Andrew's advice is all good and I echo it. Additionally, I recommend that you don't focus too much on the specific job itself, which may mean accepting a job that is not in the City Manager's office. Get your foot in the door first so that you can show them your knowledge, talents, and work ethic. Also, try to find a quality organization that is high-performing, wins awards, and has a good reputation. If you're going to spend your time building your career in one organization, you want it to be a good one that you'll be happy in and will provide opportunities for you. My first job was as a Code Enforcement Officer, certainly not my career goal, but it got my foot in the door. Less than four years later, I was the Planning & Development Director for the same organization and my career has continued to grow since then. Good luck!

It's not who you know, it's who knows you. Do all the stuff that Andrew and Jessica have suggested but make sure you produce results that people will value. If you're doing great work, word will travel fast.

Tom, I can tell from your resume that you have a lot of great government experience.

That being said, I think your career search would benefit from a paring down of your resume. This may seem like a difficult and daunting task, but there is a useful method you can employ to do so. I know this may seem like very obvious advice, but it has been one of the most important career search suggestions I've ever received, and I'll pass it on: Tailor your resume for the specific position you are applying for. This means that you'll have to revise your resume for each job you apply to, but it will really help you present yourself the way your potential employer will like to see you. This will also help you eliminate details from your resume that are most likely impressive though extraneous to the main goal of any resume review: to get an interview.

Such a process will inevitably result in a “theme” for your resume. You can find such a theme by taking key words (especially verbs) from the job descriptions you’re applying for. Make it easy for an employer to make the decision to interview you. If the employer is seeking an analyst to “develop and monitor performance of department budgets,” your resume should mention job details where you “developed” and “monitored.” Again, make it easy for the employer to schedule that interview; don’t make him hunt around your resume for signs you’re qualified.

Jessica’s advice about searching out quality organizations is excellent. Even if you can’t snag a job in the manager’s office, you’ll be exposed to a high-functioning organization that values talent and passion for local government. Choose to apply for positions that include an analytical, organization-wide focus rather than those that are purely operationally-focused. For example, a management analyst position within a police department could expose you to more organization-wide objectives and goals than a budget technician position in a budget office; though the budget office may have more direct links to the manager’s office, it may not offer you the right kind of exposure you’ll need. If you’re looking for a future in local government management, it’s important to see how local government works at both the small- and large-scale levels.

Best of luck!

I am a fellow under-utilized MPA graduate who has been doing the "right things" without the results to show for it, much like you. I recommend creating a LinkedIn profile to reflect the experience in your resume because it is ranked highly in Web search results. Because relatively few ICMA members use LinkedIn at this stage (around 15% by my sampling of known members), you'll be seen as an "early adopter" and savvy with social media. Once on LinkedIn, you can join the online equivalents of offline groups such as ICMA and then send connection requests to fellow group members -- quite handy for networking.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joeohlerjr

Tom -

You have received excellent advice from everyone. I really would echo Jessica's and Megan's advice. However, my suggestions are more in-line with Megan's. Tailor your resume to each job. Your resume is difficult to catch your most significant accomplishments. I know it is difficult to pair one's resume down but it is necessary. Career summaries, notable achievements, testimonials, list of skills and lengthy description of activities under education are not necessary. As an employer I'm really looking for what sets you apart at your last job assignment.

If I may suggest please check out the "Manager Tools" website. They have a great series of podcast for interviewing and developing your resume.

Good luck with your search.

You're recieved a lot of great feedback but the fact is that the job market is more competative than ever. Experienced folks are staying longer due to the economy and even those who "retire" maybe be competing for a second career. Years back a good fit was when an employer got most of what he was looking for. Now they're chooosing from applicants who meet or exceed all their criteria. A couple of points:
. Be sure you're applying for a position that really suits you ( and you the employer). Most employers can figure out who is a serious applicant and who is just applying.
-Your resume looks comprenesive but perhaps a more directed cover letter would help.
-While your resume is comprehensive is seems a bit "busy". I'm not sure making it one page will serve you well; but working with someone whop can help you format and present the information may be time well spent.
-Don't get discouraged. For most of us, it's a long and complicated process based on objective information that is subjectively reviewed.
-Good luck.

You probably noticed all the well wishers saying, "Good luck," when luck has NOTHING to do with it. If you haven't broken into government by now, then you simply lack the talent and charisma to open those doors. End of story!

Joseph, that level of negativity is probably what is hindering your career pursuits, it will come through when you interview. You, or Tom, or anyone cannot expect to get "lucky" and walk into a top position just because you are educated. You have to be able to prove your worth and that means taking a lower job and fulfilling your potential so that you will be able to get to your ultimate goal. My first job was as a Town Clerk which became an Assistant Town Manager position when I showed what I could do. My second job I stepped down in a larger city as an Assistant Personnel Director before the City Manager saw my potential and made me an Assistant City Manager. It may take charisma and it may take talent but you have to be showcased for either of those to make a difference. Tom, set your sights lower and work your way up. If you have the talent (and Joseph's charisma) you will get where you want to go.