I’ve done that for every job I’ve gotten in the past 20 years.

I’m not sure if everyone does it this way, but I identify an org. Then I look for people who work in that org or near it and find authentic ways to connect with them to learn about the position. And I just work toward a hiring manager until I’m able to spend time with them and demonstrate value.

And then eventually, if it’s a match, they have a position that I apply to and usually their decision is made before I apply.

This seems pretty common in how I hire as well as it’s really useful to be able to meet and identify people who will be a good fit. It’s much harder to sort through tons of applicants.

Hundreds of hours of networking is an average of 1 (actively networking) hour per week over 5 years. I.e. every couple of weeks go to a short event or get together for the afternoon. It's not something you do for 2 months straight after losing your job. I mean, you could... but it's significantly less effective that way.

If you do this sanely you get more out of the event than just networking as well. Generally it's a great way to learn about new or different things you may not see at your company.

Not typically hundreds of hours networking for a single position, but it's difficult to overstate the value of that network when you're looking for a job. Anything at all you can do to skip the HR resume filter will put you in a much better spot than 95% of other applicants. All of my major career advancements have come because of a combination of what I know and who I know. I can't see myself ever applying for a role using the HR provided application mechanisms. Any future job will be a referral, just like the last few have been.