As far as I can remember, I've never gotten a job from a CD. But I don't think I've ever done a free audition either. I remember once years ago getting a job by telling the guy that if he didn't like what I did after the first hour then he didn't have to pay me.
However, I am the World's Worst at hunting work. If it doesn't seek me out, I'm in trouble. Most of my work comes from referrals or from tips from fellow musicians.
Oh, I just remembered, one time in South Louisiana, back in the early 80s, I went into a place with a cassette tape and player. I played it for the guy, and he said, "That's really great. I can put you in this weekend. How many in your band?" I told him he was looking at the band, and then he said, "Oh no, I have to have a whole band!" I still run into this today. In fact, it is even worse now. I've lost jobs that I played as a single for years and years because now they have to have a "full band", even though the customers would prefer me. I suppose it is because of the Karaoke phenomenon.
While I'm rambling, I had a girl come up New Year's Eve and demand to see my playbook. I told her I didn't have one, and she asked "then how will I know what I'm going to sing". I told her that was easy, she wasn't going to sing anything. People often just don't recognize the difference between live music, arranger music, K******, DJ, etc.
As Dylan said, "The times they are a changin'".
DonM