Just be prepared to apply and never hear back from them, even with twenty years of internet company and vfx experience. Absolutely nothing, not even a “no thanks,” for all the time wasted on their job site.
Applying through company websites is usually a black hole. For whatever team you’re applying for, try to find the team lead/manager/etc and hit them up on social media. Obviously be prepared to sell yourself but getting hold of a human usually fares much better than applying through whatever portal.
Unfortunately I've had the same experience as the OP with regards to Netflix.
How effective do you actually find reaching out to random people related to job postings?
In my experience for the companies I've worked at, even if I'm referring a close friend/former colleague the only difference (visible to me at least) is that it they get put in a similar queue.
Might've been useful five years ago when I was looking for work. Have a great job now working remotely for a responsive company, not eager for a daily commute.
