Speaking as a former recruiter, the great majority of headhunters don't understand your profession or your skill set. They are set up in "boiler room" type env

Speaking as a former recruiter, the great majority of headhunters don't understand your profession or your skill set. They are set up in "boiler room" type environments where they are motivated by commission. That being said, like it or not, these people sometimes have access to openings that aren't public and established relationships with HR. Additionally, you may consider, that their job is to find you a position. If you think about it, working to find a new position can be a tremendous task. Why not outsource all that work to a competent professional. I think all recruiters should be judged on a case by case basis regardless if it's a third party agency or an internal recruiter. In other words, don't stereotype and discount an industry based on a bad experience. There is a reason that recruiting is a multibillion dollar industry. Find a good recruiter and work closely with them to make sure they understand your interests, abilities, boundries etc. Think of them like an employee that you guide to understand your best interests and develop a mutually beneficial relationship. They may help you find your dream job.