Two years ago, if I'd told you what I'm about to tell you now on how to conduct a job search, you'd look dumbfounded and frustrated. You'd say that conducting a job search like this, while strategic, is not practical and very risky.  Most job seekers turn to want ads in newspapers and online websites as the crux of their job searches. Here are the facts: an online search is akin to going to a bar to find a mate. Most people will be forgotten amid other suitors wearing similar scents and attire.

I'll tell you right now: ditch the newspapers and job search websites. The current job search is about being cutting-edge and taking risks.

Say no to tradition

I'm telling you to ignore the old advice of going to newspaper and online websites first. They're for the desperate, the uncreative and the people stuck in the 20th century. They can be useful, but not as a primary place to search for jobs. Most of those jobs often get filled internally or by someone who knows someone either before they are posted or soon after the jobs gets posted. These jobs are better choices for someone who is desperate and needs to apply to as many jobs as soon as possible or they'll be in financial peril.  With the average job search at a three decade high of over 9 months, save the online and want ads after you've worked the blueprint.

The cutting-edge job search blueprint

1. Scout- The first step is not to search for available jobs, but to search for companies. Pick the most appealing companies to you. These should be the companies you want to work for.
2. Sort- Sort your list of companies by letter grade from A to F after you've weighed the pros and cons, checked for unlisted openings and scaled the jobs for desirability.
3. Focus-At this stage, we'll ignore anything that gets lower than a C on your scale. Focus on the jobs you want. These are the jobs where you should invest the most time, resources and creativity. Start with your A companies and then go to B companies after following the other steps.
4. Research- You've already scouted the companies, now is the time for the research. Learn about the areas they need to improve and where they've had success. This insider information will set you apart in your job search.
5. Adapt- With the information in hand, adapt your skills and message to how you can help them. Make sure your message shows that you've done your homework.
6. Impress- These companies may or may not be hiring. Either way, your goal is to impress. You've spent time on these specific companies for a reason. Treat this like a first date. Start with a phone call then send your package. Wait and deliver a friendly call back. During these calls, establish a rapport so you can call back in a few weeks to keep inquiring about openings and keep your name in the game.

Rather than send out dozens of resumes, you've put your best forward with a few jobs. This cutting-edge job search blueprint will first separate you from the mob of online job applicants. The blueprint then puts you in a position to take advantage of opportunities you want. There is no worse feeling than having rushed to take an average job when you could have had your dream job, but you thought they weren't hiring or limited your job search to only what you and everyone else saw.