That is where I see a big value proposition in agents for engineers, even in "hot" markets: cutting through HR's crap. That doesn't change, no matter how hot or cold the market is. I feel like that has been part of my problem, not knowing how to finesse my way past those gatekeepers.

I still have trouble marketing my relevance to technical people, though. I don't have a very forceful personality, nor am I comfortable talking about myself without becoming (in my mind) a know-it-all douchebag. I need help and coaching on that front, too.