[sanderjd]

I think what many here have said is right: few lack empathy for the individuals, but many lack empathy for the system. Those very nice people who sit next to you are, in essence, spending their days spamming people, and talking about (inevitably superficial) resume characteristics. It may not be their fault personally, and it does sound like a tough job, but that doesn't mean it's a good system. I don't really understand why I don't have a personal relationship with one or more recruiters who I've described my career goals to and who I trust to send me good leads. It's just a bunch of anonymous people who I'll never meet selling me possible snake-oil.