Jobs in Hiding

Posted on Sep 16th 2009, 03:37 am, under Career Advice

There are thousands of jobseekers out there who haven't had much luck as of late. If you're one of them, then you've probably sent out dozens of emails and resumes, checked Internet boards and forums for openings religiously, registered at countless online job placement services, crisscrossed the entire city knocking on doors, and still have nothing to show for your efforts. In fact, you might be feeling a little desperate right now. But don't give up just yet. 

There are many jobs out there that you won't find in the usual places; instead, they're in what's called the hidden job market. You may have heard this term before. Basically, it refers to positions that aren't shown or publicized on regular channels such as job boards, newspapers, or even in the firm's own website. Hidden jobs constitute a significant chunk of available positions; some estimates place them at 75% of all currently available jobs.

So why aren't these jobs visible in the first place? The most common reason is because firms haven't made allowances for them in their budgets yet. Other times, companies start hiring only before new projects start. Waiting for upper management's approval to hire new employees can further delay the process. Lastly, many firms hire from within their structure first before looking for outside help.

However, always remember this: firms are constantly searching for good talent. Even if they don't have an immediate, pressing need for new employees, most companies still keep their eyes open for potential candidates all the time. This is where you come in - it's your job to get them to notice you. 

This will take some work. You'll have to do a lot of industry research. Get to know which companies and positions you should apply to and what skills they're searching for in a candidate. 

You should also know yourself as well. Get a good grasp of your own skills and what you can offer to the company. In addition, you should know how to sell yourself to interviewers, starting from "Good morning".

To get your foot in the door, join some online forums or social networking sites and develop a network of acquaintances. You can gain some valuable company contacts in this way. It might feel odd at first, but if you want to succeed, expect to do things that don't come naturally. In addition, try doing some cold calling and send emails to potential companies. Begin with a letter of intent and follow it up with your cover letter and resume. If you're feeling confident, you can actually visit the firm in person.

There are tons of opportunities out there in the hidden market. Remember, these firms need someone like you – they just haven't realized it yet. Get out there and show them exactly how good you are. Good luck!