The Hidden Job Market - Accessing and
Finding Hidden Opportunities

The hidden job market refers to a category of jobs that are not advertised through newspapers or online job listing sites like Monster. In many cases, these are high profile jobs with large salaries that would draw immense response from job seekers if it did appear in a local newspaper or online for all to see. That is exactly why many companies do not want to post these jobs publicly!

In some cases they do not feel the position is worth spending money to advertise, but in many other cases it is the other way around. Hiring managers or business owners do not want to go through hundreds or even thousands of resumes and messages of inquiry. They would much rather work with people they already know to seek out potential candidates worth the investment of their time.

Since high paying jobs with great benefits and opportunity for advancement are in hot demand today, hiring managers and business owners are even more skeptical about posting these jobs for everyone and their uncle to respond to, just in case they have a chance. It is far more efficient to keep quiet about the job and only entertain candidates referred by those close to the business.

Tips to Reach the Hidden Job Market:

If you are highly qualified for a good job and would like to see what jobs are currently in hiding for your field, the following tips may help:

1. These jobs are not going to fall into your lap, so you have to find their string and pull them into your lap. That means going online searching for them through people who may be connected to companies offering them. You can do this through LinkedIn most efficiently, but other social networking sites can be useful as well.
2. Keep your LinkedIn account separate from all private social networking accounts. Everything must be kept professional so when you interact with others through industry-related groups or network through private messages you are not embarrassed by what others see and hear. Your profile is like that firm handshake when you walk into an interview, so keep it strong, confident and professional!
3. Do not get timid approaching others. You can search out people connected to businesses you would like to work with through LinkedIn and potentially other networking sites. Approach common friends and try to get an introduction. The best jobs in any industry are often filled through social circle referrals.
4. If you have the opportunity to go to a party, conference, or other social event where others in your field will congregate, you have to show up. This is a great way to start making connections and getting into those social circles that could land you a valuable referral. Do not discount any new friend of social connection. They may not be the person that can get you a job, but they may be connected to someone who can!
5. Ask a lot of questions when you meet someone new. The man standing behind you in line at the bank may have a connection you can use. They may even have a need that you can help them out with today, earning brownie points for a future potential referral. No one gets discounted or ignored when you need a job or promotion.

Notice that all of these tips rest on working your social circle. You may think right now that you don’t have anyone in a position to help you out, but you never know who those close to you are connected to outside of your own social circle. Do some digging around through LinkedIn, Facebook, and many other sites to find those lucrative connections.

For an in-depth strategy and step by step action plan for creating your own job in the hidden job market, go to  hidden job market help.