The job application process is pretty frustrating these days. Every job I've had thus far has come from someone in my network, and that's been great. Recently, though, a "big" tech company (not a FAANG, but you've heard of them) had a posting I think I'd have been a great fit for.

Seemed like the only real entry point for those kinds of roles is to toss the resume into the pile in the automated system and cross your fingers.

A recruiter friend of mine (from a different company, in a different industry) advised me not to submit a cover letter. He seemed to perceive them as more of an annoyance than anything.

Anyway, never got a call back, which I don't take personally - I know there are probably hundreds of applications and that getting a call is probably at least 50% luck. I also know that the market is flooded now, and I have a good job already, so it's hard to get too bent out of shape.

In hindsight I wonder if a cover letter would have helped my app stand out. But either way, it's frustrating seeing a posting that looks like a great fit and feeling like the odds are so slim for even getting to talk to someone and actually having a chance of making a good impression.