Peter Schott (4/12/2016)
I actually didn't have a problem with recruiters the last time around when I was looking for a job, but I was pretty specific about what I wanted and what I could do. I wasn't bothered too much with things way outside of my desired salary, location, or skillset. I actually got an interview and offer w/ one company that just turned out not to be a good fit culture-wise. Of course, the actual next job came through a friend who knew someone who was looking, but I'll admit that I was tempted by the offer that came through the recruiter. It's not the route for everyone, but they do have their place and some companies only hire through recruiters.It may be worth using the recruiters to see what's out there. Their job is to get you placed, preferably happily because their job depends on that. If they send you on an interview that's a waste of time, add them to your "do not answer" list and move on. The ones I worked with around DFW were good about sending me the correct job description, salary range, and location first. They probably would have been more helpful if I was willing to drive to the other side of the metroplex to work (where a good portion of the IT jobs are located).
I'm a bit in between in either liking them or hating them.
Most of the recruiters I've worked with talk a big game. They are normally assigned to technical recruiting and potentially one in your vertical such as data professionals if you're lucky. In most of the job interviews I've been on from a technical recruiter has been different from what the recruiter had communicated to some extent. Always ask for the fine details. If the recruiter does not have it, ask them to talk to the employer and find out. It's in both your interest to get this right.
If you do work with a recruiter, make sure you ask about the interview process in detail as well. Ask them about the history of this position such as have they been looking for awhile? Are they picky? Do they have some insane interview process with nonesense questions like how many golf balls fit in a bus or something? Using a recruiter for the intel is actually a good pro to using them if they are right and have good info for you. This is not something you're going to get out a direct hire.
Lastly, beef up your LinkedIn.com profile if you haven't already. I'm religious about mine. Good summary, good work history listings, plenty of info on technologies I've worked with, side projects listed and at least 5 decent recommendations from your peers. If someone is interested enough in you, they will find you and read up. If not, doesn't hurt because LinkedIn.com is free.