EmploymentDigest.net

Job Search in the Hidden Job Market

Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 posted by Bill in Employment News

The hidden job market isn’t going to come to you. So you have to go after it.

You may have heard of this term or maybe you haven’t. But essentially it just means the jobs that are not advertised.

The jobs a hiring manager is thinking about, such as to replace a current employee because he/she may not be performing well, maybe someone is going back to school and will be leaving soon. It’s also possible that the time is getting close for someone to retire. What about this one; business is going well and they are expanding their workforce and a position that never existed is been created as you read this article.

These scenarios are happening every minute somewhere at some company and those might be the perfect jobs for you. Yes, we see thousands of jobs advertised on known and large job boards, which I am not knocking down since some might be great opportunities. But also think that thousands of eyeballs have access to these advertisements and competition is fierce.

And remember that advertising cost money, it takes time not to forget the hundreds or sometimes thousands of resume submissions they may receive. After hiring managers and/or human resources specialists receive all these applications, now the fun starts.

What about this; After they have received all these want to be next employee credentials you show up (introduced by someone else, a phone call you made, in person, etc.) and are able to introduce and explain yourself. They get to know a real person that is telling the truth directly to them. Who do you think they are going to be inclined to choose?

To be able to achieve this you need to take some steps, start by combining the leads you’ve gotten from networking from your company research. Then create a list of companies and individuals you want to contact.

If you don’t have a specific contact name, research until you get one. A good way of finding names is not to directly go to the gatekeeper but find a friendly sales professional at the company who would like to explain their products and/or services to you. Build a bit of raport and ask them to direct you the to the most appropriate person. Once you’ve compiled your list, call or email the contacts and request an informational interview.

An informational interview is a brief meeting between someone researching a career or industry and someone working in that career or industry. Remember those jobs are hidden and your interest might not be for an specific job but about the company and their functions.

At the beginning you might be nervous, prepare a simple script so you don’t get flustered. If you do, don’t worry it will pass with practice.

Explain that you want to learn about an industry, career or company and ask if the person has some time to talk with you.

Informational interviews may not always lead to a job, but they’re generally time well-spent. You can get feedback on your skills and experience as well as make professional contacts. And, in the best cases,they can help you identify hidden jobs that haven’t been advertised.

About the Author

Fernando Ratkoczy is an author and Founder of http://www.NewEdgeProductions.com If you’re looking for Job Search Training or wish to find the best Job Search Training Programs developed by leading Career Management Consultants, then check out The Fast Job Search Series. If you try to reduce your job search time and improve results you found one of the most comprehensive programs in the market. You are welcome to review free previews http://www.newedgeproductions.com/job-training-videos.html of The Fast Job Search Strategies available on-line.

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