Recruiter relationships aren't marriages. It's speed dating. A good recruiter is organized, honest, accountable, and respectful. Understanding the industry is a plus but not really necessary. Some of the best recruiters I have worked with have been very unassuming types who simply understand how to respect people and grind on placements.<p>Anyone trying to wow you with their hair/makeup, car, suit, watch, etc, is someone you want to avoid. Anyone new to the industry is probably going to be in the industry for a very short time. If a recruiter disrespects your own intelligence, integrity, or time once, they will do it again.<p>Recruiters understand the employee/employer relationship better than anyone else; because of that, or aside from it, recruiter turnover is very high. The two top independent recruiters I know are at new companies every 18-24 months.