Job Hunting: Tips to Get Your Foot in the Door

5) Don't rely exclusively on the Internet. The Internet is a great source for finding leads -- various job boards, your local newspaper's Web site, Craigslist, niche sites, LinkedIn -- and everyone knows they have to apply online, but they usually make the mistake of stopping there, which gives a false sense of accomplishment. (For example, "I just sat in front of my computer and fired off resumes to more than 50 openings. Surely someone will respond ... surely something will pay off." Not!)

6) Pick up the phone. Once you apply, don't wait for them to call you. Take additional steps to minimize the chances of your resume disappearing into the big black hole. People hire people, so invest time in finding an internal referral who'll help get your resume in the right hands. Use your online social networks, alumni contacts, neighbors and so on. When a job posting says, "NO CALLS," that's really designed to prevent people from calling up to say, "So, did you get my resume?" Nobody has time to sort through the pile to give you that answer.

If you're applying to the HR department for a sales position, call the sales manager of the organization to make him or her aware of your interest and qualifications. Or cold call the department you'd be working for and schmooze the person who answers. Instead of asking, "Are you hiring?" you can say, "I know you have an opening for X and I'm exceptionally qualified and would love the chance to get my resume to the decision maker. Might you be willing to tell me who that is?" If you're interested in retail work, walk into a store and befriend the other sales associates who can often put your application at the top of the pile for the boss.

7) Don't say, "Know anyone who's hiring?" With so many people unemployed or worried about their own positions, that's now met with yawns and rolled eyes as if to say, "Yeah, so what else is new?" Mask your pessimism and frustration — it's nobody's business that you're in debt or can't pay the mortgage. Those things, believe it or not, don't lead someone to help more. They usually retrench because they worry about your baggage.

So when you're leaning on people for help, help them to help you. Have your pitch down: "I'm looking for new opportunities in retail. Do you know anyone who owns or manages a shop?" "I'm actively pursuing a position in technology and I have six employers on my top target list -- might you know someone connected to one of these companies?" "I'm interested in joining a small PR firm and I know their positions are usually filled through word of mouth. I'm looking to make connections in the industry, and I'd welcome your suggested leads and contacts."