This reminds me of my own post-PhD experience. It was after the 2008 crash, and research oriented industry jobs in the US were scarce. I applied to triple-digit jobs online and didn't get a single interview call. By the standards prevalent at the time, I had an extremely good CV with all the right credentials. But I made two big mistakes. First, of graduating in a tough job market, of which I couldn't do anything about. Two, not reaching out to potential employers via my network. Part of it was pride. But a large part was also driven by my extremely high opinion of my own capabilities -- I thought that if someone wanted me, they should come to me (the former is still very true, btw). Eventually, I realized my mistake, and reached out to my network and I ended up getting 5-6 interviews. Those translated to 3 offers, one of which I eventually ended up taking. The whole experience taught me two very important lessons: 1. Network effects matter, irrespective of how good your CV is. 2. If you want something you need to go to people; they won't come to you, irrespective of your capabilities.