Job Search Advice

So far the past few months, this topic has consumed my life. I can't look away from email or phone; like they are vacationing FSU co-eds (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/sioncampus/10/17/florida.downfall/p1_sterger_usf3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fanblogs.com/south_florida/006684.php&h=410&w=300&sz=18&tbnid=XJF5VH8OmCLD6M::&tbnh=125&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFSU%2BCowgirl&hl=en&usg=__MGoA1lIBFkfhZSsghLEtpq8SNRk=&ei=CKPnSbfCK-Owtgf7y9iXBg&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=2&ct=image). But, I think I have found what works (at least for interviews, which are like jobs these days), and what doesn't. I think the bad news should always come first, so you leave every situation feeling like Napoleon.

Does Not Work
- Monster.com
- Only applying to Fortune 500
- Online apps.
- Cover letters. I am so confused by these. What is the ultimate point of a cover letter? So they see how bad you can stretch the value of your skill set for a particular role? 25 seconds of seeing a resume and they know. Not sure why these are always required.
- Apparently a Top Tier MBA (well, until the banks pay back all the TARP funds, in like 26 years)
-Recruiters. Can't really blame them..........but, they have to go somewhere.
-Facebook

Works (slightly)
- Calls following up emails. Always do this. We all get enough email.
- Asking everyone you talk to if they have 3 more contacts that could be valuable.
- Giving exact situations where you made a decision that had a positive outcome for people and the firm
- Applying to positions under your capabilities.
- Sending a manilla envelope, with resume, referrences and cover letters (grrr) in a 3 ring binder. Then CALL to see if they got it.


What did I miss?????