How is it possible that you've never gotten a job from sending a resume? I'm generally curious how that's possible, unless you're doing all freelance work?
Networking and / or visibility. Job offers come from people who either already know me or they have come across my name through the ecosystem.
Make sure that you are doing more than just sending out resumes. Get your name out there by being visible in places where employers might be looking for developers. Use Twitter, LinkedIn, create a tech blog and generally help people out. The more your name is out there, the greater your "luck surface area."
Freelancing is also a great way to land a job for a lot of reasons. When you are looking for a job, you have to sell yourself to the employer. With freelancing, you can get a lot of practice with selling and generally you will get more immediate feedback for your efforts because hiring a freelancer is far less risk / commitment than hiring a full time developer. Freelancing is also good for possibly meeting your next employer, if you are a great fit, then your freelance gig might turn into a full time position. Freelancing is also good for building up experience.
Make sure that you are doing more than just sending out resumes. Get your name out there by being visible in places where employers might be looking for developers. Use Twitter, LinkedIn, create a tech blog and generally help people out. The more your name is out there, the greater your "luck surface area."
Freelancing is also a great way to land a job for a lot of reasons. When you are looking for a job, you have to sell yourself to the employer. With freelancing, you can get a lot of practice with selling and generally you will get more immediate feedback for your efforts because hiring a freelancer is far less risk / commitment than hiring a full time developer. Freelancing is also good for possibly meeting your next employer, if you are a great fit, then your freelance gig might turn into a full time position. Freelancing is also good for building up experience.