Is your job search missing the hidden job market?
When 75 percent of jobs are never advertised, it’s wise to have a search strategy that can unlock this huge source of jobs. Here are three key tactics a job searcher can use to accelerate getting an employment offer by targeting the hidden job market.- Research. Create a list of 25 ideal organizations you would like to work for, even if they don’t have any advertised positions. Use the Internet to find out who are the key influencers and decision makers in the area you would like to work. Learn about the company and its industry, and what problems you could solve for them.
- Relationships. Canvas your network to find out who knows someone in the companies you have targeted. Conduct face-to-face networking but also use sites like LinkedIn for virtual networking. Join online groups and respond to blogs if you know your target decision makers read them. You’ll make an impression if you show you know your stuff.
- Killer Personal Marketing Materials. Every job seeker needs a high-impact resume and social media profile. Once you’ve made your contacts and expanded your network, you need to send a resume that demonstrates your value to an employer. Your social media profile needs to complement but not mimic your resume. Such profiles are growing in importance every day, with recruiters actively searching for good candidates, so make them work for you. A proactive approach targeting the hidden job market will get you a job offer much faster than passive job search that doesn’t include getting in front of the people who can hire you.