The reason you think it's so easy is because it's an arm's length approach. And it's mechanical. You write a terrific resume and then you distribute it as widely as possible. I mean, what could be easier than posting it on a few job sites. Or emailing it to a bunch of employers or employment agencies. Or mail it to some advertised openings.

It's soooo much easier to do it this way. And then sit back and wait for something to drop in your lap. But there's a problem. It's one of the reasons why some job campaign last for weeks and months. Here's why.

First, it can take forever to get from posting your resume to an actual job offer. Secondly, you're placing your career future in the hands of fate . . . you have to take or leave whatever comes along (if anything). And, finally, you have no say in what a great job opportunity should be for you.

But there's a simple but effective tool you can put use immediately to ramp up your search for a great job. You can use it to put yourself in control of the process rather than being a victim of it. It's called the phone!

It's amazing how much resistance there is to using the phone as a major tool in your job search. For many people, lifting the receiver to initiate a contact . . . especially if it's someone you don't know . . . is so intimidating that the phone seems to weigh 100 pounds.

For example, you can use your phone to do some basic research. Make up a list of organizations you'd like to go to work for. Call each of them (like the PR department) and have them send you literature. Then identify the decision-makers within the organization that you might report to.

Then you call your friends, relatives, neighbors, religious land political leaders, people you do business with, community contacts. You ask them for inside information about the decision-makers you're interested in. And, if they have access to any of them, you ask for an introduction.

But what do you say on the phone to these contacts?

You tell them you're looking for their advice (not a job). You paint a picture for them of your interests and request input from them. You ask if they know anyone in authority that they could refer you to for further investigation. And, if they do, you ask them for a personal introduction.

If you learn how to use the phone assertively, you can dramatically speed up the job finding process. Here are two simple tips that can get you started:

1. Prepare a written script containing exactly what you want to say. Practice saying it out loud.

2. Warm up before calling the person you've targeted by calling a friend and practicing the script. Or call the weather report. Or a store to inquire about a product or service. Then, while you're on a roll, call the contact.

Turn your phone into your biggest asset while you find a great job!