Three steps to landing yourself a new job

To get ahead in today's job market you need a triple approach that combines searching online, utilising social media and working with a recruiter.

Not all job vacancies are advertised. While the statistics vary, the consensus seems to be that at least 50% of jobs are not advertised and are filled through informal or formal networks.

That's why you need to cover all bases in order to access the full range of opportunities open to you.

Search online

Looking firstly at online job searches, a 2014 Hays survey found that 65% of Australian jobseekers use the internet to search for a new job.

There are a range of job boards and company career pages that you can search, but remember these will only show you jobs that employers have decided to advertise.

Use social media

The survey also found that 46% of jobseekers use social media sites to look for a job, of which 90% use LinkedIn.

As a networking tool, LinkedIn has certainly had a tremendous impact.

But while it will help you access the hidden job market, effective networking covers more than simply adding new LinkedIn connections.

It means staying in touch and one of the best ways to do this is to share relevant and engaging content. You should also make your connections aware when you are job hunting and ask if they know anyone you could talk to about a job.

As well as finding jobs of interest, LinkedIn enables you to research an organisation, remain in contact with people for future potential job opportunities and promote your own skills and abilities - for example by publishing a LinkedIn post on a current industry trend.

Just make sure you regularly update your online profile as well as your CV.

Use a recruiter

Finally, you should partner with a recruiting expert. In a recent survey 78% of people are currently using a recruitment agency or would consider using one for their future job search. A recruiter invests many hours calling local employers to find the best job opportunities.

They can tell you which organisations are hiring and where the jobs are.

Your recruiter will become your advocate with employers and will promote your strengths and expertise. They can also give you advice on what it's like to work at the organisation you're applying for and the type of questions you are likely to be asked in the interview.

With this three-pronged approach, you will be able to access the full range of job opportunities on offer to advance your career. Good luck.

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