I’ve written previously that blind applying online is akin to going in the backyard and lighting your resume on fire — with the minor conflagration being ever so slightly more satisfying.

However — I couldn’t agree with your post more. Applying for jobs is like scattering seeds in a field and you just never know which one(s) will take root. Sometimes it’s the longest of long shots, sometimes it’s the company where your buddy works, sometimes it’s a random recruiter out of the blue, etc, etc. Embrace the process, don’t lose (too much) heart and keep pushing forward.