Searching for a job

There are many places to search for a job online, including:

• Government websites such as I work for NSW

• Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn  

• Jobs websites such as Seek, Indeed and Jora

• Company websites 

• Recruitment agencies 

Online search tips

To make your online job search more efficient, consider these tips: 

• Set up an online profile
  Websites such as Seek allow you to set up a profile that includes your resume / CV, which employers and recruiters can browse when they are searching for talent. 

• Sign up to receive job alerts
  Most job websites allow you to subscribe to receive emails when new jobs within your field of interest are advertised. 

• Register with recruiters
  Consider contacting a recruiter, particularly those who hire specifically for the industry or sector you’re interested in. 

• Review your professional social media
  Having an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn page provides another way that potential employers can learn about you, your skills and experience.  

Over 80% of jobs are never advertised by employers. This is known as the 'hidden jobs market'.  

These employers may prefer to hire staff from within their own networks, such as people who are referred to them by existing employees, friends, family or via industry connections. 

To find these jobs, you will need to connect with people in your networks (volunteer, community, sporting, charity groups), talk to them about your interest in their work and ask for introductions to employers. 

You could start by speaking with: 

• friends from school, friends’ parents/carers, or your teachers 

• colleagues from previous jobs or people who you know from your industry

• friends or colleagues from your educational studies at TAFE, college or university 

• people you know through community groups or volunteer work

• people you know from sporting clubs or through your hobbies. 

Tapping into the hidden jobs market

When you’re trying to tap into the hidden jobs market, consider these tips: 

• Show an interest in others
  Start your conversations by asking the people in your networks about their jobs. People are often happy to chat about their work and it’s a good way to find out about different careers. How did they get their job? What qualifications did they need? What does a typical day in their job involve? 

• Be prepared
  Be ready to speak about your own work experience and skills, and the kind of job you’re looking for. 

• Ask for an introduction
  Ask the person if they know of any jobs available, or if they could connect you or recommend you to an employer. 

• Say 'thank you'
  Even if the conversation didn’t lead to an introduction, thank the person for their time. A few kind words will help them keep you in mind for future opportunities. 

Beyond your immediate network

If you have reached out to everyone in your immediate network, you may like to look for hidden jobs in other ways.

You could try: 

• Researching the relevant professional association for your industry and attending a local event or conference for the industry you’re interested in.

• Attending local career expos.

• Contacting people via LinkedIn who already work for an organisation where you'd like a job. Send them a personalised professional message showing interest in their career, and request to meet with them either online or in-person for a chat. 

• Booking an appointment with an industry expert to find out more about the roles you are interested in, and how to make connections.

• Contacting employers directly – these details are usually on their website.