ACCESSING THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET

by

Bob Raikes, NCCC

Is there really a Hidden Job Market? You bet there is and to some degree you have been already accessing it without even knowing it depending upon the job search techniques you have been using. It is true that many jobs are not advertised and if you understand how to job search you will come across them. Let's look at where some of them are hidden.

* A job lead that a friend gives you BECAUSE he/she will get a finders fee if they find a person that the company hires. ASK YOUR FRIENDS FOR JOB LEADS

* RELATIVES are another good source of job leads that you can use. Many of us shy away from letting relatives and friends know we are job hunting because we are reluctant to let them know we are unemployed. This is no time to be shy. Let them know and make use of this valuable network.

* Use the networking table we have given you in the blue book you have. YOUR PERSONAL NETWORK WILL UNCOVER JOB LEADS IF YOU WILL PUT IT TO WORK FOR YOU AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH PERSONS IN IT.

* HEADHUNTERS. They know of job openings and are anxious to get paid for helping a company fill an opening. When you target a co. you need to find out what agency is working for them in finding applicants. Ask the gatekeeper or secretary.

* All companies have home pages/websites. Many people do not access them, especially persons new to doing a job search.

* DO contact trade associations in your career field. Often they know of openings and of employers who will be hiring soon.

* Stay in touch with peers working in your field. They may know of a job that is not a fit for them but may be perfect for you. Network constantly with these people.

* BE SMART AT JOB FAIRS. Leave a resume at every table BUT find and network with persons at the fair with the same background you have. They also may know of jobs that fit your but not themselves.

* ATTEND NETWORKING GROUPS such as Christian Career Circle. Attend two or three networking groups weekly.

* COLD CALLS can also turn up job leads. You never know when you walk into a firm if a job has just developed or is about to. Leave resumes and follow up with contacts you make on these calls.

* MAKE DAILY VISITS to coffee shops and cafes to link up with EMPLOYED PERSONS who are there. They may know of a job lead OR even of competitors who may be hiring or about to. TARGET COMPANIES and visit cafes where workers go for coffee or lunch.

* TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES also know of job openings and by placing you as a temporary worker they have placed you in a situation that may become permanent.

SO, HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET? By networking with friends, relatives, former co-workers, acquaintaances, business associates and persons you do bussiness with as well as headhunters an networking clubs and Temp Agencies.

YOU MUST MAKE IT HAPPEN OR IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AT ALL.