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You can read headlines and scout out trade publications, follow the news, visit
company websites, join and become familiar with the proceedings of various
professional organizations and then contact the individuals mentioned. Tell them
that you would like to speak with them
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
(do not ever ask for a job). In this way, you will
expand your scope and increase your chances to hear of career opportunities
that are not advertised. Stay in touch by phone or email; send the person you
met a relevant article or clever idea; connect them to someone else that they
might be interested in knowing. And make sure to connect with them on
LinkedIn!
The Hidden Job Market
This is your key to entry into the hidden job market—to learn about new listings
and changes within a company before the recruiters publicize their needs for
new hires. You can gain a competitive edge, and be on the inside track so you
can act on this information and suggest you are the person they need to meet
even before they have advertised it!
80% of all the opportunities are found in the hidden job market.
It takes inside
information to hear about these jobs. The trick is to learn where those hidden jobs
exist. I found that almost 80% of the people who are looking for a job will target
those 20% published jobs, while only 20% or two out of every ten people looking
for a job are smart enough to penetrate the hidden job market and discover
where the best leads exist.
If an employer has to advertise, it signals that they can’t find a viable candidate
from word of mouth or internal candidates and likely there is something
questionable about that job. The key is to gain inclusion in that 20% elite group,
those who target the hidden job market. The reason why it’s so challenging is
because most people avoid critical reflection and don’t know what really
provides them with the greatest sense of happiness.
Section 13 – Best Job Search Strategies
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