unless they make the introduction. Battles over the introduction is one of the biggest sources of controversy and lawsuits in the recruiting community.

One hurdle there is a big part of the population believe the recruiter is making their money as a cut of what the employee could make so they think their potential salary could be undermined. Some believe that because sometimes it is actually true. If you believe that than it is in your own interest to apply directly.

Also, there are lots of people who have worked with recruiters before and developed a relationship with a recruiter they like. When they know the company that might hire they call those other recruiters and the recruiters call the company saying "I have a great potential employee for you that is already interested and has skills I know you would want. I would love to recruit for you if you are willing to pay me a commission. This happens all the time. This is doubly bad because not only did they lose out on the placement but they have opened the relationship with their client company to work with their competitor.