So, you’ve been searching for a job for months. Maybe you’ve applied via job boards or you’ve visited companies in the flesh. Whatever methods you use, your efforts often fall flat. Even worse — not only are the jobs you’re finding less than stellar, the ones you do apply for go unanswered. What’s the deal?

I’ll let you in on a little secret: There is such a thing as the hidden job market and if you aren’t tapping into it, you’re missing out. The Wall Street Journal even reports that about 80 percent of jobs are never advertised. This means there is, in fact, a secret place these jobs are hiding. And it’s up to you to find them.

Here are some ways to do it:

The job search is brutal. It’s tiresome. It’s akin to a roller coaster: Sometimes up, sometimes down, but almost always a bit rocky. Plus, when you’re faced with brick walls over and over, it can really start to wear on your self-esteem.

Case in point: A recent CareerBuilder survey indicated that 75 percent of workers who applied to jobs using various resources in the last year never heard back from the employer. Although you may believe you’re right for the job or have the correct qualifications, you and many other job seekers are failing to nab those open positions.

Maybe it’s time to strip down your job search and take it back to the beginning — conduct a job search makeover to create a new you. After all, if your current job search tactics aren’t working, it may be time to switch it up.

Here’s how to conduct a professional makeover:

Connections, connections, connections.

Sometimes, all you need is that super secret person to tell an employer you’re great in order to land a job. After all, the majority of jobs these days are filled by referrals. But how can you land these connections in the first place? And what do you have to do to make them think twice about you professionally?

Here are four ways to find the super secret connections that can help you secure a job:

Picture this: You’ve spent the last four years of your college career honing your skills in a specific major. You’ve taken the classes, you’ve worked internships, and you’ve received shining recommendations from your peers. But when job search time comes along, you have a hard time not only finding your dream job, but locating a job at all. What’s the problem?

Here’s the deal. Recent studies indicate that although you may have pledged your allegiance to a specific career space, only 27 percent of college graduates have a job closely related to their major. This means even if you’re gunning for an major-specific job, chances are, you may not end up there.

This isn’t a bad thing. Many people don’t work in the field listed on their diploma and still have successful careers. It’s all in the way you use it. Here are some ways to draw career success from your major, without being tied to it completely:

Unhappy with your career? Do yourself a favor and start managing it!

According to an employee satisfaction survey, the majority of workers are dissatisfied in their careers. An employee may feel stuck, lack job growth, or isn’t able to consider a move. When you’re faced with a situation in which you don’t know what your next move should be, it can be difficult to stay engaged. Whether this involves improving your current situation, looking for a new job, or making lateral moves, you’ll be clear minded and happier when you have a firm grasp on what you’re doing.

So, you talked to your contacts, found the perfect job, and applied to the position. You included everything you needed to, cleaned up your online presence, and even had a referral to the position. Now what?

In an age where the job search is all about being proactive, you need to do one last thing in order to stand out from the pack: Follow up. Following up means reminding an employer that you applied, communicating your skills once again, and asking if they need additional information. However, there’s both a right way to conduct proper follow up and an absolutely terrible way to use this strategy.

Ah, the job interview. The one key element that’s standing between you and the job of your dreams. Hiring managers typically receive about 250 applications per corporate job opening, but once you’re in for an interview, you have an increased chance at landing the position.

Interview etiquette is a big deal, though. You may have been advised to ask questions at the end of your interview to learn more about the company. However, there are some key questions to avoid in the job interview. In fact, even though you should continue the conversation, continuing in the wrong way can mess up your chances.

So, when you’re preparing for an interview, you have to evaluate what’s going to work and what may send you into the deep end. With that in mind, try to avoid the following questions during your session:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, it’s not holiday season yet — I’m talking about back-to-school season, which is filled with clean slates and brand new ventures for students and young professionals. While you may be sad to put away your beach towels and sunscreen, you should be aware of another opportunity on the horizon: Back-to-school career fairs.

Career fairs are a job search goldmine, especially if you want to meet employers face-to-face. Plus, many universities hold career fairs during the first few weeks of school, which helps you to jump start your search right when things are picking back up again.

If you’re thinking about attending a back-to-school career fair, there are a few things you need to do in order to ace your experience. Check them out: