Josh's answer was on the money.

In my experience "it depends" on who your target is.

In life there are always two kinds of people, whatever you are doing, and they will have these reactions:

> they will like who you are / what you're doing

or

> they won't like who you are / what you're doing.

What you've done is illuminated the failure of what I call "outdated job hunting technology." The resume and cover letter are really poor methods of looking for work.

But let's say you continue to use them.

WHO are you sending your CV to?

Whose eyes is it getting in front of?

If it's top executives, then I think you have a chance.

Yes, the format is still detrimentally old school, and we could do a lot better in that department, but at least the right kind of person is reading what you have to say.

But if it's stodgy, rules-bound HR departments, scared of making a bad decision (and their own shadow)...you probably won't pass the safety test.

Without any help, you can dramatically improve your odds by only applying to roles where you know the recipients of your information will be top executives.

They're the only people who can change the plan. Reallocate resources. Hire who they want, regardless of "the rules."

I have a Kindle book on unorthodox job hunting methods that work and radio interviews about them I'd be happy to provide. I'd post the Dropbox link here but am not sure that would be OK. (Mods, if it is, let me know and I'll do that.) In the meantime, I'll be happy to share them with anyone who messages me.