Photo: Kevin Harber (Flickr Creative Commons)
The hidden job market includes all positions that have not yet been communicated through visible channels, such as newspapers. These positions are filled by–or created for–candidates who come to the employer’s attention through employee recommendations, referrals from trusted associates, recruiters, or direct contact from the candidate.
Successful job seekers who tap into the hidden job market are able to connect with the employer’s network. Networking–using your contacts to connect with the employer’s
contact–is the key to tapping into the hidden job market.
Developing your network
By beginning with a few people and building a base of contacts, you can work to develop and expand your list of contacts. Start by talking to friends or close business associates, generally people with whom you feel comfortable. Don’t worry if they are not employed in the field in which you are interested; they may know someone who is, or at least someone who can connect you with the right person. Let them know that you are looking for a job, what type of job you are looking for and your skills. State that you would
welcome advice, suggestions and ideas.
Expanding your network
Once you have talked to people close to you, you will become more confident and better
prepared, and be ready to contact people you know less well.
Examples of contacts:
- Colleagues, previous employers;
- University / college classmates, faculty;
- Community members in clubs ;
- Family members, neighbors and friends;
- Members of University / college clubs, organizations, associations; and
- Members of clubs, teammates on sports teams.
You cannot predict who will be able to help you; so talk to as many people as you can. The more people you contact, the better your chances of finding a job lead. With each contact, focus your request by letting him/her know what you want – a job lead, a lead to a key contact in the industry or specific company, or a lead to anyone they think might be able to help you in your job search.
Start your networking by asking people if they have heard of any job openings. List 10 people you can start with today. Continually add to this list as you develop your network. As you build your list, keep a record of who helped you and how they helped. Try to send them a thank-you note or call them to let them know their lead paid off.
More information
The Internet is a wonderful tool for finding out about open job positions, but remember because access to the Internet is so broad, there are many more candidates responding. It’s a good place to start, but it’s not the only way you should pursue opportunities – network, network, network.
- Job Search Links (UBC Career Services)
- Monster.com
- Career Click
- BC Government Postings
- Career Span
- Corporate Recruiters
- Workopolis.com
- PositionWatch.com
- CareerMosaic.com
- BrassRing.com
- BrainHunter.com
- TechnologyCanada.com
- CareerBuilder.com
- Thingamajob.com
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