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Almost 75% of jobs are never advertised - how can you tap into this hidden job market

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.
 
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Comments
Posted by: ginny crandall
I agree with what you are saying about networking. I have worked quite a bit in the field of retail project management, so when I went to look for a job, that's what I wanted a career in. I got a great job, through my friends, though. The company had posted the position online, but because of my friend, I knew more than the other candidates and was the perfect candidate. It's always easier to get a job when you have a reference inside the company.
Posted by: treejohn572
I believe it. Seems like jobs are always getting snatched by people who are refereed to that company. For example landscaping this job seems to always be a referral job. I bet jobs are like this because it costs so much money to advertise job openings almost everywhere makes company's to advertise for job opportunities.
Posted by: clara
This is really true. It's hard to look for jobs which aren't advertised or posted online or even in newspapers. It's both hard for the employers and the job-hunters since the former will find it hard to look for the right person for the job and the latter doesn't even know that there exist such a job posting.
Posted by: Henrietta
Great common sense here. Wish I’d thought of that.
Posted by: Anne O.
I am looking for an Entry Level Job in the East Multnomah County especially along the MAX Line out in the Gresham Area.  I am working with Senior and Disabled People for the State of Oregon only Part-Time, but I need a more steady and stable job now.
Posted by: Monica
My husband and I are in the position of looking for work and my husband is having a very hard time in job hunting. He wants to work in warehouse but the problem that we are both facing is how can we go out there and talk to people for networking and how can we land the right individual to talk to.
Posted by: Aqil Siddiqi
Are there any websites in Richmond, B.C, Canada, to find these hidden jobs?
Posted by: Christina K.
OK. So jobs not advertised are out there? Where?
Posted by: Patricia
When you know what area of employment that you want then go into a search engine and look for social networking sites. Then  make contact with others who are in the same boat as you. You also have to make contact with anyone that you know from friends, former classmates, former teachers, dentist, doctor, neighbours etc. They might be able to help you to secure a job. That is how you access the hidden job market. The jobs that people might know about that are not advertised.
Posted by: Michael Dougherty
I found what was my best job to date by driving around the city droping off resumes indicating I am looking for work. Don't rely only on the internet, get out there and look !!
Posted by: Lisa B Babylon ny
I agree networking is a major part of every day business, you need to be face to face to see where your next deal or job is comming from. So always be out there, you just never know.
Posted by: Bonnie S.
Networking really does pay off, but first I suggest you update your resume, post your references, get some personal business cards printed up, prepare a generic cover letter and then go and visit places where you would want to work. Do your on-line website searches, many job application forms can be found there. Do your homework, find out who the HR person is and address your cover letter to him/her personally. Find out what the company's all about before you apply, practice for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle a difficult situation, start with the details briefly, what action you previously took and close with the end results. Think before you answer a question and don't say more than you need to. Be friendly but professional in appearance and dress appropriately when you network and at your interviews. It's not that hard when you approach this with confidence!  
Posted by: Craig Babcock
I like finding the hidden stuff!!
Posted by: James  Saint James
Sounds great!
Posted by: Harry
I agree that networking is a valuable tool for getting a lead or leads for your next job.  In my search I notice that the job search engines bring up the same jobs over and over which is legitimate in most cases.  What I find hard to wade through is all the sites trying to sell me on more education. Education is good and I have a Bachelors degree but I need more effective ways to use these search engines without getting bogged down.  Good luck to all on that elusive great career.
Posted by: Michael M.
Nothing new if you're over the age of 20, maybe 25. This "networking" thing is nothing new, oh maybe the name is new but the principle is old, we older ones called it "knowing someone in the business". Well, now that I'm older, looking for work, I know the "networking" thing will probably be the only way for me to get work.
Posted by: Shelly  J.
What I have always done(which is not always successful)is finding all companys that have any thing to do with your line of business and ask them if they will employ me. If anything I find out who I don't ever want to work for, and If there is a particularly nasty owner of a company I will ask the other business owners their opinions about him. This can spark an alliance with your possible employer even if he's not prepared to hire anybody, thus putting you on his hmmmn" list. Sure it's probably something out of a psychology book, but as a business owner I know how much I think about my competition. Best of luck. Last one to leave Florida take the flag.
Posted by: Dave N.
the article is great, but I find as middle America reels in all this turmoil, HR people are becoming more distant from the realities real people face with more and more devious shifty employers. I have been 'lulled' into believing an Interviewer wanted honesty.. Its kind of an oxymoron, Society demands 'politeness' while employers get dirtier. One needs 80 resumes because HR people have been in there jobs so long and fail to see beyond a job title, to see what Skills your bringing to the table!
Posted by: Gulam Z.
YOU ARE GIVING A VALUABLE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET YOUR JOB SITE IS VERY GOOD
Posted by: Edward
Does any body know if oil companies are hiring ? the work source yes that they are but I have been looking for a job with any oil company with no luck.
