I started dealing with independent IT headhunters back in 1997. Back then they were more valuable, and seemed to somehow know about open positions that I did n

I started dealing with independent IT headhunters back in 1997. Back then they were more valuable, and seemed to somehow know about open positions that I did not know of. Nowadays most independent recruiters I know of are rehashing the jobs I can see on Linkedin and the like. They're often 22 year olds at their first job right out of college. There are some independent headhunters who add value, but most do not. The one thing they do seem to get is feedback they can pass on. Maybe companies feel more comfortable telling a third party.