re: Anyone had good experience with recruiters?

Just need to find the right one. I emailed and worked with several and they couldn't place me in a particular job they would stop calling.

I contacted a few and never heard back.

Ultimately the one that got me placed into the job I have currently, I applied on LinkedIn. She was excellent, coached me on the interviews and guided me through the process.

My advice would be to find a well-respacted local firm that covers the niche you're in. Somewhere that charges a little bit higher of a premium, but only because companies know they'll bring them quality talent.

Just my $.02 having gone through this song and dance recently