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Access the Hidden Job Market
Make YOUR Job Search Successful in 2010….
Access ‘The Hidden Job Market’
Creating a plan for your job search will greatly enhance your ability to find the job you want in 2009. Changes to the global economy impact the labour market and the numbers of jobs available at any time. Today’s job seeker will notice that traditional newspaper ads and job posting are fewer, however, be aware that there is a job market hidden to the outside world and that you can find these jobs that no one else has discovered. By understanding what the “hidden job market” is and how to access it, and by being creative, you can be successful in finding the job that is right for you.
What is “the hidden job market”? It is estimated that at least 80% of job openings are never posted or advertised, therefore, they are not visible to the general public. Instead, these jobs are filled by referrals or the "who do you know" method of recruitment. This means they are filled by word of mouth or by being at the right place at the right time.
Tips to successfully accessing the “Hidden Job Market”
- Network, network, network! This can open doors! - Develop a network of contacts, including friends and family and other business contacts, who know the type of work you are looking for; make connections with interesting people who are in the job or industry that you are interested in; contact industry associations for information; participate in discussion forums, blogs and online discussions of key topics in your field; talk to anyone who can give you insight into leads, tips and suggestions regarding the availability of jobs you are looking for; using your contacts to connect with an employer's contacts is the key to successful job searching.
- Structure your job search approach – Identify your job targets; conduct an internet search by researching industries and companies within that industry that would hire for your skills; develop a target list of companies in an industry or geographical area. Keeping focused will make the research easier; from a company’s website you can often find out about the duties, skills and experience they are looking for so you can design your resume and cover letter.
- Conduct informational meetings/interviews as a way of discovering what is going on with a company and within an industry; learn information about an occupational field and qualifications; have prepared questions, keep your meeting short, and follow up with a thank-you note.
- Keep up to date with labour market information in the community you are interested in working in – read newspapers and magazines, watch TV and use the Internet to find out about demographics, industry shifts, new businesses, technology, education, etc.
- Conduct warm calls to make connections with employers you found through personal contacts and cold calls to make contacts with employers you found through research. Your previous research will prepare you to speak to the right person and ask the right questions.
- Watch for job and career fairs in industries or cities you are interested in
- Consider taking an alternative job with the chosen employer as a stepping stone towards the actual work you are aiming for. Consider a short term contract or a volunteer position so that you may be able to apply for internal postings. You will have an edge over the competition for these jobs
Register for our next “Hidden Job Market” Workshop
Call us at 250-714-0085
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