Hidden Job Market

Amy wrote:
I have a question regarding job searches. Other than the job search websites and the traditional newspaper classifieds, what other avenues do you recommend to find jobs?


Ah, the hidden job market:  Jobs that aren't advertised in traditional ways. Here's a couple of my favorite ways to find those hidden jobs.

Start with two or three jobs you would love to have and know you can do very well.
Then think of the companies or organizations that would have those jobs.

Do they have a website? What are their products or services? What are their goals for the coming year? Then check the Contact page for the manager of the department you'd love to work for (not Human Resources).

Send this person a brief email telling them what you're looking for and how you would be a great match for their organization. Be specific:
'I see that you will soon be expanding your services to include a job-finding club for injured workers. I have several years' experience as the team leader of Project Hired, which matched injured workers to new employers...'

Here's another way to reach those hidden jobs:  Let your circle of friends and acquaintances know just what kind of work you're looking for. Give them a couple of choices. You can say you'd love to work with kids in an educational setting or as a paid fundraiser for a children's charity.

Often the person will say, Sorry, I haven't heard of any jobs like that. But the human brain is a wonderful thing. Later, when they hear someone mention a job opening in a school, they will remember that you are looking for a job like that.

Another hugely untapped resource:  The spouses of your friends and acquaintances, and the spouses of YOUR spouse's friends and acquaintances. We often don't know what they do for a living, and chances are, one of them works in a company you would love to work for.

You could also offer to volunteer at an organization you love that might be able to hire you. You can do this for as little as one morning a week. This will not only get you on the 'inside', they will see what a great worker you are and when a job is about to come open, you might be the first candidate on their list.

Hope this helps, Amy, and happy job hunting!