Employment agencies or executive search firms (sometimes called “head hunters”) do not work for you, they work for companies (their clients). They are only interested in candidates with very specific skills. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 10% of all job seekers find employment through these agencies. Additionally, because retained firms have already been paid, there is zero benefit from their point of view in obtaining the highest offer possible. To the contrary: if they can shop you for a bargain price, their fee will be justified. Consider using a recruiting firm or headhunter only if you have highly marketable skills and you are interested in doing the exact same job, just for a different employer or the competition.