TL;DR - there is no single approach, they all have merits
Direct approach
This is interesting for companies because it makes for a cheaper hire. Recruitment agencies ask substantial fees, like 1 to 3 times of your salary's worth. If they like your approach, you'll demonstrate being proactive and confident.
I have little experience with this route. But if I were to write a letter I'd carefully explain why I'm interested in the company and why I think it's in our mutual interest to do an interview.
Recommendation
some are saying the only way to get a job is through knowing people in the company
If you know someone in the company that will recommend you for an interview the chances are that you're a good fit because one of their employees trusts you. Some companies even pay a bonus for bringing on a new hire. It's still cheaper that the recruitment agency's fee :) While it's an attractive option for the company, saying it's the only way is an overstatement IMO.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies may have their benefits too. They know a lot of companies, so they can make an educated guess of where you would fit in. They may also have long term relationships with some companies making their recommendations more valued.
Another benefit is that they can help you with the whole process. They can give you some advice for improving your CV. If you do an interview they'll get in touch with the company shortly after and they'll call you back providing some feedback. It also works the other way around, companies may like to hear how your felt about the interview and if you're enthused.
Ofcourse there are many recruitment agencies and they all vary. A good recruiter will take time to learn more about you. That should be on the technical side as well as the cultural side.
Recruiters can be very persuasive. Don't go with any agency that approaches you. Ask them about how they go about their mediation. Listen to your gut feeling.
Some may ask you to exclusively work with them. There is a benefit to that for both parties. Some agencies have overlapping networks. They don't like to fight about who came first when they land a hire. Your benefit should be that working with several agencies at the same time is overwhelming -- that is if they're good agencies. I usually agree or even propose the exclusivity for a short period of time. If they don't have something for you within a couple of weeks move on.
Addendum
The whole job hunt can be regarded as an actual job for all the work you put in.
If you apply for a job, make sure to do your research about the company. Make sure you have some questions to ask them. Even if you're a junior it's reasonable to have some things to wish for. This is easier to realize after you've done a number of interviews.
I should add what I say is based on my experience. I live in the Netherlands where the market is pretty big and there are agencies a plenty. Your mileage may vary.
Aw, thanks for featuring my article:). I'm happpy you find it useful!
And by your comment I learned about Ermal's amazing achievements. Great life story of a strong and determined person.
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TL;DR - there is no single approach, they all have merits
Direct approach
This is interesting for companies because it makes for a cheaper hire. Recruitment agencies ask substantial fees, like 1 to 3 times of your salary's worth. If they like your approach, you'll demonstrate being proactive and confident.
I have little experience with this route. But if I were to write a letter I'd carefully explain why I'm interested in the company and why I think it's in our mutual interest to do an interview.
Recommendation
If you know someone in the company that will recommend you for an interview the chances are that you're a good fit because one of their employees trusts you. Some companies even pay a bonus for bringing on a new hire. It's still cheaper that the recruitment agency's fee :) While it's an attractive option for the company, saying it's the only way is an overstatement IMO.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies may have their benefits too. They know a lot of companies, so they can make an educated guess of where you would fit in. They may also have long term relationships with some companies making their recommendations more valued.
Another benefit is that they can help you with the whole process. They can give you some advice for improving your CV. If you do an interview they'll get in touch with the company shortly after and they'll call you back providing some feedback. It also works the other way around, companies may like to hear how your felt about the interview and if you're enthused.
Ofcourse there are many recruitment agencies and they all vary. A good recruiter will take time to learn more about you. That should be on the technical side as well as the cultural side.
Recruiters can be very persuasive. Don't go with any agency that approaches you. Ask them about how they go about their mediation. Listen to your gut feeling.
Some may ask you to exclusively work with them. There is a benefit to that for both parties. Some agencies have overlapping networks. They don't like to fight about who came first when they land a hire. Your benefit should be that working with several agencies at the same time is overwhelming -- that is if they're good agencies. I usually agree or even propose the exclusivity for a short period of time. If they don't have something for you within a couple of weeks move on.
Addendum
The whole job hunt can be regarded as an actual job for all the work you put in.
If you apply for a job, make sure to do your research about the company. Make sure you have some questions to ask them. Even if you're a junior it's reasonable to have some things to wish for. This is easier to realize after you've done a number of interviews.
I should add what I say is based on my experience. I live in the Netherlands where the market is pretty big and there are agencies a plenty. Your mileage may vary.
To conclude I'd like to recommend this fine article by @ice_lenor : Do I Want To Work In This Company, or What Questions To Ask On An Interview
Edit / Addition: check this out as well culture queries @ keyvalues
Good luck!
Aw, thanks for featuring my article:). I'm happpy you find it useful!
And by your comment I learned about Ermal's amazing achievements. Great life story of a strong and determined person.