Finding the Unpublished Job Market

Only one-half of open jobs are ever advertised to the public. Advertised jobs that are found in newspapers, websites and through recruiters are defined as the published job market. Less than a quarter of all the jobs available are filled through this market. The remaining 50-percent and the way many employers hire are through the job market hidden to most people, this is the hidden job market and it is where the majority of the hiring is being done.

Using job-finding websites, the newspaper, magazines and bulletin boards are a very ineffective way of finding employment in this fast-moving and very competitive job market. You must know what you want by analyzing the job market and determining the specific job title you would like to have.

Use your analysis to develop a list of companies to investigate and pursue. Small and medium-sized companies can be found by using financial websites. Financial websites that publish a company's financial data will help you in determining the company's growth in the recent past. Small, fast growing companies need to create new positions constantly to continue growing. In this type of strategy, you may even be able to name your next job title.

Extensively research the list of small and medium-sized companies by learning what the company does and who the key positions within the business. Often, finding who the key individuals are can prove to be difficult. If you cannot, determine who the immediate supervisor to the job title you have chosen is. This is the person you want to get your resume in front of.

In your job search, you should avoid the standard. Submitting your application or resume online or to a human resources department does not have the success rate that getting your resume in front of a decision maker in the company does. Computer programs and human resource departments are designed to eliminate resumes without any regard for the person behind them.

Another method of entering the hidden job market is to network with people you already know. Most available positions are filled through the "who you know" strategy. Call on professionals you know working for companies that may need your skill sets. Past family, friends, and past coworkers are good places to start. Consider using alumni groups from schools you have attended or professional organizations that may seek your skills. Be honest about your job search, tell people your intentions and have a genuine interest in the companies they represent.

Whether through networking or just getting your resume in front of a decision maker, creating a new position within the company can land that job in the company you have chosen. This is an especially successful strategy in small to medium-sized companies that are growing. By networking, cold-calling and other research, you can target the needs of the company as they fit your skill sets. Ask yourself where the company is lacking, is weak or new business strategies that they have not yet identified. If there are issues or problems within the company, be prepared to tell how you can solve or mitigate the issue, your experience in doing so and that you are the just the right person to do it.

Finding and capitalizing on the hidden job market takes more work than a traditional job search. Patience, networking and a problem-solving attitude will open new doors and opportunities for you. Using your network, you will eventually have people and companies seeking you out!