Michelle,
If I am going to look for a job, the last place I will start looking is under "help wanted" ads in the newspaper. Many of these jobs are entry level.
Word of mouth is the best bet in landing a well-paying and rewarding job (meaning - go in through the back door to get inside the company that you want to work for). Many times, the good jobs are not advertised, so having an "inside" connection with someone you know helps. Do you belong to any professional organizations (like IAAP or Chamber of Commerce)? Perhaps even checking with friends and associates in clubs you belong to as a hobby. If you're not involved with any organizations, consider joining, being active and building those "political" connections now! Food for thought.
If there is a certain company you have your eyes on, figure out some ways to get involved with that company in an indirect way... use your creativity. Find some links that could help you to connect in some way, for example, if the company is really into it's community's charities like the United Way, you could start by volunteering - get your name and face known. Those types of links are out there.
Another good way to "feel the waters" is to sign up through several job placement agencies in your area. Even many temp jobs turn perm (it's the company's way of testing you out to see if there's a fit before committing to a permanent job). You can tell the job placement agencies up front that you prefer not to take any receptionis jobs so they can pare down the job search criteria for you.
Remember that this might not happen over night. It may be a goal that may take some time to get the wheels moving in your direction, but if you start now, the sooner it will be that you'll reach it.
Take care!
SNA
