Got my first job at a 121 carrier after a captain with the airline took my resume directly to the chief pilot. I heard back from that company in only a week! The following job was had after talking at length with one of their captains at the airport. He was actually willing to give me a recommendation for the position after getting to know him a bit. Networking and connections do work for sure. It might take some work to get them though. Talk with people though!