Good job dude.

Remember.... you actually have to do well at work, you cant half ass it like at school like i did... oh wait, that's advice for me... LOL, good luck! :)

You need to show up
 

in person and speak to the HR person. Or better yet, find out who you would be working for and speak directly with that person and sell yourself and how you would be an asset to that company and your boss. There are always exceptions that can be made. Be persistant and creative, don't take no for an answer.

The job market is tough. Over are the days where you can mail in a resume' with a cover letter and get a job. Make sure you research that company, know what they do and why, who owns and or runs it and what they are involved in...do your homework.

This is going to sound silly, but networking helps. Since the company is in the area you would like to stay. Someone you know probably knows someone that works for that company. Find out who that person is and get advice or ask for help.

I've been searching high and low for people on the inside. There are a lot of jobs these days that are send resume only. No phone calls, no contact what so ever. If we are interested we will call you....

exactly
 

That is why I said to go there in person. A resume' is very impersonal, but face to face contact...charm, wit and appearence and a well spoken face to face contact go a long way to give you an edge.

Just trying to give you a hand from someone that has been there on both sides. Trying to get a job and on the hiring end.

YES!!!! This is almost as important as your qualifications! You can be the smartest guy in the world but if you don't get along with everyone else in the company it does you and them no good!

John

Be Prepared
 

Do your home work. In the day of the internet - know the company, what they do, their financial position, who their customers are - know what the job is and what the requirements are. If you can speak to someone who is in that department or group - most would be glad to tell you what they do and what the requirements/training are for the position. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge and how it will benefit their efforts. Demonstrate organizational skills verbally and in the written stuff you present. Demonstrate good judgment by being focused and positive about the opportunity. Show interest and passion. I can't count the number of people I've interviewed that 'just want a job' and have little idea what they are getting into - and that's a huge turn off for me.

Again, do you home work and pick something that you'd love to do for free. Money only goes so far if you can't stand to be there. (although truckloads-o-money sure helps... :)

Best of luck !

thanks for all of the words of encouragement guys!