Are you mainly applying for jobs online in an effort to land a new role?

When looking for a new role, it matters ‘where’ you put the majority of your time.

So it's worthwhile asking yourself the question of whether you are mainly searching for advertised roles OR connecting with people who are relevant to your job search.

You should certainly do both, but which should you focus on?

My advice is to focus on spending 80% of your time looking to connect and engage with people who are either:

a) hiring or recruiting for a role, or;
b) might know someone who is hiring/will be hiring soon

This could be through connecting with ex-colleagues, people in your professional and personal sphere, or even better - the hiring managers at the places you want to work.

It could also mean engaging directly with reputable recruiters who specialise in your field.

Leave the remaining 20% of your time for hitting that 'Apply Now' button. Not the other way around.

Connecting with relevant people will often have the biggest impact and can only increase your chances of finding and landing your next role.