Trying to get a job can make you feel helpless.

When you were a kid, you were probably told that you might be anything you want.

Unfortunately, as an adult, it doesnt quite feel like that.

The more places you apply to, the more likely you are to get a positive response, right?

In some industries, this can be true.

Particularly,anyone youll need to apply toor who youll work with regularly.

After successfully getting two jobs through connections made on Twitter, I certainly will.

You never know whats going to get you a foot in the door.

The companys web site:Dont overlook the value of a companys web site.

Knowing who it’s crucial that you impress can help you target your resume.

Finding some of this information can be hard.

Understanding it can be harder.

Remember, youre doing research for your own benefit, too!

Its not enough to know someone who can hire you.

you gotta be able to actually do the work once youre hired.

Some careers make this easier than others.

An ideal job tool will tell you exactly what kind of skills that you oughta have before you apply.

Research the position itself:Remember Glassdoor and LinkedIn from the last section?

Look up the position youre applying for there, too.

Volunteer for work in your field:Doing free work is a hard choice on its own.

However, be sure to learn the difference between gaining experience andgetting taken for a ride.

Others just have professional events or gatherings where people in an industry can get together and discuss their work.

Going to a convention, a union meeting, or workshop can give you tons of insight.

This can also serve as a good opportunity to find out whether youll actually like doing a particular job.

Several years ago, I went to school for video production.

I wanted to be able to write my own stories and put them on the screen.

Our teachers, however, came largely from a television news background.

We learned that behind the scenes, most of the work youll ever do is on other peoples stories.

While I enjoyed some of the work, I also wanted a creative outlet.

after you snag that job in mind, start doing work that will look impressive on that resume.

If youre applying to be a graphic designer, start making designs and sharing them online.

If you want to be a developer, start writing cool apps.

Im fairly certain no one read that blog, but thats not what matters.

And Im sure thats part of the reason why Im here today.

This process doesnt just begin once youve decided to fill out an app.

It can start years early.

Of course, building out your portfolio is always a good thing.

In the end,those featureshelped me stand out to the person who eventually hired me.

Its time to seal the deal.

If you havent initiated a conversation with someone, its time to do so.

Even if nothing is available, they may remember you when there is a position.

Dont count yourself out until someone at the company says no first.

However, if youre hitting someone up on Twitter or cold-emailing a stranger, assume regular etiquette rules.

Dont ask someone for a favor the first time you talk to them.

Dont get upset if they dont respond right away.

If they dont respond ever, dont pester them.

when you land someone at the company to talk to, put everything in front of them.

If youre filling out a job tool,list those accomplishmentsyouve been working on.

Once youve applied,follow up.

Dont let them forget about you.

Everything else is negotiation.

Its easy to succumb to misery when job hunting.

Its a terrible process that nobody likes.

However, that doesnt mean youre helpless.

Photos byLeonardo RizziandSamuel Mann.