If there’s a company that seems like a perfect fit for you, but is not currently hiring, apply anyway! You have nothing to lose! Here are steps you can take.

Know why you want to work for them: Be able to communicate this clearly. Organizations hire people who want to work for them, not just people who want a job.

Do your research: Learn more than just the basics about the company that you want to work for. Any extra information you have about the company will look impressive to these employers! Research the areas in which the company is growing or projects they are involved with. Think how you can help them in these endeavors. If they are not growing, you might also research the areas in which the company is declining. Reversing the decline is something they can certainly use.

Make yourself valuable: Don’t let selling yourself become repetitive and standard. Modify and customize what you say to target the particular company’s needs and positions. If you have certain ideas about contributions you could make, let them know when you apply and during your interview. Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile if you think it could help you land the job. Just remember to be specific and honest. Make yourself sound so desirable that it would hard for the employers to refuse to hire you.

Follow up: Following up with your application is important because if a company isn’t in desperate need to fill a position, you can become forgotten. Make calls and/or send emails to make sure they know you are dedicated to being able to work for their company.

Get to know people: You may want to speak with a couple different people to get your name out there. Let the word get out that you would love to work there.

Don’t Overdo: Be careful not to persist so often that you become annoying. You could come off as desperate and turn them off. Too much of a good thing is still too much!