Your mileage may massively vary, but it was a very beneficial path for me. The recruiter I choose to work with (exclusively) understands my boundaries and how I

Your mileage may massively vary, but it was a very beneficial path for me. The recruiter I choose to work with (exclusively) understands my boundaries and how I like to be represented. While numbers are only part of the equation, they were the primary reason I partnered with a recruiter: the percentage increases per-role he has secured me over the last 3 placements are: 52%, 28%, 33%. The recruiter is happy because they get a nice cut every time I move. I'm happy because they're very motivated to secure a high salary which often attracts a better title. The companies I work with have been pleased with the work I produce. With each role and each step up in responsibilities, I grow a strong CV too. It's been a good choice for me so far. None of these "promotions" would have happened without the recruiter. They're an enigmatic salesman for my skill set. I've got imposter syndrome and am not assertive at all in negotiations. The recruiter was the missing part of the equation.