Also, n = 1, but I think I got a few jobs early in my career through application, got head hunted midway through a bit and then at the end its all networking.

Also, n = 1, but I think I got a few jobs early in my career through application, got head hunted midway through a bit and then at the end its all networking. At a certain level of experience, if they want someone really senior it is often because the situation is a disaster and they hope you will be able to turn it around. If things are going OK, they will promote from within. For me, for a long time now, the only good positions are from someone who worked with me and then recommended me.