Land your dream job

With most jobs vacancies never seeing the light of day, dream jobs are hard to come by. That's why employment experts believe networking is the key to success.

THE power to get the job you want is in you, it's just a matter of talking to the right people.

If Michael Leistner could teach everybody one thing it would simply be that networking works.

After more than a decade in the business of getting people into the jobs they're looking for, the Sarina Russo Job Access manager knows the ins and outs of the industry.

And his plan for getting you into that dream job is simple - get out there, meet people and put yourself in the best position to take advantage of what's become known as the "hidden job market"

Some figures suggest unlisted vacancies account for as much as 75 per cent of all available positions.

"Getting the job you want is as simple as going beyond traditional job-hunting methods and being pro-active in directly approaching people you know and companies you'd like to work for," he says.

"A successful networker initially contacts people who can provide them with advice or referrals, which will lead them in the right direction.

"It's important not to screen anyone out of your possible list of contacts because even if a person seems irrelevant they may know someone who can help you.

"It's often surprising how the most unlikely contacts can result in a successful job search:"

Jan Kazakoff, the president of Logan's Zonta International Club, also merits networking as the best way to get your career on the right track.

She believes organisations like hers are the perfect way to open up a world of new opportunities.

"The main purpose of the club is networking, and when people come together they're able to share their expertise:'

she says.

KEY NETWORKING TIPS:

Don't be shy - reach outside of your comfort zone and contact people you've never met
If you have a mutual contact, ask if you can refer to them
Make an impression - plan how you'll sell yourself
Prepare a list of relevant questions about the industry, company and your potential role
Be professional - even if there's no work now, they may remember you