I just got laid off from my position as a software engineer at a tech company, and it happened quite suddenly at 8 PM. Now, I'm trying to navigate the job market and figure out how to get my resume in front of actual people instead of just getting lost in application systems. It's frustrating to think that my resume might not even be seen by someone who can evaluate my skills and experience. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has pro tips for getting noticed during this process. Specifically, I'm curious about how to bypass ATS filters without resorting to keyword stuffing. Does directly contacting recruiters or hiring managers really make a difference? Are referrals still the best way to secure interviews? Also, if there are any application strategies or platforms that have worked for you in the tech industry, I would love to hear about them. I'm looking for actionable advice that has genuinely helped others get interviews, especially in this challenging market. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm feeling a bit lost after such a rough evening.