It doesn't work that way. Take a moment to identify the types of recruiters out there. Depending upon your field and level of experience and the types of recruiters (external) in your area of expertise that service your area the way YOU work with them may differ. For example, if you are Executive level often a firm (3rd party headhunter) will market you to their clients. Usually they have established clients and for them their work is not commissioned. They work for the client on a flat rate or paid upfront regardless of the outcome, often used for C level or other leadership roles. Those types will gladly represent you to their clients and will work hand in hand to find you a new role.
Other external recruiters paid only upon the successful placement of a candidate, (mid-level or other) they work on contingency (commission based- aka sales) so unless you fit what they are working on there is really no relationship and they work for free if you are not a fit. Also since many don't have exclusive rights to the roles they might be working on they will only engage with you if you fit what they have a work order on and if the company does not want to pay a fee you will be blocked for 1 year for hire because they would owe that company a fee should you be hired after they present you. They march to the tune of the employer NOT the candidate (you). I assume you fall into that category. Also if they are contingency (commissioned) they only get paid for their work if the company hires you so if you are not what the company wants then you get nowhere, and they are not likely to even engage.
If you apply to a company directly the in-house recruiter (in this current work climate many companies have slimmed down their internal teams) will screen you for fit against the hiring managers requirements. If they get hundreds of thousands of applicants you might be lost in the shuffle. Often those recruiters are just air traffic controllers (screeners) for what the needs are so you are in or out. They usually don't have much clout with decision makers unless they are more seasoned or the company gives them authority to weigh in.
A suggestion would be to target companies that interest you make a list. Apply directly even if there are not open roles.
Write a thoughtful cover note about why the company is of interest to you and then follow up in a week. Spend an hour each day on this and you should reap good results toward a great new role that you have sourced yourself. Keep a thorough spreadsheet of where you applied, what day, who you sent it to, add in the URL of the role if one exists. Keep that close at hand so you are prepared if you get a random call. These days searches can take 6-9 months so be prepared for a bit of a slog to get where you want to go. Good luck.
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