I passed a friend who asked me how I was doing... he asked for my card. That afternoon I had a call for an interview. I've met with the managing director and founder in about a weeks time. I don't even have an updated resume! Right now, it's just great to have contacts! If you can use those resources first, you're golden. Where I interviewed, the culture is an open environment, the people are laid back and the culture seems to fit my personality. They are an independent shop, so they don't seem to stress about the "big number from NYC".