I'll throw in my 2 cents, from experience.
Getting a job out of college is not easy. You have no experience and anyone hiring you is "taking a chance". Being unemployed after you graduate is not a good thing, because the first thing the hiring manager is going to ask himself is "why doesn't this guy already have a job?".
That said, there are several things you can do to improve your chances:
1. Don't get discouraged. You can be turned down 100 times. It only takes one yes. That said, you have to go into every interview with your game face on. The interview process works the opposite of the way most people think it does -- they're eliminating people, not choosing them. Don't give them a reason to eliminate you. Do a little homework on the company you're interviewing with. You'd be amazed how many times i've interviewed people and they didn't even know what our company did.
2. The same with the resume. Tailor it to the job at hand and list info pertinent to the job. If you're applying for a sales job, list the traits/experience you have that can apply to sales. You may not have sales experience, but listing experiences where you had to deal with people or show off your people skills will help. Most people's resumes are absolutely horrible.
3. As someone prior mentioned, take a job with a temp agency until you find permanent work. Many companies do temp-to-perm hiring. They don't want to take a chance hiring someone outright, but will hire the temp if they're good. Even if they don't hire you, it's experience you can list for your next interview and income you wouldn't have had otherwise. Often the temp agency will give you good tips on putting your best foot forward.
4. Practice your interview. Questions you need good answers for:
What have you been doing since you've been out of work?
Why have you been out of work so long?
What's the most challenging thing you've ever done?
What's your biggest weakness?
Why do you want to work here?
Answering the first two "No one will hire me" will end the interview. Come up with a good answer that doesn't convey laziness or lack of motivation. The third one shouldn't be "a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle", but something people can identify with. I heard one guy say losing 100lbs was the toughest, while another say going to college and working nights to pay for it.
For weakness, never ever list something that you still have. You should answer something that you've identified and worked on. Like..."i used to be a horrible public speaker, but i've been taking courses to better my speaking". The last one they're looking for sincerity and what you'll bring to the team. Saying something like it's a great company and you think you can be a contributing member of the team usually works well.
5. It may seem obvious, but don't go in smelling like cigarette smoke and/or booze. You'd be surprised.
6. Dress for success. A tie is a must, as is a jacket. Don't overdo the cologne. Again, you don't have to look like James Bond, but don't look sloppy. Clean shaven, fresh haircut, etc. Be confident, but not arrogant. Lack of confidence will show.
