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Almost 75% of jobs are never advertised - how can you tap into this hidden job market
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Posted By: Nimish Thakkar In: Networking
Ask anyone about their favorite job search strategies and the answer will be almost unanimous: classifieds. Now, ask the same people how they found their last job and most will have a story that involves some form of networking tied into it.
Ask anyone about their favorite job search strategies and the answer will be almost unanimous: classifieds. Now, ask the same people how they found their last job and most will have a story that involves some form of networking tied into it.

Career experts estimate that at least 75% of job openings are never advertised. These unadvertised jobs are often referred to as the hidden job market. Imagine, almost 90% of the labor pool targets less than 25% of available jobs. Is it any surprise, most job seekers never receive a response from potential employers? So how are these 75% jobs filled? The answer is networking.

In order to maximize returns from your job search campaign, it is very important to use a combination of job search strategies. In addition to classifieds and other job search tools you may already be using, consider adding networking to the mix.

Network your way to a job offer

Visualize the following scenario: It is peak January and Ms. Hiring Manager is inundated with deadlines and reporting obligations. Suddenly, Mr. Hurry, a key player on her team, is lured away by the competition. Ms. Manager is at her wits end because in addition to her regular workload she has to work with HR to fill this opening. What a nightmare.

Just then, Mr. Job Seeker forwards his resume to Ms. Manager through a mutual friend. What a delight. Mr. Job Seeker has the very skill sets Ms. Manager needs -- all that without going through the hassles or expenses of a recruitment campaign.

Ms. Manager alerts HR about this promising candidate and asks the HR manager to ensure compliance with legalities and immediately screen Mr. Job Seeker. All goes well and Mr. Job Seeker is hired. The company saved thousands of dollars on a search campaign and Mr. Job Seeker succeeded in eliminating all the competition that he would otherwise have to face had he relied only on the help wanted section of the newspaper. Everyone benefits.

Sound familiar? The foregoing scenario was not a figment of my imagination. During my professional coaching career, I have across hundreds of stories that parallel the fictionalized illustration from the preceding paragraph. Many of my clients networked and found job leads (and work) in subways, at bars, during massage sessions -- you name it. You may think it is serendipity, but I call it the power of networking.

