[barleymash]

Well, that is literally exactly what is happening. Recruiters generally don't contact you about a position/company unless they have a requisition (request from the company to fill an open position) with that company, which also requires a Master Services Agreement (general contract that allows the agency to work with the client company). A much smaller percentage of good recruiters will sometimes find a great candidate, and "market" that candidate to companies that they do not currently work with, as a way to get their foot in the door. But when they do that, hopefully they are up front about it, and not lead you to believe they have an actual MSA and open req with that company yet.