Accessing the Hidden Job Market
The hidden job market refers to those positions that are unadvertised and tend to be filled by networking or word-of-mouth, rather than from responses to a public posting in a newspaper, for example. Whereas previously many people were not aware of positions when companies chose not to spend the money on costly newspaper advertisements, the opposite challenge often exists today with at times overwhelming amounts of information to navigate on the internet. Though it can be overwhelming, it is best to think of the internet as your access to more employment opportunities, decreasing the obstacles that create a hidden job market. Many private businesses, government departments and non-profit organizations have their own websites where they can post employment opportunities at no extra cost. One method of navigating this information is to visit a reference librarian to access business and trade directories, the names from which you can search on the internet. Many of the directory names will lead you to websites where jobs are posted.
Another means through which to access the hidden job market is to visit locations where you would like to work to check if there are ‘in-house’ postings for positions. Sometimes employers post opportunities outside of their Human Resources office, once again leading to the position being filled as a result of networking or word-of-mouth. These strategies for finding unadvertised or minimally advertised positions should be combined with your own word-of-mouth campaign, wherein you let your friends, family and previous co-workers know that you are seeking out employment opportunities. Moreover, you can expand your current network by joining job-finding groups, clubs or online discussion forums.
Most job openings are not advertised, creating what seems like a Hidden job market. Information about available work is circulated through manager's network of co-workers, business associates, friends and acquaintances.
How can you find out about these jobs?
1. Research potential employers and sectors
2. Contact potential employers
3. Use your network
4. Do a letter-writing campaign
5. Join a job-finding club
6. Visit job/career fairs
1. Research potential employers.
The Information Interview can be a useful way to find out more about the kind of industry or company you would like to work for. While this technique is not designed for finding a job, the contacts you make may lead you to job openings.
2. Contact potential employers.
You have a list of potential employers, but you don't know if they have any job openings. It's time to phone Personnel or a hiring manager.
- Prepare by reviewing your resume and practising what you're going to say.
- Write down your opening words in case you get flustered. Here is a sample "script."
"Hello, my name is ____________. I understand that your company does _____ and that's my area of career interest. I was wondering if you had any current job openings."
- If the contact says no, ask if they anticipate any openings in the future or if he/she knows of anyone in the same line of business who does.
- Make sure that you get the full name and title of the person you're speaking to.
- Keep your resume in front of you in case the manager asks you questions.
- If the manager seems interested, ask if you could meet with him/her to discuss possibilities in more detail.
- If the manager can't meet with you, ask if you can send in your resume.
- Whatever happens, thank your contact. Send a thank-you note and re-state your interest in working for his/her organization.
- Keep the information on your contact and his/her organization. You never know when you might need it again.
- Visit the employers' home page to see if it has a job-posting section.
3. Use your network. Networking can be your best strategy for finding work.
- Call everyone you know and tell them you're looking for work.
- Ask each person if he/she can recommend someone else you could talk to.
- Contact associations related to your occupation/industry.
- Go to Networking Know-How for more information.
4. Do a letter-writing campaign. Network through personal letters to acquaintances or former co-workers.- Begin with a friendly reminder so the person can place you.
- Indicate the kind of work you're looking for. Be as specific as you can.
- Briefly state why you're qualified. Your contact may be able to provide more help if he/she knows a little about your background.
- Include a note card with spaces for your contact to write the organization's name, address, phone number, and who you should write or speak to in the organization.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
- Thank your contact for his/her help.
5. Join a job-finding club.
These clubs provide employment leads and help with resumes, cover letters and interviews. To find your local job-finding club(s):
- Contact your local municipal offices or YM/YWCA.
- Employment Services and Training Assistance
6. Visit job/career fairs.
At these public events, organizations send representatives to talk to work searchers, providing you with a great opportunity to network with several employers at once.
- Check with sector councils or professional associations in your areas of career interest. To find the contact information for associations, look in Job Futures, or consult your local librarian.
- Call the Career Centre at your local university, community college or Cégep
- Check with your Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce.
- Search the Internet.
- For tips on how to make such fairs work for you, go to Job/Career Fairs.
Human Resource Skill Development Canada
