Accessing the hidden job market can be summed up with one word - networking. Networking involves talking to people, the more the better. There are many ways to do this, both formally and informally. The good news is - you've probably already done it!

If you want to enlist the help of other people, you need to take the initiative and help them understand what type of work you're looking for. In social settings, initiate conversations with others. Since one of the most often asked questions is "What do you do for a living?" use it to your advantage! If you are looking for work and are asked this question, answer by saying you are currently engaged in a full-time job search. Tell people your work objective and the industry you're seeking work in. Add a few comments on your experience and transferable skills. Mention the communities you are available to work in. On a more formal note, develop a leads list. Use the yellow pages and look up the names of businesses you can contact that reflect the industry that interests you. Call them. Introduce yourself. Ask to arrange an informational meeting to discuss your interest in their company.

Many employers never advertise a position. They often ask employees and friends if they know of anyone looking for work, because most people prefer hiring on a recommendation. It is in your best interest to tell as many people as possible that you are job searching and help them understand your goals. They, in turn, will be better able to offer help because they know exactly what you are looking for.

The hidden job market refers to jobs people find through methods and sources other than job postings and advertisements. Have you ever heard someone say, "It's not what you know, but who you know?" I agree with part of that statement; however, if you don't happen to know people who might help you, you can take action to change that. Sylvia has described some ways to do that and I am going to tell you three strategies that have worked for people in this community. I've used pseudonyms that might give away my age and my love of 60s sit-coms!

Marsha needed a new job. She decided she could not continue to work in the financial services industry, as she had done for several years. She began to think about where job opportunities exist in this community. One idea she came up with was to create an opportunity herself. She approached a professional photographer who was running his business by himself. Marsha asked for a meeting with the photographer in which she explained to him the benefits of hiring her in his small business. It took a few attempts to convince him, but eventually, the photographer decided to give her a chance. Years later, Marsha happily continues to work for that employer, doing everything from sales/customer service to technical touch-ups. This is a success story for both Marsha and her employer. Marsha found a job that fits her skills, values and interests. Her employer, of course, is pleased with her contribution to the business. It has grown to the extent that he has hired additional staff, and, best of all; he now has the time to devote to his professional work.

Bobby needed to find a new job. He had some experience in customer service and his hobby was working with computers. On his way to the grocery store, he saw a new sign on a vacant building. The sign said Coming Soon Seaside Computers. Bobby researched various sources and finally located the owner of the business. He phoned the business owner and set up an interview with him. By marketing himself to the employer at this early stage, Bobby had the advantage over the competition and he got the job.

Greg was unemployed and he wanted to fill his time productively until he found a good job. He was interested in a particular social cause in his community and he decided to join the organization as a volunteer. There, he worked on various projects and he continued with his job search efforts. Shortly thereafter, an opening came up in the organization where he was a volunteer. The hiring committee was impressed with Greg's knowledge and commitment to the cause. They knew his personality and skills, and Greg got the job.

Thomas Jefferson echoes the advice given in this article with his words: I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it. If you would like to learn how to apply similar strategies to your own job search, please call us at 248-3205. You can have a consultation with an Employment Consultant and also participate in a lively, enlightening workshop.