[mgkimsal]

Use a recruiter. I understand the general consensus here is on the 'anti-recruiter' side, and there are a lot of low quality ones. And yes, it may be hard to know up front, but... play the field.

Contact 3-4 recruiting companies in your area, and let them sell you. You don't have to stop your own outreach either. Just get someone else trying to sell you as well. Asking professionals whose paycheck depends on getting you placed in a job may be more fruitful than asking random HN readers. :)

I don't necessarily recommend it as a 'use recruiters your entire career' but... I've had a couple good experiences that helped over the years. You also don't have to say 'yes' to anything they present.

[JohnFen]

I agree.

But you need to find a good one. They do exist -- but they're not likely to be cold-calling you.

I know of a lot of companies who simply don't do direct hiring at all -- they do everything through agencies, on a contract-to-hire basis. That way, they don't have to put as much time and effort into finding and screening applicants, and they can "try before they buy" -- if the person doesn't work out during the contract period, it's less investment lost by the company. If they do, then the company hires them directly after the contract ends.

[mgkimsal]

Sure, not easy to find a good recruiter, but yes, they exist. Hence the advice "Contact 3-4 recruiting companies in your area" - you need to do some outreach to them. Get referrals from network as to who may have used someone. I've had a couple of good engagements from recruiter-connected work over the years. Had a couple of not great ones too, but... they pass. You move on. Just like with 'job hunting' - you need to work it. Be talking to multiple recruiters at the same time.

[siva7]

Don't know why it's downvoted but this is still along the best advice you will get. Recruiters are doing the job professionally you're failing at the moment.