Recruiting FT 2021

In need of some advice. I am an MSF student at semi-target. Before MSF I went to a complete nontarget, played 2 college sports, and had a few internships at search fund and no-name boutique IB. 

Never really got exposed to networking and I am having a hard time converting the conversation leading to resume getting passed through or talking to others at the firm. Had about 50 phone conversations with people at various levels since starting in August. I have gotten my resume passed through about 4 times, 3 of which I still got rejected from the company I applied for because when I followed up with the person I never got a response. I just had a superday with a random connection from hometown family friend and got rejected. Seemed to be my only real chance and I blew it. 

Phone calls seem like they're going well and usually last for 20-30 minutes. When I ask for advice most senior people have said "It's hard because of hiring freezes and the conditions of everything but just keep doing what you're doing" About 6 times someone has referred me to another person in the group. Every one of those times I have emailed said person with no response.

I don't know if I'm not being direct or persistent enough? If there really are no opportunities and not much the person can do? Or if I just suck and don't realize it and they can't get off the phone fast enough? 

I really don't know where I go from here? It seems like I really messed up big time this fall in a time with very little positions available. Are there usually opportunities in the spring? And if so, how should I approach this winter break? TIA