Early in my career I used headhunters to find a job simply because they either had a connection in the company and could circumvent some processing or because t

Early in my career I used headhunters to find a job simply because they either had a connection in the company and could circumvent some processing or because they were on "approved vendor" lists (bigger companies). 10+ years later, whenever I need work, I never call a recruiter. My first calls/emails/IMs are to my network. They are infinitely more valuable than any headhunter. At the last startup I worked at, we used both direct hire and firms. I will tell you that there was a LOT more flexibility when going direct. I mean more pay, bonuses, vacation, etc. A recruiter makes a % of your salary. So if the company can pay up to 100k, and the recruiter will get 10% (usually it's more like 20+%) then how much do you think they will be able to pay you? I bet they won't offer more than 91k. If you'd come direct you'd've had more leverage to get that $9k as a bonus or straight salary. That said, I think that you might be too late in the process...