I didn't get a single respone to hundreds of applications i sent online. A local business asked if I wanted a job after some comments I made. The ladies in the office threw away my resume and cover letter cause it was too much for the boss to take in. I got the job after an in person interview with the boss.

I realize i got pretty lucky but small towns and local family businesses absolutely still operate on the "smile and a handshake" technique. I even got my apartment in the area without a job through a similar in person interview and handshake with the landlord.