Just my opinion.
There are very minimal positions that do need assistance (very minimal).
For positions such as VP of Sales, RVP/RSD/RD, DM, and even sales representatives....there is absolutely NO reason to use a recruiter in this environment and economy. Hire contract or project HR people to assist with the administrative duties, which are many.
Opportunities for Companies:
* Utilize their most valued assett...Employee Referrals (a lost art). Reward those who refer hired candidates at the 6 month point.
* Utilize LinkedIn - This will force candidates to provide more details on their profiles. This will force the hiring manager to do a little more work, but will help them get the person they want.
* Stop listening to perception or bad opinions about candidates and form your own opinion.
Unfortunately, most recruiters (not all) continue to push their friends and are unfortunately robots to the hiring company.
No need to throw darts at the recruiters. Most on this site were assisted by them at one point in the past.