I did eventually get a job out of that, but since then I've never sent a cover letter, and just keep 1 file updated as I hit notable milestones at my current job.
Conversely I recently had a position I did actually really want because it aligned very well with my background before going into IT as well. I got through a phone screen and then got rejected after a 2 hour programming test which wasn't complicated enough to actually signal anything. Going after 1 job you really really want is going nowhere.
I'm in biotech. Job searches routinely take 6-9 months, and hundreds of applications. The supply of good jobs is low and the demand is high. As such, it takes a while. Granted, I last searched for a job in the before times, so things have likely changed.
I've friends in legal, engineering, and other 'white collar' sectors. It took them a long time too.
To be fair though, I haven’t sent out hundreds applications in many years. In fact the only time I did was when I was trying to get my first job.
I did starterd sending resumes only for a few positions that I really wanted, but I can't afford to be picky anymore.