If you consider the whole job-hunting process, it would seem at a first glance that the rules of job hunting haven't really changed that much over the years. You still put together a CV listing your skills and experience; perhaps you try to mention a few interesting hobbies or interests to grab the recruiter's attention. You still submit your CV to an employer or perhaps through a third-party recruitment consultancy or executive search firm. And if you are lucky, you are still invited to interview. Yes, it all looks pretty familiar so far, doesn't it?

But while it all looks safe and familiar on the surface, the reality is that job hunting has actually changed hugely in recent years as a result of increasing competition between organizations to reduce costs. More and more organizations are trying to offload employees by restructuring, downsizing, offshoring, and outsourcing. More and more jobs are being handed to contractors, consultants, and other temporary staff. And for the employees that remain, they are being asked to be more adaptable and hard working. After all, the same (if not more) work needs to be done – just by fewer people.

All of this has meant that organizations have got that much more careful about hiring people. Human resources departments and line managers are now much more canny at screening candidates and putting them through many more challenging tests and interviews to choose the very best.

As a business psychologist, I am hired by interviewing programs. And having interviewed hundreds of candidates and designed dozens of assessment centers in organizations ranging from international investment banks and law firms to airlines, insurers, and transport companies, I am going to share with you some of the unspoken rules and guerrilla tactics that will capitalize on your strengths and boost your chances at every stage of the job-hunting process. I've split the book into five parts:

Understanding the product. Your first step is to understand the product that is you. What do you really want out of your career? What can you bring to a new employer? And what are the limitations and personal flaws that could scupper your chances? Identifying your goals and aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, will enable you to focus on the right opportunities for you and present yourself in the most favorable light to interviewers.

Creating a winning CV. At first glance, writing a CV seems to be the most straightforward part of job hunting. But too many CVs actually betray all sorts of reasons why recruiters should not invite the candidates to interview. Make sure that you understand the new rules and unspoken truths of CV writing to ensure that you highlight your strengths and bury your weaknesses.

Opening up opportunities. There's a huge 'hidden market' of jobs that are never advertised. A lot of employers fill vacancies by alternative tactics, including the use of headhunters and agencies, speculative applications, word-of-mouth, and approaching people they already know. Using your research and networking skills will open up a surprising number of opportunities that you might otherwise never come across.

Being unforgettable at interviews. I've interviewed hundreds of managers and it always amazes me that great managers often make terrible interview candidates. Make sure that you know how to present
yourself in the best possible light to see off the competition. Signing on the dotted line. Nearly there, the final few feet to the finishing line – it's a great feeling to be offered a job. But before you sign on the dotted line, how can you get the best possible deal and make sure that the job really is the right one for you?

Job hunting is often described as a full-time job in itself. And it certainly needs hard work and discipline to chase leads and fend off the competition.

So let's get started.

Rob Yeung