Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about working with Forward Progress Staffing? We’ve answered the most common ones below. Don’t see yours? Call us at 805-383-9556 and we’ll get you a straight answer.
For Employers
How quickly can you find candidates?
We present qualified candidates within 2 days on average. Our process is built for speed without sacrificing quality — we personally screen every candidate before presenting them to you.
How many interviews will I need to conduct?
On average, our clients need only 2 interviews to make a hiring decision. Compare that to the industry average of 42 days to fill a role and multiple interview rounds with unvetted candidates.
What types of placements do you offer?
We offer contract, contract-to-hire, and direct placement (permanent hire). We also handle executive search for C-suite and senior leadership roles including CIO, CTO, CFO, CHRO, and CISO.
How long are your contract placements?
Our standard contract placements run approximately 6 months, though we can accommodate shorter or longer engagements based on your project needs.
Do you work on contingency or retainer?
We work both ways. Contingency means you only pay if we successfully place a candidate. Retained search is ideal for executive roles or situations where you want dedicated, exclusive focus on your search from day one. We’ll recommend the right model based on your hiring situation.
What is your fee for direct placement?
Our direct placement fee is 20–25% of the candidate’s first-year base salary. The exact percentage depends on your hiring process and the level of competition involved in the search. We’ll always be transparent about fees upfront before starting any search.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. All direct hire placements come with a 90-day replacement guarantee. If the candidate doesn’t work out within the first 90 days, we’ll find a replacement at no additional fee.
What roles do you specialize in?
We specialize in IT and finance roles including:
AI Engineer / Solution Architect
Cybersecurity Analyst & Engineer
Project & Product Management
DevOps & Cloud Administration
Systems Administration
Application Development
Data & Business Analysis
Accounting & Finance
Executive Leadership (CIO, CTO, CFO, CHRO, CISO)
What industries do you serve?
We work across technology, financial services, entertainment, gaming, aerospace, healthcare technology, local government, and food and beverage — among others. Our national reach means we can serve clients in any market.
What size companies do you work with?
We specialize in startups and mid-cap companies, particularly Series B through D companies that need enterprise-level recruiting without the overhead of a large internal HR team. That said, we work with companies of all sizes.
What markets do you serve?
We serve clients nationwide with a particular focus on Los Angeles, Ventura County, Las Vegas, and New York City.
How is Forward Progress Staffing different from a large national staffing firm?
With a large firm, your search gets handed off to a junior recruiter working dozens of roles simultaneously. At Forward Progress, you work directly with experienced recruiters who understand the technical requirements of your roles — not just the keywords on a resume. You get boutique-level attention backed by 20+ years of industry experience.
For Job Seekers
Is your recruiting service free for candidates?
Yes, completely. Our recruiting services for job seekers are always free. We are paid by the employer, never the candidate.
How do I get started?
Simply contact us via the form on our website or call 805-383-9556. One of our recruiters will reach out to learn about your background, goals, and what you’re looking for in your next role.
What does your candidate recruiting service include?
Our complimentary candidate service includes a conversation about current job opportunities, a professional resume review, insights into current market trends and compensation data, and consideration for future roles that match your skills and goals.
Do you offer career coaching?
Yes. In addition to our free recruiting services, we offer one-on-one transitional career coaching directly with our CEO, Eric Kinsey. This includes resume optimization, LinkedIn profile enhancement, personal branding, interview preparation, and a structured action plan. The coaching package is $595 for four 45-minute sessions.
What types of roles do you place candidates in?
We place IT and finance professionals in contract, contract-to-hire, and permanent roles across a wide range of industries. See our full list of specialties above.
I haven’t heard back from jobs I’ve applied to directly. Can you help?
Yes — this is one of the most common frustrations we hear. Many job postings receive hundreds of applications and your resume may never reach a human. When we submit your profile to a client, it goes directly to the hiring manager with our personal recommendation. That’s a very different experience than applying through a job board.
The market feels impossible right now. Is it worth reaching out?
Absolutely. The market is challenging, but roles are still being filled — and candidates represented by a recruiter have a significant advantage over those applying on their own. We’ll give you an honest assessment of the market and what you can realistically expect, and we’ll work with you to position yourself as competitively as possible.
What if I’m not actively looking but open to the right opportunity?
That’s exactly the kind of candidate we love to know. Send us your background and we’ll keep you in mind for roles that match your profile. Many of our best placements happen with candidates who weren’t actively searching.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to talk through any situation — whether you’re a company looking to hire or a professional exploring your options.
Call us: 805-383-9556
Or use our contact form on the homepage.