Do you make sure your cover letter and résumé is relative to the position you're applying for? E.G when I applied for the job I am at now since it's an internet company I made sure to make my résumé and cover letter match with it and got hired pretty fast, this also helped when I worked for DND. By this I mean don't add things to your résumé that aren't relative to the job, so if you are applying for a technical job don't talk about your amazing baby sitting skills (just an example)

Also try different style résumés and if you ever reapply somewhere definitely do not use the same one. I also always gave them a call or checked up with them personally and asked for an update if they had checked it or not, showing initiative is always good.

If it's a place like a fast food restaurant or store you could always shop/eat there casually as well and build up some connections before hand which would also help your chances.