Posted by: Lou
Does anyone know of sites for seniors who still need to work?  Husband, 64 1/2 and I, 61 both laid off over a year and are having no luck.  He has many years of experience and advanced degrees and still no takers.  Workforce swears companies are wanting to hire older workers but we are not seeing that at all.
Posted by: Eric J.
i my self don't believe in internet jobing, i love this link. thanks
Posted by: Wheeler Stephens
Do you know of any search engine that limits itself to a just a specific city?
Posted by: Willie
Great Article! Equally Great in feedback, the information provided by the author as well as the responses from all whom left comments have inspired me. It's a challenging time to be searching for a job these days, but after reading this, I'm moving forward with plans to seek better employment.
Posted by: Jacquelyn
This is interesting to read, but if I am looking for a job now the last thing I want to read about is the best jobs being hidden, or the startling news that I fall into the seventy five percentile of those that will not be responded to. That is disturbing - someone lead us job seekers to employers sincerely seeking applicants, interview, and finally new hires.
Posted by: amalia
Great article!  How do you get to those jobs?
Posted by: Brenda
We are not hiring, but I agree that tapping into the un-advertised jobs is very difficult, networking pays off as I have seen in Oakland and San Francisco in the Civil Engineering field.
Posted by: christian okwuoha
wow! nice article. a friend also also mentioned this to me, it worked for him and some others. but this article has really educated me on why i must take this seriously. thanks!
Posted by: Mary Smith
For those of us who have been unemployed for some time, having to pay to take a test with the Post Office is rather absurd.  I am already financially stressed and having to pay to take a test is ludicrous.  The tests should be provided without a cost attached - we are in a recession!
Posted by: Waymon Tharpe
i hope this really works.cause i really need a job. so if anybody knows about any real good jobs let me know at rasheedtharpe73@yahoo.com. thanks and have a nice day.
Posted by: jodi ingram
Thank you I have been looking for a while now only one interview. Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Art
I have been networking with the past coworkers inthe Nuclear radiation field for many years, take down every ones name, numbers and email before the outage is over, has always been a sucsessfulway to search out the next job for the casual worker, temps are always looking and getting laid off.
Posted by: Linda Pusateri
Nice, but human resources usually must follow protocol of interviewing once a job comes open.  I have known about positions before they were open, interviewed with the administrator, had the job until the employment machine went to work and everyone must be evaluated.  That has happen to me 2 times in the past month. I don't think we live in that nice little word of mouth situation any more, which is a real shame.
Posted by: KellyLRl
Try LinkedIn.  I signed up after watching this site for about 2 yrs and watched it grow.  The day I signed up, I had a contact from someone who was seeking my skills.  I thought Wow!
Posted by: Christopher Masika
Certainly that's absolutely true, but to a very limited number of people especially in developing countries like mine. Only if varieties of websites were present, my country have a vast professionals in different sectors who would like to be in a good paying jobs unadvertised!
Posted by: RAMESH KUMAR
this is nice article. its very useful for me,thank you
Posted by: RAMESH KUMAR
i am very inspired. its nice article.
Posted by: Danilo Fajardo
I'm a new immigrant just arrived last December and I had been looking for a job on the classified ads of newspaper and no luck so far. This article is a lot of help gives me an idea where to look. I formerly worked as an electronics/electrical engineering technician for a large newspaper printer in the Philippines. Hope I could get same leads to a job.
Posted by: CHARLES NDUKWE
This is highly beneficial in a good direction.
Posted by: Hayam Tawdi
I agree, it is all about networking and who you know, as well as physically submitting your resume to the HR recruiter, if you can.
Posted by: Wilson Kumbata
very good and informative article hope will help me to secure a job I need
Posted by: ninah stieber
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: 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: Jeremy Schaal
Nice Article.  Hope to find a job soon.  :)
Posted by: Paneilla Owusu
wow is that really real OK then i will do my research.
Posted by: Mark
What intelligent forum of power
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: 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: Mike Hamamjian
I do agree it all comes down to who you know not what you have.
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: 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: 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: 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: John Girnt
That is trully correct information,regarding networking for a career. Thank you
Posted by: Jaime
ok, probably you hear this all the time, how can I get to that 75% of hidden jobs?
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Charles Roche
This is an excellent article.
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: 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: glory aniyi
Nice article, maybe that is precisely what i need to get my next dream job. good work!
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: 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: 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: Donna Mae Mims
Very inspiring and I am going to attack five of them!  Thank you.
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: 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: 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: 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: john shaw
excellant article!!!glad i took the time to do the research thanx
Posted by: Thomas Young
Good to know you are on the right track.
Posted by: Tom Kipp
This is encouraging. Are there any forums or discussion groups where we can exchange our thoughts?
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: 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: Richard Harter
This is excellent
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: Keith Daniel
I agree totally. Too bad there are not more networking websites.
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: Angela Covington
Great article.
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