On Chris Russell’s Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, Phil Rosenberg offers some smart info on getting what you need from recruiters.  Phil suggests that in order to develop successful relationships with recruiters you must adopt the attitude that you work for them, not the other way around.  His tips include:

• Give recruiters information about available jobs and candidates.
• Provide fast turnaround and customize your resume within hours to be an exact match for the job in question.
• Every time you speak to a recruiter, have something to give him that he finds valuable (a lead, online resource, networking event, etc.)
• Recruiters often specialize by industry.  Ask her what you should keep your eyes open for.
• Call the recruiter back quickly. If you do, the recruiter has a better chance of getting you an interview.
• Make the recruiter feel like a friend. People naturally work harder for people they like.
• Respect the recruiter's time and use e-mail as an efficient means of communication.
• Information is your best currency.  Tell the recruiter all about your past employer, about current interviews, about jobs you've seen.
• Provide introductions where you can.  Set up in person meetings with hiring managers and candidates.
• Be positive and friendly.  A recruiter doesn’t want to put a bitter candidate in front of clients.

Thanks to Phil and Chris for providing an inside scoop on the candidate/recruiter relationship, which is often misunderstood and fraught with peril.