You have your mind set on the job of your dreams. The trouble is, it's in a glamorous industry, such as the media or advertising, and half of NSW is vying for the same position.

Rather than giving in, employment experts say taking a casual job with your employer of choice, even well below your skill level, could be your foot in the door. Getting to know the bosses, even if it's only a casual "hello" as you ferry a cup of coffee to them, can put you streets ahead of the opposition.

"[Temping] can lead to success," says business and executive coach Lesley Schoer, "particularly if you temp across several companies. A lot of these [kinds of] jobs are about building relationships, which will help you get permanent work."

The downside of the strategy are potential feelings of frustration at being underused and the fact that there are no guarantees you'll be seen as the right person for the job when it does come up. Employers may view with suspicion a resume filled with a succession of temporary jobs, for which you are overqualified.

Schoer says the key is making connections and letting it be known you are keen to move up in the world. "If you find a company you really like, stick with it," she says. "Always let it be known that you can do more and would like to do more."

She also suggests using this strategy within a smaller company, where a temp worker can try out a lot of different jobs. "Look for a company that has growth potential where you like the people and what they do," she says. "That is, look for a 'good fit'. If you get it right, the company will see the fit as well."

Grahame Doyle, director of recruitment consultants Hays, says employers are looking for easy options. A tight labour market is forcing bosses to take a broader view of who might be a suitable candidate and the great advantage of temp positions is that they allow candidates to be tried out without a huge commitment from an employer. "If a client can see a talent within the business, then they'll take advantage of that," he says.

Doyle says there has never been a better time to try out this kind of strategy, although people should be wary of abandoning permanent jobs in order to do so. His advice to anyone considering the temp-into-permanent trick is to: "Do it with passion. New people are assessed, not just on the quality of their output, but also on the way that output is produced."

Rocky Lindner, 22, is an account executive on the marketing team of integrated communications agency Daemon Group.

While she deals directly with big clients, such as Konica Minolta and First Data, only a few years ago things were different. "After leaving high school I didn't know what I wanted to do. I began temping around the CBD, doing admin roles, just to see what was out there. I worked as a receptionist in small businesses but not everything suited me."

Then, in 2003, Lindner went for a temp admin job at advertising agency 360. "I'd researched the company and I was excited about what they did. I liked the thought of working on something that would have an impact on someone's choices in life."

Lindner immediately loved the fast pace and challenges of agency life, particularly the creative side of things. But importantly, she never restricted herself to her original role. "I was always eager to help out wherever I could. I was always saying, 'How can I help, what can you teach me?"'

Networking within the industry introduced Lindner to the Daemon Group and in 2006 she began her current job, dealing directly with clients from the beginning.

"Even though I'd previously been doing admin roles, being involved in agency life really prepared me to start working in a client services role. The people I work with trust me and believe that I'm capable of doing the job. It was quite daunting at first, but if you're willing to learn and you've got the people willing to teach you, then it's a recipe for success. If it wasn't for Daemon, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Peter Gleeson, executive general manager of sales and marketing at recruitment specialist Chandler Macleod, says despite the labour shortage many companies still expect staff to hit the ground running. While employers accept that skills can be taught, the right attitude cannot. "In any job, you need to have the right attitude from day one," he says.

Importantly, candidates should be aware that there is a level of suspicion among decision-makers, towards younger candidates who want to be rapidly and unrealistically promoted. "Be prepared to have the discussion with the employer about what you want, at the interview," he says.

"Don't say that you want to move from photocopying to being sales director in five years - even though you know you could do it."

Temp control

If you're serious about using a temp position as a stepping-stone to your dream job, then Jane Donnelly, senior regional director at recruiter Hays, explains how:

"You need to highlight yourself and go that extra mile. Be willing to do additional tasks and help in other areas." Also do all the obvious things such as turning up on time, not taking any sickness leave and not disappearing for interviews disguised as doctor's appointments.

"It may not be the exact job you want but treat it as if it is and treat it as if it's permanent." Importantly, you should get to know the team you are working with. Don't keep yourself to yourself. Integrate yourself with the culture of the organisation. For example, if the culture is one of expecting excellence, ensure that you do the same.

"Treat the job as if it's the nugget that's going to give you the career you desire."