The barrier to entry in the recruiting industry is low, i.e. a cellphone, an internet connection and some available time.

It beats trying to sell real-estate for those "in transition" because you can do it in your pajamas or pretend to be a career coach.

They're so clueless because most recruiters just search the web for jobs you could have found yourself, and then try to work their way into getting a cut. Therefore a typical recruiter reduces a person's chance for a job.

There are some good one's out there. But they're few and far between. Because they have done their research prior to contacting you, their emails will be short, to the point, and designed to screen for deal breakers, "Would you be interested in a job in St. Louis?"