You learned a long time ago, when there is something you want– go after it.

You complete the online application, upload your resumé and add a compelling cover letter.

Then you wait. Days, perhaps weeks go by and you don’t hear from the company. Why?

Because you’ve done, what everyone else has done—played the numbers game to find a job. This approach does not increase your chances of finding a job. You need to take control of your job search.

Put in the work to get the outcome you want.

There are many things you can't control about the job search process. Unwieldy online applications, applicant tracking software that identifies keywords instead of talent, hiring managers that do not think outside the box to find candidates, are just a few of the things you can’t control.

However, there is one thing you can control: The amount of work you put in to get a job.

Determine the companies you want to work for.

Too often job-seekers play the numbers game and respond to as many job postings as possible. This is not an effective strategy. To show hiring managers you are the right candidate, you have to do the work. Put in the time to determine the companies you definitely want to work for, and then target them.

Really learn about the company.

You can't possibly know if you want to work for a company unless you know a lot about the company. That’s the difference between just wanting a job and wanting an actual role in a company. Talk to anyone you can find. Check out company employees on social media. (LinkedIn is a great resource.) When you learn about the people, you learn the company and its culture. Learn as much as you can.

Figure out your value starting on Day 1.

Most companies no longer invest in training employees. It requires resources: money, time and people to conduct training. This is not where companies are putting their money. New hires need to add value as soon as they start.

While you don't need to be able to do everything required in the job, identify one or two things you can contribute from Day 1. Make these things the focus of your resumé and interviewing.

Show your value.

When you’re targeting a company, show what you can offer. Create a website. Develop marketing materials. Put together a portfolio of work. Develop relevant case studies from your course work. These materials prove what you know, what you know about the company and what you offer. Your initiative will go a long way towards overcoming concerns that you don’t have experience.

Referrals influence hiring managers.

Business is all about relationships.

You have more of a professional network then you realize—professors, alumni, supervisors from summer jobs, and you will need to forge new connections. These people can help connect you.

For hiring managers, knowing that someone they trust is willing to vouch for you can influence whether you get an interview or not. Moreover, references can influence the hiring decision.

Don’t wait for the company to come to you.

Contrary to what you believe, you don't have to wait for an interview, and you don't have to wait for an opening to be posted on a job board or company website. When you’ve identified a company, learned about it, understand and can market your value, then you need to get an introduction and go to the hiring manager.

It works as long as you show the person you contacted how s/he will benefit from talking with you.

Approach them appropriately and people will pay attention.

Direct the interview.

Most people are poor interviewers. So be direct and to the point. Explain your value—what you can do. Describe your experience. Sell yourself. Use what you know about the company and how you add value to back up your pitch.

Most job-seekers take a more passive approach. By taking control of your job search, you will stand out, and have a much better chance of landing the job you really want.

 Ask for the job.

You learned a long time ago, when there is something you want you have to go after it and ask for it. So, ask for the job. If you get a no, then create a plan to keep yourself top of mind and go after the next company on your target list.