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A useful strategy is to pick a company where you really want to work. Study it carefully. Discover what they do. Discover what problems they have. Devise a solution to the problem and find out who in the company is in a position to act on your proposed solution. Network with that person. Generate an advocate that will refer you to HR.

The last time I applied for a job was in 1980. Pacific Telephone. I had the credentials, but the CPUC had placed a hiring freeze on Pacific Telephone. I called weekly to get a status update and eventually the freeze was lifted and I was hired.

For my current job, I was recruited. An offer was delivered to my front door. That was November 1991. I started the current position on Dec 9, 1991. It's a big company with lots of specialties. Perform well. Network. Get recruited to the next contract. All internal.

It's a bit late in the Summer, but many companies have Summer internships. That is a great way to demonstrate your skills and network within a company. Often it leads to an offer of a paid position.