Look at the quality of positions that appear in the classified ads online or in print, and tell me what you see. You may see a few "name brand" companies, but you will see very few reputable companies - especially reputable companies that are offering entry-level positions to college graduates.
The best companies and available positions need no advertising or marketing budget. They will have enough candidates that will seek out the positions through the desire to work for a certain company. Yes, the competition will be greater, and your chances of landing an offer for the position will be much slimmer. It's worth the fight to put in the effort of marketing yourself to a company for the chance to land an offer for a position that will provide a solid foundation for the rest of your career.
It's much more important to look past the immediate goal of landing a job, and rather to look for an opportunity that will provide you the skills and experience that will allow you to improve yourself and prepare for the next stage in your career.
