The Hidden Job Market
Did you know that most job openings are not advertised?
It's true — most employers have enough applicants without advertising. Plus, they often prefer to hire someone who's been referred by someone they already know and trust.
This network of connections and referrals is the hidden job market. You can tap into this market by connecting with potential employers and keeping the lines of communication open. Situations change often. An employer who is not hiring today may be looking for someone with your qualifications tomorrow.
Follow these tips to uncover the hidden job market.
Network, network, network
Networking involves talking with people, formally or informally, who might know about possible jobs in their companies, industries, or communities. Networking is not the same as asking for a job — usually your networking contacts will not be potential employers. Learn how to form a network to advance your job search.
Set up informational interviews
An informational interview is a meeting with a potential employer or a professional within a specific industry. This technique is used to gather information about skills, training, and experience needed for an occupation. It's also a way to learn about a specific company or industry. Never ask for a job during an informational interview.
Contact potential employers
As your networking produces referrals to employers, you will want to make direct contacts in-person, by phone, or by e-mail. If you have received a referral from a networking contact, use his or her name when approaching an employer.
Tips for e-mail communication
- Identify yourself in a professional manner. Avoid nicknames or unprofessional names in your e-mail address.
- Keep messages short and to the point.
- Introduce yourself with something of interest to the reader. Let them know right away why they might be interested in you.
- Be specific. For example, ask for information or ask to schedule a meeting.
- Give your message a descriptive and enticing subject.
- Finish with your intent to follow-up and an alternative way the person can contact you. If you send e-mail to someone without their permission, find out if they would prefer some other form of communication. Include a phone number where they can reach you.
- Check for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- If you do not receive a reply, and you are serious about making contact, call them on the phone.
Take your networking online
The Internet is an excellent networking tool. From the comfort of a personal computer, you can access people who share your interests. Newsgroups, message boards, social networking sites, e-mail groups, and chat rooms are all sources for online networking.
Tips for online group discussions
- Stick to the topic in discussions.
- Keep your response directed to the current subject.
- Don't change the subject in the middle of the thread.
- If you want to change the subject, begin a new discussion.
- Consider when to respond to the group or to a specific individual.
- Respond to the individual if your reply is personal, not consistent with the group's topic, or if you want to limit the response.
- Respond to the group when your reply is of interest to the group.
- Find out if the online group has FAQs (frequently asked questions) and read it before participating.
Be aware of your online image
Remember that potential employers can research you on the Internet. Be aware of the images and other information about you that's posted on the Web. Pay attention to your privacy settings on social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. In many cases anyone can view your profile pictures. Make sure you use a professional-looking image or else adjust your privacy settings. Also remember that people can often access password-protected websites through Google searches.
Quick Tip
Throughout your job search, perform a Google search of your name and see what information and/or images of you are on the Internet.
Source: Creative Job Search Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
