What is the hidden job market?

The hidden job market generally refers to unadvertised jobs that are available but arent necessarily known publicly. The jobs are available only if you know where to look for them.

The hidden job market really refers to jobs that arent necessarily being advertised heavily but do exist if you know how to find them.

Often, companies will have positions open that arent being advertised or they will have jobs available that theyd fill if the right person came along.

Other times, companies might interview someone who appears to have a good background and they will find a position even create a new position specifically for that person.

Here are some suggestions to uncover the hidden job market:

1. Use your network. Speak with people you know family, friends, former colleagues and managers, people in your industry or profession who might know of a position that is available or at least know of a company that might be interested in skills like yours. Word of mouth is often the best way to get your foot in the door.

2. Search company websites. Make a list of companies that youd be interested to work for who appear to have a need for people with your skills. Research the companies and determine what skills and experience that you have that they need. If you dont see any job openings advertised on their website, contact the company directly yourself call them on the phone to speak with a hiring manager, or email them a copy of your resume and a cover letter stating what you are looking for as a method of introduction.

3. Attend job fairs or networking events. Look for relevant events that include your industry or profession where you can network and meet people who can positively influence your career and job search specifically.

4. Look for names of people who can help you. Use the Internet to locate articles written by people who work in your industry or profession or even from people who work for companies you are interested to work for. Check company websites for names of staff and potential hiring managers related to your field. Contact these people and ask for their help: Ask them who else you should be speaking with in their company. Often, theyll point you in the direction of a hiring manager who you can introduce yourself to. Ask if you can mention that you were referred to this hiring manager by the person who referred you. It adds credibility.

5. Look for companies who need people with your skills. If you know that a company has hired someone with your skills in the past, they might need someone else with your skills in the near future. I often contact companies enquiring about positions that theyve hired for in the past regardless of whether they are currently advertising for these positions or not. If they hired a sales rep three months ago for example, maybe the person didnt work out and they want to replace them. Maybe they need another sales rep and just havent gotten around to searching for one.