THE EMPLOYMENT PAGES
The Hidden Job Market

When people are looking for a job, quite often the first thing they do is look in the classified section of the newspaper. But, about 70-80% of all jobs are never advertised! These jobs are called “hidden jobs” and people hear about them from acquaintances, friends or by making cold calls.

Many employers prefer to hire someone who has been referred to them by someone they know. Instead of advertising, which takes time and money, an employer can find employees referred to them who are well suited to their operation, without the bother of a formal recruitment process. One of the advantages of tapping into the hidden job market is there will be less competition for you than if you apply to a position that is being advertised!

BUILD A NETWORK

Since networking is a huge part of finding unadvertised vacancies, you will need to learn how to build a network. Start with the people you do know or those you meet on a day-to-day basis. Make sure everyone you know is aware that you are looking for work. Don’t worry about imposing on people you know - most people enjoy knowing they have helped!

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Volunteering is an opportunity to develop new skills and to expand your horizons and network. In addition, volunteering can help you strengthen your resumé,and give you personal satisfaction. Volunteering can be especially helpful for those with little practical experience in their chosen field. Employers will applaud your initiative and commitment to your career and community. Volunteering is also a great opportunity to add or polish skills that most employers want to see which include: communication (written and oral); interpersonal; time management; problem solving; adaptability; and teamwork skills.

Before taking on a volunteer opportunity, be sure to know what the position involves, how much time will be expected of you and that it is a good fit with your values and career goals. Kelowna Community Resources offers a volunteer referral service and will suggest appropriate organizations. They can be reached at: 763-8058 .

THE ART OF COLD-CALLING

In addition to network-building you will need to learn to do cold calls to employers who are not advertising. This is hard work. It takes a good degree of confidence to walk into a store or company and drop off a resumé and ask to speak to a manager about job opportunities. And it is difficult to call back later to see if anything has materialized. If you are rejected, consider it a poor match for now and keep going! Even though it is easier to stay home and check the newspapers daily or wait until a company phones after you have submitted a resumé, this method of job search is far less effective.

Information taken from: www.workopolis.com