Relative_Cap2019's journey

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. It seems like all my applications are just disappearing into a black hole, especially those submitted through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Workday. I've received a few automated rejection emails, but mostly, I hear nothing back. It feels like my resume is getting lost among hundreds of others, possibly even screened out by AI before a human ever sees it. A friend suggested that I try emailing my resume directly to the hiring manager. I'm curious if anyone has had success with this approach or if it's generally a bad idea. I’ve read mixed opinions—some say it could help, while others warn it might annoy hiring managers who prefer to stick to the official recruitment process. I’m considering applying online as instructed and also sending a direct email to the hiring manager, but I'm not sure if that's the right move. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!