Job consultants charge in three main ways depending on who's paying and the service model. For employers hiring through recruitment agencies, contingency fees run 15–25% of the new hire's annual salary—so a $70,000 position costs the company $10,500–$17,500 when filled. Retained search firms charge upfront retainers (often one-third of the total fee) plus milestone payments, with total fees landing between $20,000–$50,000 for senior or executive roles. These models mean the job seeker pays nothing directly. When consultants work directly with candidates, pricing shifts to hourly or package rates. Career coaches and resume consultants bill $100–$300 per hour in major Canadian markets like Toronto or Ottawa, with variation based on seniority and specialization. Package deals are common: $500–$1,500 for resume rewrites, $1,000–$3,000 for full job-search coaching programs including LinkedIn optimization and interview prep, and $3,000–$8,000 for executive-level career transition services. Outplacement services paid by former employers (severance support) typically cost the company $2,000–$6,000 per transitioning employee, though executives might see $10,000+ packages. The consultant provides resume help, networking strategy, and interview coaching until the person lands a role. The pricing model depends heavily on volume and urgency. High-turnover industries (retail, hospitality, light industrial) often negotiate lower contingency percentages when filling dozens of roles monthly. Niche or executive searches command premium fees because the talent pool is smaller and vetting is intensive. Watch out for consultants who charge job seekers upfront fees with vague promises—legitimate recruiters working contingency models are paid by employers, not candidates. If you're paying directly, expect clear deliverables: revised resume drafts, scheduled coaching sessions, or documented outreach plans. At Ottawa SEO, when we help consultants build authority sites or run lead-gen campaigns, we see transparent pricing and deliverable timelines convert far better than ambiguous "we'll help you find work" offers. Clear scope prevents disputes and builds trust in a relationship-driven industry.