Hey Mark-

Yes-Recruiters are real, I am one! The job market is very tight right now and it may seem that you're applying to all of these positions and not getting any responses. My suggestion is to reach out directly to the job posting owner/hiring manager in addition to applying to the job.

Here's a basic template you can use for that reach out:

Hey [name],

Hope you are doing well! I'm reaching out to learn more about the [position] at [company]. I applied for the position today, but I also wanted to let you know directly as well.

A bit about me: [share a high level summary sentence of your experience, and then 2-3 bullet points of your most relevant accomplishments]

This position/company caught my eye because [share a few specific reasons that connect to your skills/background]

Let me know if I can answer any questions about my background; I'd love to learn more about [position] and the [company team]. And either way, I'm wishing you all a ton of success with this new hire :)

Cheers, [Your name] [Your email] [attach your resume]

Let me know if you have any additional questions!

-Dan

I like the god comment

Recruiters are definitely real and can be a valuable resource in your job search. While job boards can sometimes generate spam, it's important to remember that not all job boards are created equal. I recommend focusing on reputable job search providers like Jobcase, LinkedIn, and Indeed and creating a strong profile to attract recruiters. Additionally, networking and reaching out to recruiters directly can increase your chances of success.