Statistically, each individual knows at least a few hundred contacts (friends or friends of friends) and by networking with one new person every day, you are tapping into a pool of hundreds of potential contacts every day -- possibilities! From recruiters to subway riders to hair dressers, almost everyone is a potential networking contact and by tapping into this pool of contacts, you could easily be a step closer to your next job.
Comments
Posted by: Angela Covington
Great article.
Posted by: David Grantham
I like that idea of networking but what if you are in the military like myself and getting ready to retire and want a new job in a different state where you know nobody?
Posted by: Keith Daniel
I agree totally. Too bad there are not more networking websites.
Posted by: Tulaa Kah
I like networking but how do you know there are hidden jobs when you don't have access to. If one could be informed every day of jobs around his area that will be good.
Posted by: Richard Harter
This is excellent
Posted by: Sharon Solesbee
The best place to find job openings in any area is www.simplyhired.com This will help point the way to organizations that may be worth the effort. Another good resource is www.indeed.com Both sites list the most date of the posting. Hope this helps.
Posted by: Noman Ayub
I really like networking. It is the tool which tell us how to get right job in a right way.
Posted by: Tom Kipp
This is encouraging. Are there any forums or discussion groups where we can exchange our thoughts?
Posted by: Thomas Young
Good to know you are on the right track.
Posted by: john shaw
excellant article!!!glad i took the time to do the research thanx
Posted by: Bill Janulin
Networking is good. However, it also depends on what you are looking for and the job market where one resides. Example, Southwest Florida is not xactly a hotbed for mainframe jobs. So, unless you want to relocate, the other optione are short term contracts or telecommuting.
Posted by: Dan Cain Sr
This is informative but perhaps could be a little more thorough.  Websites such as BrightFuse, etc. are good for networking within a job category.
Posted by: Robert Goencz
I can say this. If you are looking for the jobs that are not posted, it would be great if you could get that list BUT they may not be what you are looking for. The BEST and the TRUE way to find the job you are looking for is to go to the web sites of the companies that you would like to work for, then send your resume in to the HR or take the drive and do a cold call on these companies that you want to work at. TRY IT I promise you at least find a job working for a company that YOU WANT TO WORK WITH!  Good Luck
Posted by: Amy H
Linked In is a good social networking site on the web for those looking for a job.  State that you are looking for a job, and put exactly what you are interested in throughout your profile and join groups that have the same interests as you.  Maybe you'll hear about something that way.  
Posted by: Donna Mae Mims
Very inspiring and I am going to attack five of them!  Thank you.
Posted by: Joel Mccrary
A great tool for networking is LinkedIn.com - it is a free site that allows you to connect with others that have the same interests you do and connect with others that you know from previous positions. Also you can join groups that appeal to your interests which allows for more networking contacts.
Posted by: H. William Boyer
There are many dimensions to getting a job. The main ingredient is finding and getting in front of the Hiring Manager who is going to say Yes or No. This is the challenge. The objective of the resume is to get an interview.
Posted by: Ronald Goldberg
Is this a fee based service wherein the job seeker must pay you a fee to see your "hidden" employment opportunities?
Posted by: glory aniyi
Nice article, maybe that is precisely what i need to get my next dream job. good work!
Posted by: Gloria Miller
Does anyone know of a LEGITIMATE work from home jobs websites for (customer service, data entry etc.) that I could apply for? Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Valerie
Please let me know if you can suggest a networking group that I can join to find a position for Administrative/Executive Assistant position.You are so right I have allied for some many jobs but no success.Please help me connect.Thanks
Posted by: Charles Roche
This is an excellent article.
Posted by: Bridgette
Great article! ...and I agree. Networking is one of the many great tools for finding a job. A great networking website for medical professionals is www.mymedport.com - create your professional profile and network with healthcare HR professionals as well as like-minded medical professionals. Happy Job Hunting!
Posted by: De Anne
Okay all, I am going out on a limb with this one. Yes, networking is where it is at right now.  The market is so competitive that it helps to network with those that work at the company that you wish to work with.  Employee referal resumes always rise to the top of a recruiters desk.  In addition, as companies are strapped for money they are turning to Twitter and LinkedIn for networking. For example St. Joseph's in Phoenix and Continuum Health Partners in the Tri-State area has just started Tweeting their jobs, culture and work environment.  See www.twitter.com/stjosephsjobs and www.twitter.com/nychosptiajobs Learning about job searches and networking through social networking is critical. Hope this info helps.  
Posted by: Michael
I felt like I wrote this article (lol) as it truly hit home. I have been unemployed for almost a year and have applied daily for hundreds of jobs and still waiting for a response on most. Thanks for the article.
Posted by: Debby
Networking can be an extremely strong tool; job hunting or not. I often call contacts that I have made in the pass when doing research, need additional technical expertise, etc. It is also enjoyable to learn perspectives from different areas of the country and how they handle issues that are common to both of us.
Posted by: Susan Leighton
I agree that proper networking with contacts can land you that dream job, however, there is also an improper way of networking.  A word of caution, if anyone has a Facebook page, be very aware of your audience.
Posted by: Erskine
Good article.  Someone commented on being military and going to relocate to a new area upon retiring/separating.  I would suggest start doing your research on local networking groups/orgs in that future city.  Find one that involves your area of interest (occupation) and join.  Begin contacting people and network that way.  Contact the local vet groups and let them know you're coming to the city.  
Posted by: Jaime
ok, probably you hear this all the time, how can I get to that 75% of hidden jobs?
Posted by: John Girnt
That is trully correct information,regarding networking for a career. Thank you
Posted by: Wheeler Stephens
Do I need to change my resume to apply for jobs for which I am over qualified, such as local part-time seasonal retail positions?
Posted by: Adrienne Spohr
Networking is a complex subject. Many people confusing quality with quantity, and it is what often leads to people saying "he/she only calls me when he/she needs something." While networking obviously does not necessitate making best friends with contacts, it does require a legitimate relationship. This concepts rests on a fine line, for you never want to come off as disingenuous nor do you want to spend all of your waking moments staying in close contact with your network members. Frequently I find that people look at networking as a task, but that often leads to unwanted results. Networking has to come about somewhat organically. There has been a recent explosion in "networking events" but more often than not these events tend to become very "fake" feeling. People have an innate ability to read others' body language, so keep that in mind. The key to networking lies in your ability to not only meet your contact, but cultivate them-send emails, Christmas cards, and other means of follow-up. Too many people initiate contacts but don't spent the time to maintain them-this is where those of the hidden job market will excel.
Posted by: John
Networking is a great idea and it works too. I have been networking on Linkedin.com for a while and found couple of projects through linkedin.com. Lately, I have seen negative campaign by some folks. The job market is very slim and there are few consultants who are spreading negative remarks on fellow consultants to get multiple clients under their belt. It is a very unfortunate thing for sure but I hope the clients or Ms.Manager interviews the candidates properly and decide whom they want to hire. I truly wish and pray that the negative campaign back-fires on all of those "Independant Sr Consultants".
Posted by: Howie Appel
Networking is key.  Whether it be the local hair salon, fast food restaurant, or supermarket.  If you don't tell someone you're searching...they'll never know.  If you don't join networking groups and have your "elevator speech" down you will need to work on that.  No matter what your level of expertise, there is someone out there that could be looking for you!!  
Posted by: Mike Hamamjian
I do agree it all comes down to who you know not what you have.
Posted by: Alford Holmes
I think this information is hugely effective but I work from home, networking is limited. I have finished my BS working on MBA and would like to receive my PhD but working from home really limits me from advancing.
Posted by: Nancy Z
This is all very true and well known, however if the job seeker is new to the area, does not have family, friends, old coworkers or does not know anyone, it does not help.  If you can come up with a helpful scenario for this situation, minus the typical job fairs, websites, etc., you will truly offer a new and unique type of assistance.
Posted by: Mark
What intelligent forum of power
Posted by: Paneilla Owusu
wow is that really real OK then i will do my research.
Posted by: Jeremy Schaal
Nice Article.  Hope to find a job soon.  :)
Posted by: Michele Hering
So far I have had no leads to a job.  I have been looking for 6 months now, hoping this job site will help me in the future.
Posted by: ninah stieber On: 1/3/2010 1:55:06 PM
I've found jobs by the old method of going out and putting resumes in every place I stop. I've gotten jobs that day by being there before they put ads in paper.
Posted by: Wilson Kumbata On: 1/8/2010 3:18:24 AM
very good and informative article hope will help me to secure a job I need
 
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