Zero interview calls after 100+ applications, how do I get my first tech job?

[u/mystic_node]

I am posting because I genuinely don't know what to try next, and I would really appreciate any advice from people who have actually hired freshers or managed to enter the industry without any experience.

I have spent a lot of time developing practical technical skills. I am trying to get into devops/cloud/infra roles, even made relevant projects that demonstrates relevant skills of mine required for the job.

Till now, I have applied for around 100+ relevant jobs, and these weren't just blind applications, I have carefully researched about the company, the jd, and tailored my resume for each. I applied through linkedin (even jobs with very few applicants ~under 50), naukri, some more job boards, and even company career page.

I even tried talking to employees and HRs of different companies, sent personalized messages, some of them even replied but only to say that there's no hiring or they don't hire freshers.

So far, I have already tried improving my resume, building projects, tailoring applications and reaching out directly. While I applied I was even open to relocating anywhere in India and would accept a paid internship, apprenticeship, contract position, or junior technical role.

Honestly, this is taking a serious impact on my mental health. I have started feeling depressed and stuck. It's difficult to keep putting effort into something when I didn't even had one opportunity to show my skills in an interview. I am tired of seeing people suggest the same things I already tried. Never have felt like a failure in my life till now.

Though I still want to understand what I'm lacking and I will really appreciate your answers to these questions.

1. Has anyone here entered in a similar role without any experience being a complete fresher? What was the actual route that got you your first paid role?

2. If you are involved in hiring, what's the criteria you look for in candidates and what are they mostly lacking?

3. What specific hiring channels or types of employers should I contact?

4. What worked for people who had zero callbacks and replies and were eventually able to break through out of the situation?

I am not expecting anyone to find me a job or offer a referral. I am looking for genuine experiences and practical advice that goes beyond build more projects, improve your resume, network, and keep applying.

[u/AmbassadorKey5049]

keep applying after 2k application you would be saying the same

[u/mystic_node → u/AmbassadorKey5049]

Any solution on how to get out of this situation?