@sun @a7 @bonifartius @shibao

It was a "yes but also no" for me.

I have never in my career was able to find a job by applying to positions. Although contrary to the common opinion, my CV never was rejected by filters. In just the last 5 years, I applied 5 times - about one job per year. Every time, I was rejected after interviews with the hiring panel.

So, looking back, I was only ever able to get a job through I had connections. For example, Alan Cox recommended me for Red Hat (some may still remember him, he's even on Fediverse).

My latest job change was through a recruiter. It's completely cold and I didn't know anyone at all.