What should I look for in an employement recruiter?

Does anyone have experience with a recruiter? Is it worth it? How to choose between companies?

I have been looking for work myself for a few months and I am starting into look at other options. I am new to San Diego and do not have much of a network here. So I thought a recruiter may be helpful at exposing some of the hidden job market. I have been approached by Taylor Wingate, Chessman Careers recruiters and a few others.

Their sales pitches sound amazing but I am a little tentative that they are making big promises they won’t keep. It’s expensive but worth it if they keep their promises.

Just FYI if it helps:
I am looking for an outside sales job. I have been through a few interview processes but no one has picked me yet. I’ve been the second or third choice a few times and haven’t been getting responses the last few weeks.