Did you know that most job openings in a company are filled without ever being posted?!!  Do NOT waste all of your valuable and precious time sending resumes into Monster or calling HR and sending them there.  They will forever be lost!  The quickest and most effective way to get a job interview is to talk to the decision maker, the individual that could hire you.  Many times, a hiring manager may be thinking of hiring someone with your skill set, but has not yet made the decision to hire.  Ok, you say, how in the heck do I do that??!  Here's how: 

Call into a company and just ask who heads up the particular department you are interested in.  Sometimes they will give you their name and connect you right away.  You can also do some research online (i.e. places like www.hoovers.com or LinkedIn).  You can usually get this figured out without too much trouble.  Then, contact them by phone or email and say something like “Hi, Joe!  My name is Erika.  I am a Project Manager, and I have a skill set that includes __ (a degree, X number of years of experience, etc.  Include a couple of things that highlight what you offer an employer.  Keep it brief though - No more than 30 seconds max.)  Can you use someone like me on your team?” and then see what they say.  You can also ask who they might know that could use someone with your skill set.  You will be surprised by the wealth of valuable information you will receive if you just ask.  Also, be sure to send a copy of your resume.  

I have worked many years as a recruiter and have also seen this first hand in my own career.  If all you do is send out a bunch of resumes online and wait for companies to call you back, you will be frustrated by the results (or lack thereof).  You will have a lot more success by reaching out personally to decision makers and becoming your own best resource.  Just try it!  What do you have to lose?