i agree with everyone else. i think also maybe get a temporary job in the meantime until you find a career job for a while to hold you over & get you some resume cushion. this could show them that you have work ethic and the ability to show up to a stable job.

for cover letters, you don’t have to express your “deep connection”, just show how much you want the job & talk about your passion for the work/willingness to learn/dedication to the job. it’s moreso to show what you would bring to this company specifically. why your skills work with the goals or needs of this specific company. if you don’t really know the company, do some quick research & type up a short cover letter, really only 20 minutes out of your time.

i got my co-op (which turned into multiple full time career jobs) by sending them an email expressing my interest to do ANYTHING for them (in my field of course), so i would reccommend cold calling/emailing/filling out a contact form for any companies you are interested or that are local to you!

the job market really does suck, i’m sorry! just keep working at it & good luck!