The first step in this process is compiling at list of all companies that you might be interested in working for -- and don't worry if the list is a long one. In fact, it is better to have a longer list than a shorter one since your odds increase as your list gets longer. You could gather this list of companies by focusing on a specific geographic area, a specific industry, a ranking of the best companies to work for, or any other method. The point of this step is gathering a list of companies that you are interested in working for.

The second step in the process is gathering the names of the people who have the power to offer you a job. This step is accomplished by calling each company's main number and asking the receptionist (or department assistant) for the name and title of the hiring manager in your field of expertise. Don't let them give you the name of the Human Resources manager (unless that is the department where you are trying to get a job) because your first point of contact should be with the hiring manager in your field. This step is essential -- you must get a name and title. Many hiring managers have said they throw away any letter that is not addressed to them by name. Do you open your junk mail? Be persistent.

The third step in the process is writing a dynamic cover letter. While you may be sending out a great many letters, make sure that each letter is individualized by addressing each to a named individual, and, if possible, saying something about the company to showcase that you've done some homework about the company. Remember that your cover letter is extremely important since it serves as the point of first contact with the employer. If you don't have much experience writing cover letters, then spend some time with Quintessential Careers' free cover letter tutorial -- or their other cover letter resources. Enclose a clean copy of your resume with each letter you mail. They have two different resume tutorials if you need a little help with your resume.

The fourth step in the process is contacting the people you wrote to in the third step. For many people, this step is the hardest. It means getting on the phone and contacting these people and asking for a job interview. Be persistent, even if the potential employer says there are no current job openings, but do not be rude or too pushy. If the person is unwilling to grant you a job interview, you should request an informational interview, where you can gain more knowledge of the field -- and perhaps get the names of more people to contact. Your goal should be to get as many interviews with potential employers as possible. Even if the majority of them say there are no current openings, interviewing with them gives you the opportunity to dazzle them -- and then ask for referrals to other employers who might have job openings available. Make sure you are best prepared for these interviews by checking out some of their job interviewing resources, including their job interviewing tutorial.

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Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is a published career expert -- and has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.