If you are looking for a new job, we understand how difficult it is. In the increasingly competitive job market, there are often several dozens, or even hundreds of candidates applying for the same job position. However, the most frustrating thing about it is that more than 80% of the jobs aren't even public, which means you can't apply for them through conventional means. There is a "hidden job market" out there, which you need to tap into if you are serious about landing that job.
Here are 5 secret ways you can try and access the hidden job market, and score that dream gig. Keep on reading for more details.
1. Networking
Now, this is something that is not going to happen overnight. You need to invest time and effort into cultivating your own network of professional and personal contacts which will come in handy when you are in need of a job or looking to switch careers. Websites like LinkedIn are especially useful because as much as 94% of the recruiters rely on them. On the other hand, only 36% of the candidates keep their LinkedIn profile updated and grow their network of contacts over there. As blunt as it sounds, who you know is just as important as what you know.
2. Attend Conferences, Courses, and Seminars
Another way to expand your network of contacts is to attend conferences and seminars which are geared toward helping your grow your skills. The more you know, the more interesting you will be to potential recruiters, and therefore increase your chances of getting hired. But, taking courses also demonstrates your willingness and your ability to keep on learning, which is something every employer looks for in an employee nowadays. They need people that can learn quickly and adapt to the changing market.
3. Volunteering
On top of being a great way to help out for a good cause or to give back to your community, volunteering can also be very beneficial if you are on a job hunt. How so?
“Tere are plenty of companies out there which hire volunteers after they have proved their worth. Also, volunteering is useful for learning new things and expanding your set of skill, which will look good on your resume. Finally, there is the fact that you will meet a ton of new people while volunteering, some of which might be able to connect you to the right people.” - Joyce S. Toups, Head of HR at Careers Booster.
4. Always Check the Companies' “Careers” Page
You would be surprised how many companies out there never really bother with posting a job ad, or even hiring a professional recruiter to connect them to the right candidates. They simply post information about a job opening on their website and leave it at that. Some don't even go that far. Instead, they rely on their employees to locate talent for them, which brings us right back to the importance of networking.
5. Promote Yourself Online
With tons of social media and blogging platforms at your disposal, you have all the tools you need in order to promote yourself and your work. For example, running a blog which is relevant to your industry can help establish you as a thought leader in your niche, which won't go unnoticed by the recruiters. Also, you can use these platforms to showcase your work in much greater detail than you would be able to in your resume.
Conclusion
Finding a job doesn't have to be as difficult as trying to find a needle in a haystack. Follow these 5 secret tips, and you will be able to tap into the hidden job market and build your career. Start doing it today!
