Numerous job openings remain unadvertised, posing a challenge for those unaware of where to seek them. Uncovering these hidden opportunities can prove difficult without knowing where to direct your search efforts.
Tips for Cracking into the Hidden Job Market
1. Focus on Your Selling Points
Why should a company hire you? Be specific and creative. The key is to know or imagine what the company needs. Your experience, research, and networking will help you do this. Focus on what you have to offer. As you learn more about employer needs, you’ll learn how to present your selling points.
2. Target One Position Within an Industry
You’ll be tracking down companies that best match your selling points. You must limit your search to develop a list of target companies. Develop target positions and stick to them to begin a hidden job market search. These targets will end up being the title and focus of your resume, so uniformity in your search is critical.
3. Develop a Custom List of Companies
Begin by searching for information and listing companies that match your focus. You may need to broaden your geographical requirements to produce a broader list of companies. Once you have your list, you’ll need to find out as much as possible about each. You’ll be looking for two things: Is this company a good fit for you? And what are the company’s needs, and how can I present myself to meet those needs?
4. Use Your Network
Talk to your friends, colleagues, associates, etc., about potential leads. Your network is your most vital job search tool, so use it to your advantage.
5. Make Contact with the Employer
Now that you’ve identified the companies make your first contact.
6. Get Job Search Help
Using the hidden job market can be a lot of work and requires skills not part of your current job (sales and marketing, public relations, etc.) Career centers and counselors can help you to work through your plan.
The first impression you give an employer is the most important one. That first impression includes your resume, cover letter, email address, and voicemail greeting. If you have a bizarre voicemail greeting, the caller might decide not to leave a message. A strange email address could also get your message and resume into the junk mailbox.
When you start your job search, you need to be prepared by having a telephone answering machine or voicemail system and a professional email address. Include your cell phone number on your resume so you can follow up promptly.
Always have an up-to-date resume and cover letter ready to send—even if you’re not looking for work. You never know when an opportunity will arise, so you don’t want to risk missing out.
These crucial tools must be in place before you start your search to ensure that you appear professional and businesslike in every aspect of your search.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!