Hidden Job Market

Many career experts estimate that up to 75 percent of jobs are never advertised.  They instead circulate in the murky world commonly referred to as the hidden job market. It is not any different in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Because the average job seekers are not aware of or not sure how to locate these positions, they usually spend all of their efforts chasing only after the advertised jobs.

So, where do these hidden jobs lurk? They are actually all around you. Employers and the managers that work for them often do not want to let competitors know they are looking for employees; or don’t want to go through the interviewing and hiring process; or just prefer to have a recruiter quietly find the best qualified candidate. Sometimes managers just promote one of their employees to an available position because they know that person. Managers like to hire those they know and believe can do the job. Sometimes the new hires are not the best to perform the job.

There are ways to locate these positions – even before they become available. One is to build a network of people to assist in finding them. Another is to approach employers directly. In other words, you must go to work to find work. Finding the right opportunity can be a job in itself.                                                                                            

A good networking campaign can be extremely effective and can be conducted by all skill and educational levels. It involves utilizing and developing business and personal relationships to help you reach your goal. It can even help point you in the right direction to focus your search efforts.                                                                                                                           

When networking you do not have to ask directly for a job. Instead seek advice and knowledge and ways to expand your contact universe. Your contacts may introduce you to others and those people to others. Talk with all levels of business not just management. People at all levels are knowledgeable of not only their employer, but others as well. Have cards with your name, phone number and email address. If working, use your business card, but be discreet. Keep your ears open.                                                                                                                                               

Find out when social, business related, chamber of commerce and trade meetings are taking place and attend. Talk with people you know and those you don’t. You will know them the next time. If you are a member of an athletic club talk to those working out around you. Join the YMCA or YWCA.

Utilize your friends and expand your base. Find others looking for a job and swap advice and knowledge. There are groups that meet regularly which provide support and assistance and share a common purpose of finding employment. Often they meet over breakfast of lunch. If you can’t find one set up your own group.                                                        

The other part of your campaign is to focus on specific employers. Take the time to research industries and specific companies that can utilize your skills. Consider all business types and sizes. Send out appropriate cover letters and resumes. Call managers or assistants in departments that can utilize your skills and see if they are hiring or plan to in the future. Periodically call back and check on the employment status. Develop the new contacts as part as part of your network.                                   

There are specific actions that can assist you in your search. While looking for jobs in the newspaper, Web sites or elsewhere, monitor hiring companies and industries. There is a great possibility that they need other skills, maybe yours. Your skills may be desired by industries you have not considered. Also, keep in mind that employees of a business’s competitors may be taking the advertised positions, so keep an eye out for developing opportunities.