This is what I do.
1. Go to a job engine (Indeed, JobAware, etc.)
2. Search for jobs in a 50 mile radius of location, sort by date.
3. Open every one in a new tab.
4. Close tabs where qualifications and responsibilities don't match me.
5. Read application instructions (email resume, apply online, company site.)
6. Research the company and position via as many resources as I have.
7. Create a Email written/PDF/.docx cover letter depending on instructions.
8. Fill out application tailored to highlight qualifications and responsibilities.
9. Submit cover letter/resume/application per company instructions.
10. Repeat for every open tab remaining.
Each day I'll check openings for towns in a 50 mile radius (~1 hour commute) for 4 locations in the event I manage to secure employment in a new town that I can easily relocate to (friends/family in area, etc.) If you spend 1 hour on each application and apply to jobs from 8AM to 10PM for a week, that's 98 in a week. If you include a few "easy" applications (i.e. retail, food service) that brings the number up higher since those applications generally don't take an hour each to fill out. Additionally, I'll take a look at places like CD, resume sites, manager/HR advice columns and try out various things to see how the responses go.
I try to be a bit more focused on my search and do 3-5 average a day, but that's because I spend probably too much time researching the position and company so I'm more prepared for an interview than the interviewer. I'm getting up to 300 applications being 3 months in, but eventually something will bite.
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