I am applying at local companies and one in particular I hear is "hard to get in". Everyone talks about the hiring is done through referrals and unless you know somebody it is very difficult to get in.
What would you suggest one do to try and secure an interview? And if all goes well, get the job?

Hmmm Let's see...
Thank you, I bought the
Thank you, I bought the interview series. Paid for the resume service... and am preparing my butt off for the interview!!!!
Hard to get in
If you are in Linkedin see if you know someone who knows someone at the company. See if they can get you introduced to the employee for the company. If not on liknedin, ask your friends if they know some one there. Another thing, I would research the company - do they participate in any functions that you are or could be part of? Are they involved in a local chamber of commerce where you could meet them? Just a few suggestions. If is that hard to get in, once your in, the candidate pool will be small giving you an edge if you are on your game.
Thank you, The company is
Thank you, The company is Rackspace and I am doing my homework. I love listening to the Manager Tools Interview series. I can not tell you enough how I am giving my friends advice on the process and the resume.
I have customers come in the office and ask me to look at their resumes... if I can do it for them, I can do it for me!