Rachel,
Does working with a recruiter actually increase one's chances of finding a job? I'm hoping to move to another agency because I am extremely unhappy at my current agency. I've contacted a couple of media/advertising recruiting agencies but it doesn't appear there are any fitting openings at this point. It seemed as though when I wasn't looking for a job, I kept getting contacted by recruiters looking to fill positions. Now that I am looking for a job none of the recruiters have any openings. Is working with a recruiter more likely to get me a job than sending my resume out on my own?-- Looking to Get Out

Dear Looking,
Welcome to hard times. This simply isn't a good time to be out looking for another job, and I would advise holding off until things get better, which I think will start happening this fall.

As for recruiters, they get paid by agencies to fish for the best talent out there, and when agencies have fewer vacancies, recruiters have fewer positions to fill. So it only stands to reason they're not coming through for you. They're just as anxious as you to see more jobs open up.

As for recruiters increasing your chances of finding a job, yes, on balance, all things considered, they can and do.

Always remember that they are not working for you but for the agency, but also appreciate that it pays for them to serve you well, placing you in a job you might never find on your own. If you are pleased with what that recruiter has done for you, you'll want to do business again, and you'll recommend them to your friends.

What a good recruiter brings to the table is knowledge of the industry, who is hiring, what salaries are being paid, and of course they know all about compensation packages. They also understand the cultures of the agencies, so they're going to avoid placing people in agencies where they're just not a good fit.

But that's speaking generally. As to specific recruiters, you want to find someone you can relate to, first, but also someone who knows your area of specialty and the market in which you work or want to work.

If you want to work in Boston, find a recruiter who knows the Boston agencies, not someone who does most of his or her business in Los Angeles.

Also, be prepared to spend some time finding that recruiter and letting that recruiter do the job of placing you well.

Life is short, as I'm quick to say, and there's nothing to be gained and lots to lose by taking the first job that comes along.

No matter how unhappy you are now, trust me, you could land in a job where you'll be even unhappier. I know. I've made the leap from the frying pan into the fire.