Sep 11 2014 29 mins 118
… Olly Olly Oxen Free
Welcome to the Job Search That Works Podcast. I’m you host, Ray Gooch. Over the next 30 – 40 minutes, we will answer your questions about how to navigate the challenges of looking for new job landing you quickly and safely into a career you love with a bright future.
In today’s episode, we are talking about the “hidden job market” and how you can find the jobs that are never advertised.
Highlights From the Previous Episode
But before we do, in our last show, episode 004, we talked about
- How Job Boards are in the business to sell advertising to companies and make a profit for their investors.
- Applicant Tracing Systems screen out candidates whose resume and application don’t match the keywords in the job posting.
- You must become a student of the game.. If you missed it, you can listen by going to JobSearchThatWorks.com/004.
On This Episode
The “hidden job market” refers to job openings that are not posted online or advertised.
- Positions are posted internally with hopes that employees will refer candidates.
- Human resources receives too many applications.
- Human resources is focusing on priority openings.
- Sensitive high-level position.
- Replacing someone with a critical function that the company cannot afford to be without.
- Extremely low supply of highly specialized skills. These openings are typically given to recruiters.
Breaking into the hidden job market.
- Get clear on your skill sets and accomplishments.
- Know and be able to articulate the value you bring to and employer.
- Determine your target market.
- Industry
- Company size
- Position
- Geography
- Pull a list of companies together that fit that description. A tool such as ReferenceUSA (available through the reference desk and online at most metro libraries)
- Identify the the person who would be your boss’ boss.
- Find a way to contact them and ask for some assistance.
- Send a resume to the Hiring Manager. Not Human Resources. If you are instructed to apply through HR, indicate your willingness to comply and ask if you can also send a resume directly to the person you are speaking with in the event a colleague or associate has a need for someone with your background.
- Send you resume in a hand addressed envelope marked “personal and confidential”.
Remember, you will have no idea if there are any openings in the company you are calling. So establishing rapport is very important.
It takes about 150 of this type of contact to result in 7 interviews that will result in 1 offer.
This hidden job market can be tapped by being self aware and confident about what you have to offer a company. This is a brief outline of the concept. You should consider using a Career Coach or out Career Portal for details on how to effectively conduct this kind of job search. This is networking on steroids.
Something to Ponder
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” – Stephen King Thank you for spending time with me today. I truly appreciate it. You can find the show notes including any links and references mentioned today at www.JobSearchThatWorks.com/005.
What are your thoughts?
What are your challenges when trying to break into “the hidden job market? Share your thoughts in the comment section of the show notes.
The post 005: The Hidden Job Market and How You Can Find It appeared first on Job Search That Works.
