<p><pre><code>    &gt; I got the impression that a recruiter jumped on an opening
    &gt; they came across and just kind of threw me in there and the
    &gt; company hiring decided they weren&#x27;t getting much in return
    &gt; for the potential money they&#x27;d be laying out. I was pretty
    &gt; well qualified for one of these positions, so I wondered if 
    &gt; they wouldn&#x27;t have been more enthusiastic if there hadn&#x27;t
    &gt; been a recruiter between us.
</code></pre>
I mean, I can&#x27;t speak for <i>all</i> situations, but generally the costs are accounted for differently, and unless the company is absolutely cash-strapped, they just weren&#x27;t that interested in you.<p><pre><code>    &gt; But now I only respond if I am convinced that they have
    &gt; an actual working relationship with the company they
    &gt; claim to be representing
</code></pre>
In the EU they&#x27;re legally required to be upfront with you about this.