Exploring the Hidden Job Market
In today’s labour market it is easy to feel like you will never find the job you want or that 'no one' is hiring.
Did you know that more than 80% of existing jobs are not advertised? You can increase your chances of landing a
job that's right for you if you tap into the "hidden" job market, or the jobs that haven’t been advertised!
What is the Hidden Job Market?
The Hidden Job Market refers to available jobs that are not advertised. They are created either to meet
an existing need or as a result of employees leaving the company or being promoted. Many employers find
themselves in search of new employees on a regular basis. Some employers may even decide to create a new
position for an individual with the right skills.
Do you Know Where your Skills Fit?
The key to accessing the hidden job market is to
know your skills
and how they will fit the needs of employers. Research
employers in your community
by looking through newspapers, telephone books and job banks to discover which companies may have potential
job openings that match your particular skills, and then identify contacts in the business who may be of
benefit to you.
How Do You Access the Hidden Job Market?
The most common strategies for accessing the Hidden Job Market are: networking and cold-calling.
Both of these strategies provide you, the job seeker, with the opportunity to
market yourself as an
individual with the right skills for the right employer.
Who Do You Know?
Networking is all about building and maintaining relationships with people around you through conversations,
email, telephone calls or through social network sites like Facebook©
and Twitter©. It is important to maintain your current network and expand
your network to include those who work where you want to work. Keeping people in your network informed about the
type of job that you are seeking and asking them to make you aware of any potential related job openings will
increase your chances for success in finding hidden job opportunities.
Who Can You Contact?
Cold calling is a commonly used job hunting technique to find hidden job opportunities. It is a plan
in which you make contact with employers who are not familiar with you. Generally contact is made through
telephone or email requesting an opportunity to meet with the employer for an interview. It is important that
you research the companies before making contact so that you are familiar with the way they work and the work
that they do. It is also important for you to know who the appropriate person is to contact for the position
that you are interested in. Be ready to promote your skills should you get an opportunity to speak directly
with the person responsible for hiring or if you are called for an
interview.
