Here's my suggestion - stop looking in the want adds. I've gotten 1 job out of the paper (it ended up being a good experience), but every other professional job I've gotten has been because of who I know. If you're willing to work as a secretary, talk to your friends who are in the field that you want to go into. Find out who they know and if they're looking for anyone. I read once where 66% (or so) of all jobs are never advertised in the paper. Definitely talk to the alumni association - I know that I've helped a couple people from my college find things, even if its just referring them on to a friend of mine. Of the 15 or so folks that I've helped at various stages, only 2 have been with jobs at my company. Usually they're with a friendly competitor or a vendor or something like that. You need to make sure that the person recommending you is the right person, though, because I almost passed on one of my current assistants (who indespensible, BTW) because the person that recommended her is a complete flake.
If your old jobs were in the same city where you're trying to get a job, try calling your old bosses and see if they'll help you out. You might be surprised.
Good luck!
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