Why it matters more than applications
A large share of hires come through personal contact rather than public postings. Referred candidates are interviewed at far higher rates than cold applicants for the same role. That imbalance is the single most useful fact in job searching, and it applies to entry level work as strongly as to management.
You already have a network
Former coworkers and supervisors, classmates, neighbors, people from your church or congregation, parents from your kids' school, members of any club or team you belong to, your barber, the people at the gym. Most of them do not know you are looking, which means they cannot help you. The first task is telling them.
What to actually say
Keep it short and specific. "I am looking for a scheduling or patient access role at a clinic or hospital in the county. If you hear of anything, or know somebody who works in one, I would appreciate an introduction." Vague requests get vague answers. Naming the target makes it easy for people to help.
Job clubs and groups
Job search groups, career networking clubs and workforce center workshops exist across the Tampa Bay area, many meeting weekly and free to attend. Their real value is not the speaker; it is the room. Everyone there hears about openings and most of them are happy to pass one along.
Information conversations
Ask someone doing the job you want for twenty minutes of their time to learn about the work, not to ask for a job. Prepare five questions, respect the clock, send a thank you, and stay in touch. A meaningful share of these conversations turn into referrals later, because you become the person they think of when a role opens.
Volunteering
Volunteering in a role related to your target work fills a gap on the resume, produces a current reference, builds skills and puts you in a room with employed people. For long unemployment, it is one of the most effective moves available.