RE: Agency
I saw an ad on paramountarg.com advertising for 777 captains for a 5 star airline.
I applied, and it merely redirected me to application for Qatar.
I had applied directly with Qatar previously about a year prior and never heard anything.
I honestly don't know what is the connection with the agency... They seem to be in touch with someone there as my recruiter called me day before the interview invite to give me a heads up.
I assume they get a finders fee or something.