[aigel]

Many companies do not do their own searches but rely on recruiters which they are connected to very closely. They usually deal only with recruiters that bring them good people repeatedly.

"Don't want to be jerked around"? You think these guys are in the business of jerking you around? They only get paid if they place you. Sure, they'll try to figure out if you are a good candidate, but any company hiring directly will "jerk you around" just as much. It usually starts with their web page, phone interviews, interviews, drug tests ...

If you are unemployed, you need to get a more positive attitude. You need to be open to any possibility out there. Call each and every one of those guys back - finding a job is your job now. You should have plenty of time to "waste". Nobody says you have to come across desperate when you return their calls but you have to realize that you are selling yourself and they are interested in the product even if they are just middlemen.

Good Luck!

George