a fee only when a candidate you hire actually starts. Retained search involves an upfront commitment and is used for confidential, senior, or hard-to-fill leadership roles where dedicated capacity and a guaranteed timeline matter more than paying only on results.
How does TRYSTUM vet logistics candidates?
Every candidate is screened on four points: the commodities they have handled, the trade lanes they know in depth, their modal breakdown across ocean, air, ground and rail, and the TMS and forwarding systems they have actually operated, including CargoWise, Descartes, Magaya and SAP TM.
What roles does TRYSTUM recruit for?
Supply chain, logistics and operations roles across freight forwarders, 3PLs, manufacturers, retailers, e-commerce brands and distributors, from ocean and air operations and customs brokerage to directors and VPs of supply chain. TRYSTUM also recruits AI technology and AI marketing talent.
Where does TRYSTUM place candidates?
Across the United States. We are headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
What does it cost an employer to start a search?
Nothing upfront on a contingent search. You receive a qualified shortlist and pay a placement fee only if you hire. Retained and Sourcing-as-a-Service engagements are scoped and quoted per assignment.
Do candidates pay a fee?
No. Placement services are always free to candidates. TRYSTUM offers an optional professional résumé-writing service for a small fee, which is entirely separate from placement and never a condition of being submitted.
How fast can I expect a shortlist?
Most contingent searches produce a first shortlist within five to seven business days. Retained leadership searches run longer by design, typically three to five weeks to a calibrated slate.
