Over the years I have often heard how "pay for performance" is a wrong, even harmful way to do business. It's an argument that still goes on today. I read this post very good post by Scott Robertson today on LinkedIn and it got a little annoyed at how the PR agency business doesn't apply this good sense to the recruiting industry. Here is the comment I left after reading the article: In 20 years 99% of the agencies I’ve worked with agree with you. Then why don't they realize the same is true of a recruiter. Pay for performance (in my business it's called "contingency search" is all they want. Yet the same three fundamental flaws apply: 1. Promising results that are out of your control : We can present the absolute best candidates but it's dangerous to promise the hire will be made. The candidates decides not to move, their own firm makes a counter offer, etc. 2. Devalues expert advice and counsel: With a pay for performance att