Again, executive headhunters are compensated by the companies for which they seek qualified candidates. They are paid according to the qualified leads they are able to bring to the company that has retained them and, eventually, to find them the candidate who will appropriately fill the available position. Their loyalty, therefore, is with the company who is doing the hiring; not with the potential employees who may be hired. Recruiting agencies cannot guide you with career options or career changes, and worst of all, as they only reach 10% of the job market, you may be missing exposure to some excellent opportunities. Also read: Recruiters are Special