Here in the UK, everyone hates agents.

Yet when I was applying for my last job, I made 2 dozen applications direct. Got 3 replies, about 2-3 months late. And for all 3, got a standard rejection.

Sad but true: We need recruitment agents, as companies will never do anything until someone is breathing down their neck over the phone.

Those companies that never replied? One year later, they are still running Linkedin ads promoting open positions.