Now that I think about it, I've only had two situations in my ~15 year career where I was able to get a job via a "cold application". One of them was the worst employement experience of my life. The other one was great.

There was some level of "getting my foot in the door" with all my other jobs. Internship after my Masters program, meeting someone at an non-work event and getting hired via former employers/colleagues.

That really sucks for your friends. I've been there and it really kills motivation.