Here’s an interesting statistic that screams the message that the rules of job search are indeed changing:
80% of jobs available are never advertised, according to Cornell University Career Services.
Job seekers, the first question to ask yourself:
How much of my job search is focused on the 20% that are on everyone else’s radar?
Then your next question:
What is my strategy to pursue the hidden job market?
Landing a job that isn’t advertised is all about networking. At its most basic level, networking for jobs involves letting as many people as possible know that you are looking. While I certainly recommend this strategy, it is a bit of a crap shoot whether your message will reach anyone in the position to hire you.
Most of us don’t approach networking in a very proactive way. We may show up at networking events with the greatest intent to meet people, yet how many of us do our homework so that we know beforehand who we want to meet and what specifically we want to accomplish? I know I’ve been guilty of not making the most of my networking time.
When it comes to something as important as landing a job or new clients, knowing who you want to pursue will enable you to approach them directly, or at least help you to understand where they can be reached. It’s no secret that job seekers in 2009 will face the toughest hiring climate since 9/11 and the dotcom bust. That doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom. What it does mean is that those who will successfully land the hidden jobs will be those who have learned where the opportunities lie.
Related articles:
How to Increase Your Odds of Getting Hired
Research is a Job Seeker’s Best Friend
If you recognize the importance of job research, yet doing it yourself doesn’t appeal to you, check out our research service, Building Your Employment Prospect List.
