Looking for a new job in the new year? You're not alone. Currently, Victoria's 6.1% unemployment figure tops the nation. So what can you do to stand out from the crowd when looking for something new?

Keep reading for tips on how you can give yourself the greatest chance of success.

Know what you want

If you're looking for a new job because you are unhappy with your current one, you should invest some time into discovering what you really want to do. This is to some extent, trial and error, but a good place to start is by matching your strongest skills to a profession. Even if that profession doesn't work out for you, you will have learned that it's not for you. It's only logical to get a rough idea of what you want to do before beginning your job search.

Get experience

If you don't have any, you will need to obtain relevant experience. This can be one of the greatest hurdles for young people trying to break into an industry, but there are ways around this.

Internships, volunteer work and university placement programs are excellent places to obtain the experience necessary to get a foot in the door. Take the initiative to go out into the world and gain experience, even if you're not paid for it. Doing so is not only helpful career-wise but is also good life experience.

Work on your personal brand

Next you will want to work on your brand. Develop a well-crafted resume which is appropriate for your industry. Make connections wherever you can, make a LinkedIn profile if need be and if necessary, put together a portfolio of work you completed prior to show your future employer. Prepare yourself as best you can for opportunities to break into the industry, and for interviews.

Be confident… enough

When it comes to interviews, striking the right balance between confidence and humility is key. Know what you are worth to a company and make factual, non-emotional statements. Doing so will convey a healthy sense of confidence without going overboard. Prepare some professional responses to the typical questions, and be honest, frank and truthful throughout. Giving your prospective employer a sense of your authenticity will catch their eye.

Looking for a new job can be a daunting task, but you can take some of the weight off your shoulders through adequate and thorough preparation. Follow these tips and with a bit of luck you will find your dream job in no time at all.

Looking for a new job in the new year? Call Morgan for a world of opportunities. (03) 8606 0300