Different Approaches to the Same Problem
I primarily deal with a certain kind of recruiter - the kind that matches my personality: non-spastic, non-agressive -- not a used car salesman, but today I had a meeting with a recruiter that I first met several years ago while I was at O'Connor, and I was reminded why I didn't deal with him then, and I doubt he's going to bring me a useful lead this time.
The guy who could be a used car salesman comes across (to me) as a used something salesman, no matter what that is, and I don't think I'm alone on this point. I think most reasonable people react to this kind of salesmanship the same way - keep their distance, and doubt everything they say. I'm not at all sure I want to be represented by a guy like this, but I can also respect that if he's talking to people that respond to that kind of dealings, then he's the right guy for me.
I'm starting to look at my options, and part of that is using a recruiter. In this industry, in this day and age, I can't imagine getting a job without a recruiter - or a friend, in the company you want to work for. It's just so unusual anymore to receive good unsolicited resumes, that I'm not sure that anyone would really pay attention to one if it didn't come from a reputable source.
So I deal with the guy that might seem right at home on the used car lot. It's a necessary step to really find out what's out there. I have my fingers crossed that they look at me with a little better eye than they do him.