Statistics show that 60-70% of the jobs secured are found through the hidden job market. You’ve probably heard of it, the hidden job market is where you can find those unadvertised positions that are not yet posted for whatever reason. Recruiters are handling them exclusively for example. Or the employer has not yet posted the position because they want to try to find someone through networking or LinkedIn. Regardless of the reason, you need to be sure you take pro-active steps to leverage the hidden job market in your search. Here are 3 quick tips to get you started…
- Think outside the box. First of all, determine the places where you can make new connections and the current connections you have that you can leverage. Who do you know that is more well connected than most people? Make a list of your top 10 key connections and prioritize your list based on how well each one can help you. Start with the top three and make a plan to contact a certain number of people every week. For example, connect with 3 people each week, 1-2 of them being brand new connections you create in order to continuously expand your network.
- Leverage your network. Think about the networks, groups (online or in person), and associations you currently are associated with and how you can expand your contacts. Get on LinkedIn if you’re not already. Identify 2 new people each week you want to connect with who are connected with people in your list of 1st connections. Join an online group focused on your industry and commit to posting in the group weekly.
- Informational interviews. Informational interviews are a critical way to find out more about the job market in your industry. It’s a conversation with someone who works in the job field you are interested in. Don’t view this as an interview, but have your resume ready to show them. You never know who they might know.
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