The "Only hiring the currently-employed" problem is becoming pretty well-documented. I've seen three articles that mention the problem in the US (don't have that problem here, least not any worse than it usually is) and this isn't even the same country.
I don't know what to say other than, things are fucked right now. The unemployment rate in the States is roughly 15% last I heard, so while it's not at Depression-era levels yet, it's as close as it's ever been.
You need to start planning now for what happens when you still don't have work in three months. I mean, absolutely continue trying as you are now, but assume the worst and use the time to be ready - because this problem is huge. Big enough that individual pluck just won't cut it. Without some kind of unique edge or miraculous stroke of luck, your prospects are not good.
I don't know what your backup backup failsafe plan might be, but if you have one, it's time to look at implementing it.
EDIT: That maybe sounds mean, which is not the intention. the
version is that you are in a rowboat in the path of a tsunami. If you have a hatch at all, batten it down.