Advertised jobs are the tip of the iceberg of available opportunities.

To increase your chances of landing a role you really want, exploit the unadvertised job market through networking.

• Ask family, colleagues, ex-colleagues, alumni, lecturers for leads.

• Follow up, mentioning the contact who gave you the lead.

• Send speculative letters that present you as a solution to a problem.

• Secondments, shadowing and committee work increase your marketability.

• Cultivate external clients to leverage at a later date.

Online networking

With so many people using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to advance their career, you need to stand out from the crowd.

• Use the sites’ on-line CV builders to pitch your skills and experience.

• Include key words relevant to your role and industry in your profile and CV.

• Activate testimonials - a powerful endorsement of your abilities.

• Add a professional looking photo.

• Contribute articles, advice and opinions on relevant forums to raise your visibility.

• Don’t put anything on the net that could undermine your credibility.