Applying to job openings isn’t a lost cause, but it is a lot of work and can take a while. I suggest you continue doing that but augment it with other approaches. Find a “best employers” list for your city and use LinkedIn to reach out to current employees asking for their advice. They might know of an opportunity, now or in the future. Read the feed posts on LinkedIn and follow the people you like. Ask them for connections. I just got a job because I saw “we’re hiring” on a post by a woman I respect; I went to her company’s website, applied for an opening, and ended up interviewing with her. Go down as many channels as you can think of - online and in-person - because you never know where the next opportunity might present itself.