I think we can all agree that this is the ultimate goal of any job search. The problem is, when your future is staring you in the face, uncertainty becomes terrifying. This fear often causes recent college grads to settle for the sure thing-to accept a job because it is comfortable. I am here to tell you that your dream job is out there, you just need the courage-and the tools-to fight for it. Reading this article is a good first step:

Research Your Product

Finding a job really boils down to becoming your own salesmen. Who knows your product better than you? Who is more concerned with the success of your product than you? Before you start pitching yourself, make sure you know what specifics potential employers will be concerned with. Consider taking a few of the following tests (as suggested by CollegeGrad.com) as part of your research:

• Personality: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Jung Typology Test, the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, and others; analyzes your personality type and compares it with various careers.
• Aptitude: Structure of Intellect (SOI) and others; analyzes your aptitude for particular careers.
• Interest: Strong Interest Inventory (SII), Campbell Interest and Skill Survey (CISS), Self-Directed Search (SDS) and others; analyzes your personal interests and how they correlate with those of others who have been successful in a variety of careers.
• Values: System for Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) and others; examines your value system and how the priority of your values may work with (or against) you in a variety of careers.

Remember to make sure you are familiar with all of the details of your resume inside and out.

Market Yourself

Don't forget, you are selling yourself. If you don't market yourself, who will? Know who and what your market is, and who your competition is in the marketplace. Do not take anything to granted, if you are truly concerned with finding a dream job you need to leave no stone unturned. You are entering a highly competitive marketplace, and you need to make your product (you) standout.

The most effective salespeople are those who are able to put themselves in the shoes of their customers. Your most direct customer is the company recruiter, or hiring manager, who is reading your resume, opening your e-mail or letter, eventually interviewing you. Remember, you are just one of many candidates applying for many positions. Explain to these people why you are an outstanding candidate, and make sure they remember you by showing them your passion.

Use the Tools They Use

Finding a dream job is hard; finding dream candidates is harder. Most, if not all, of the best companies and firms use job sites, headhunters, and executive search services to source their candidates. While it is true that you do not need to read this article to figure out how to use Monster or CareerBuilder, I will warn you to be wise about which job boards you use.

Many of the top dogs will tell you that they hardly ever open resumes sent from big job boards anymore. Monster continues to get trashed (http://www.cheezhead.com/2008/07/10/monster-offshore-sales-rep/) , and with the downturn in the economy many companies and firms are looking to cut recruiting costs. Be on the lookout for up and coming sites and social networks that offer recruiters the best way to reach your generation. I am sure you have heard of LinkedIn and Facebook, but pay attention to Doostang and Yellojobs.com in college recruiting online services. Checking out YelloJobs might be especially worth your while because you can earn a ton of money by referring your friends for jobs while looking for your dream job yourself, for FREE.