How do you look for jobs?

So far, I have got all my previous jobs through contacts and friends.

However, I am trying to get a remote job now, and since I don't know anyone who works in these organizations, it is turning out to be my first real job search.

I don't know how others do it, but I would rank it in this order:

Personal network - recruiters - apply directly

You (and others) are welcome to contest this order, as I am typing it in a bit of a rush.

1. The best way to get a job is through your own current network. Even if you have never done 'networking,' realize you already have a network. Your classmates from high school and college, parents of your friends, friends of friends, people from your community, your neighbors, your professors, your professors friends, etc. They are all part of your network. See what they are all up to and see if they can recommend you to a job or introduce you to someone who can. Companies love to hire people that they already know. I'd love to see someone argue against this claim. 2. If you exhausted your current network, then maybe you should build your network. Make a list of jobs/companies you'd want to work for, and instead of blindly applying to those jobs, try to meet up with someone who has the job you want, or works at the company you want to work at. It's best to get an intro, but cold-calling also works (although you're probably going to get a lot of no responses, you only need that one person who can help you get a job). Tell them that you want to know more about their job/company, and ask them if they could possibly spare some time to give advice. Offer to buy them coffee. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help people who want advice. Once you have built a relationship, its much more likely they can recommend or refer you to a job.

Can you get a job by simply applying to a job? Of course, it happens all the time. But networking always improves your odds.

Real life networking will produce you the jobs fastest. When I increased my presence at local events, even events not at all centered around recruiting / hiring, there was a huge increase in job chatter.

What is your best chance if you lack a personal network or your personal network is in no place to help? Assuming there are no local events or they are out of reach (geographically or time-based)