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The Hidden Job Market

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Want to know a secret? Not all jobs are advertised. Okay, so maybe you already knew this, but it is important to know that finding these unadvertised jobs may well be how you gain entry into the IT industry.

Essentially, there are two methods for a job hunt: a proactive and a reactive approach. Candidates who respond to ads placed by employers are involved in a reactive job search. Many employers choose to look for employees by using classified ads, job postings, or job banks. This approach is highly visible, and for the prospective employee, a very competitive method of job searching.

In a proactive job search, job candidates take the initiative by approaching employers before they advertise. Many employers actually choose not to advertise job openings because they receive unsolicited applications on a daily basis. When a new position opens, it is easier, and considerably cheaper, for employers to read through the resumes already on hand than to go through the process of advertising. Jobs typically are only advertised when no suitable candidate can be found within the current collection of resumes. It is estimated that advertised jobs comprise a mere 20 percent of the available job openings, meaning around 80 percent of available jobs are filled without advertising. Referred to as the "hidden job market," these unadvertised jobs offer strong opportunities to motivated job seekers. The question is, how do you find, apply for, and obtain a job that isn't advertised?



Searching for jobs using classified ads, online job agencies, and referral agencies is the standard advertised job market with which we are most familiar. Those looking for a job respond to the employer's ad along with many other candidates. It is fierce competition for the 20 percent of advertised jobs. Think about taking a proactive approach as well. Send resumes to companies with which you think your skill sets would be beneficial.The next section discuss this approach.

Where to Look

Job hunting within the hidden job market takes a bit more effort than the traditional job search.To access this market, the first thing you need to do is identify the employers, companies, and agencies that you want to work for or that may need your technical skills.The Internet is a good place to start this search.The following list provide links to sites that may help you find more about a company and, if applicable, the company's Web site address.
  • >o Local eyes (www.localeyes.com) allows you to search for a city and industry type.The Web pages that meet the criteria are listed.This site is very useful and can help focus your job search.

  • Infospace (www.infospace.com/bizweb.htm) makes it easy to search for a specific company's Web site. It enables you to access the publicly available information on the business or company.

  • Compfind (www.comfind.com) allows you to search by company name, or more generally, by product or service. The site boasts access to over 700,000 business listings. Finding technology companies in this mixture is not a difficult task.

  • Yellow pages are provided from AOL (www.aol.com/netfind/ yellowpages.adp) Search for businesses by category or name.

  • Note: Don't neglect the good old Yellow Pages when looking for businesses.

  • GTE yellow pages (http://yp.superpages.com) allow you to search by many different criteria, including business name, street address, phone number, or category.

  • Bell South Real Pages (www.yp.bellsouth.com) is a similar business finding tool.
You Don't Know Me But...

After you locate the companies that interest you, the real work begins. With your list of potential employers, resume, and cover letter in hand it's time to tap into that hidden job market. Ready for a little proactive job searching?

Networking

As mentioned, networking plays an important role in finding the hidden job. It is perhaps the most effective way to find out about a job and meet potential employers. The fact is someone with a large network of professional acquaintances in the IT industry is more likely to find a job than someone responding to an ad. Every contact you make spreads your reach further. It is necessary to take the time to build your professional network.

Cold Call

Making a cold call to a company is a bold move that can at times pay off. A "cold" call refers to contacting potential employers not currently advertising positions. The intent of the cold call is to introduce yourself and offer skills to the employer. Even though no jobs are currently available, it is hoped that you are remembered when one does become available. In the best-case scenario, cold calls may land you an interview. Be forewarned, however, that many companies do not like this approach, and you may have many rejections along the way.

Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing is a clever approach to get your name and face known with potential employers. Informational interviewing involves contacting potential employers and asking to arrange a meeting. On the surface, the intention of the meeting is to learn more about the company or the profession, but there is another intent. An informational interview gives potential employers a chance to get to know you, and this connection may assist you when the company has a vacant position. At the very least, the information you get can be beneficial in your job search. Further, just by meeting and talking, you have expanded your professional network.

Including these steps as part of your active job search campaign expands your professional network base. Persistence and perseverance are the keys to successfully break into the hidden job market. You will most certainly hit resistance along the way, but a proactive job search can pay off in the end.
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