What is the hidden job market? Did you know that 80% of jobs are NOT advertised?. Why is it hidden and what does this mean for you?
Companies save money by not advertising. Companies have to announce an opening publicly but often do it after the position has been filled. Companies like to get recommendations from current employees and people they know.
How do you crack the hidden job market?
1) Network with everyone you know and build your network – Friends, family, former colleagues, former supervisors. Join your professional organization, connect with alumni from your high school or college. Stay in touch with people after you meet them.
2) Write directly to hiring managers, not Human Resources (unless that is where you want to work). A hiring manager knows months in advance that a position will open up because someone got a promotion,or is leaving the company, or will get fired, or they are opening up a new office or have a new contract. Write an email to the hiring manager saying how impressed you are with the company, what are your skills and give one or two accomplishments and say you would like to meet with them. If you have their phone number, call for a meeting.
3) Volunteer for a cause you believe in in an area of interest. Meet other like minded people who can introduce you to their network. It fills a gap on your resume and you will be able to get a reference from the person in charge of the volunteers.
4) Write a proposal to solve a problem – Design a product, create a service, write a marketing plan. Do something above and beyond what is expected of a candidate who is interviewing for a job.
Remember: Most people get jobs through networking and the second best way is to write directly to a hiring manager. Do not waste your time answering ads on the internet unless you know someone who works at the company who can recommend you or introduce you to a hiring manager.(c) 2022 Amy Geffen All rights reserved.