Saying thank you has gotten me jobs
It's not really that hard to ask the secretary or someone else in the HR department how to spell names, etc., for a thank you note. It's not a sure sign that you'll get a job, but can be handy.
Sending that thank you note got me my first job in IT as a network technician in 1998. None of the other applicants sent any. My supervisor told me that's what clinched the deal.
Also, in the last couple of years, I've noticed some companies are using personality tests for potential hires. I missed out on one job because they did this. Don't expect them to tell you what they're looking for, either.
I know how people feel about bills, etc., but if the job is not going to come close to what I need to live, I politely decline an interview. It all depends on how you want to handle things.
When you do your research, you should always have a ballpark of what someone is paying. I've asked HR people directly, and they've often told me the range for a position. I sent in a resume to one hospital for an IT job and the supervisor chided me for asking what the range was because they refused to interview anyone who didn't give them an exact dollar amount. I went to HR (who was the main contact, anyway) and they told me right away what the range was. I then gave him the top figure. ;->
