The best way to zero in on the right position is to first select several companies you might want to work for. Go to their website and see if they have any open positions posted. If so, read the job descriptions and requirements to see if any match the position you’re looking for.
Once you find companies that have the jobs you want you’ll have to think and act differently to get hired. If you’re wed to the traditional way of job-hunting you’re destined to compete with everyone else chasing the same few opportunities.
The most effective way to get a job is to think like an employer. Sounds simple but many people don’t appreciate the importance or know how to do it.
Before beginning your search you have to understand why all companies hire. It’s to solve problems and your challenge is to position yourself as the solution. In other words, hiring you allows the company to solve problems faster, better and cheaper than they could without you. Here’s how to start.
Step 1 – Identify your skills and expertise.
Step 2 – Find the companies you want to work for and research them to uncover their problems. Use the Internet, Google alerts, read press releases and speak with current and former employees.
Your ability to uncover your target employers’ problems and position yourself as the solution is what will get you hired.

Here are just a few potential problem areas. Completing projects on time and on budget, improve product quality, improve customer service, increase sales, reduce costs, enhance online marketing, etc.
Step 3 – Identify the hiring manager.
Step 4 – Create a personal marketing plan to get your solutions in the hands of the hiring manager.
Step 5 – Develop a “One-Sheet” resume, to separate you from the crowd, along with a set of compelling cover letters that show your experience solving similar problems.
Step 6 – Follow up is essential to getting an interview. Be persistent but not a pest.
As a former executive with several Fortune companies I know how leaders think. People who have followed this process have gotten hired.
Good luck and never give up!
Bob Prosen – CEO
The Prosen Center for Business Advancement
http://www.mycareeraccelerator.com

P.S. And yes, this works for recent college grads as well.
P.S.S. Market yourself to the companies you want to work for whether or not they have an opening.

The job hunting process has gotten way too messed up. Some of the dumbest people I know have great jobs and complain about them all the time. Meanwhile I live on beans and roman noodles while I continue to go litterally on huge job hunting marathons. I walk around town picking up applications and talking to people all the ****ing time and I have nothing.

Thanks for the tips Alejandro and I agree with you 100% on everything you said especially about going in person with paper resumes. That was a suggestion made to me by one of my inlaws that he thinks is useful. But he’s a blue collar worker that did that back in 1975 when things were much different than they are now. Granted it may work for a small mom and pop establishment but sadly those are becoming few and far between. Many companies do have security concerns and also many others do resume reviews from a regional office and not from a branch office. They also like to review resumes online since many times there are questionnaires online where they can do an initial filter of potential candidates. I also find that with the economy being what it is and downsizing becoming a reality in many places, people just don’t have the time to speak to an unexpected visitor about potential vacancies when the internet is the perferred method of learning about and applying to open positions, whether current or potential. I went in person to a few places and the people I spoke to seemed taken aback and/or mildly amused at the fact I was using a now antiquated method. They were nice enough but I could tell they thought I was recently thawed out from another era. I have also found that networking and asking friends and family members if they know about any places hiring, is also helpful along with staffing/employment agencies. Like Sean said, “People send out thousands of applications and can’t even get interviews. Nevermind “passing” an interview.” There are more people looking for jobs than jobs available. That’s a familiar and troubling reality of this down economy.
It’ll take a while but somehow or another, opportunities will materialize. Just stay focused, stay positive and use whatever methods (current ones not old-fashioned one) you think may work with that particular employer. Best of luck!