Almost every job that I have ever had I have gotten because I knew somebody. I'm 28, college degree (Biology) and have worked in biotech, teaching high school and a research assistant. Over the years I've also worked jobs such as painting and construction. All of these jobs I got because I knew somebody.

Two exceptions:
In high school I had a job delivering pizza that I got by walking into the place and applying. I currently work in retail, where I walked in and applied.

I'm currently looking for jobs in health care or science fields. I've found that you can't just walk in and ask for an application. If you do you are just told to go home and apply online. These places emply hundreds if not thousands of people.

I didn't know anyone when I moved to this town. I simply threw my resume out there, I also went through those job-connect places. If your interested in a place, fax your resume, email it, send it by mail [mark it confidential so it'll just be opened by the boss], even drop it off in person.

I did that to get my job. The first resume will probably just be skim read, and by the third it'll catch their attention.

Keep trying. That's all I can really say: try. You won't get a job sitting down, you have to get out there and force-feed them your resume.

Also, make your resume sticks out from the bunch. Get some reference letters from your previous employer[s]. Write a great cover letter.

Good luck.
Sarah

This is a difficult time to find a job. Explore every possible avenue.

Network - make sure everyone you know and everyone you meet knows that you are looking for a job in this field. Eventually you might find out that someone knows someone who can help you.

Rather than go in to apply (you might catch someone at a bad time), call and ask if you may send your resume. 1 week after sending it, call to follow up.

Volunteer at a local hospital. This will allow you to meet the right people and allow them to see your skills and work ethic.

Good luck.

Appreciate the good answer. Thank you.