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When you learn how to find hidden jobs or unadvertised jobs that no-one else knows about you give yourself an immediate and massive advantage in the jobs market. By applying the principles which I explain below, you eliminate the competition for jobs, especially now when statistics tell us that recruitment is falling rapidly.

Did you know that for every advertised vacancy in the ‘help wanted’ columns or in job banks on the internet, it is reckoned that there are at least two unadvertised jobs?

When you think about it, organizations prefer to recruit as cheaply as possible so if they can avoid advertising, so much the better. If their own people can introduce new recruits, or if a well targeted resume and cover letter arrive at the right moment, they save money.

Of course that sounds fine in theory, but if these jobs are not publicly advertised, how do you get to know about them?

You can easily learn how to find hidden jobs, which include unadvertised or unannounced jobs using these 4 key ideas below. The great thing is that once you understand how to apply these techniques, you can soon identify jobs that no-one else knows about and create a shortlist of just one - you!

1: Identify companies that are of interest to you:

Look at current advertised jobs that interest you, and then think of some other companies that might offer similar work.

You could focus on companies that operate in your industry. You could also find out about trends in the labor market, so that you can focus on growth areas or companies undergoing expansion, or other change, this will help you to find hidden jobs.

All change can produce opportunities.

2: Make a short-list

By now you have a long list of industries or companies that are possible employers. The next step is to select the companies that best match your interests, skills and values, and make a short-list of target companies. Focusing on a few companies is more effective than targeting too many, as you can prepare more comprehensively.

You can make a short-list by comparing your interests, skills and values with the information you’ve collected about each industry or company. Then consider additional factors like location and travel, work hours and company culture.

3: Additional research to find hidden jobs. Now that you’ve identified your target companies, the next step is to do some more detailed research. For example:

* What does the company do and how is it structured?
* How big is it?
* What are its future prospects? Is it tendering for major contracts or attracting new clients?

4. What To Do Next To Find Hidden Jobs.

Work through the contacts on your network list so you can find or create a link with the firm that you are interested in, then arrange to talk with your personal contact who will be able to provide information and advice, NOT offer you a job; tell you whether it would be fruitful to pursue the company; and put you in contact with a decision-maker.

Arrange to meet but don’t expect or ask for anything other than advice. The secret to finding unadvertised jobs is to tread very carefully. Don’t put anyone on the spot so that they think you are expecting THEM to find you a job!!

What you must be aware of is that not all jobs get advertised, but they all start somewhere - if only in the mind of a manager who has a problem that needs a solution.

You can be the solution if you follow my approach to finding unadvertised jobs.

This approach to find hidden jobs is a very important part of your career change activity.

Peter Fisher is Coach and Webmaster for http://www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can find detailed information about how to find hidden jobs.