| As only 10-15 percent of job openings are ever | | | | what they need you can develop your resume |
| advertised, uncovering the hidden job market becomes | | | | customized for their company. A smart job seeker will |
| an important skill for the savvy job searcher. We hear | | | | adapt his resume for each job he applies to. At least |
| of this hidden job market, but if up to 85 percent of | | | | do a personalized cover letter for each job using the |
| jobs are not advertised, how does one tap into this | | | | hiring manager's name if possible. Never send form |
| potential goldmine and find the job of one's dreams? | | | | letters. |
| This requires some creativity not to mention a lot of | | | | Always gear your communications to what you can |
| salesmanship as you will be selling yourself. | | | | do for them rather why you want the job. Selling |
| Search the job listings in the newspaper and online, but | | | | yourself is about how you can help them not the other |
| do not rely on them as your sole source of job | | | | way around. |
| openings. With the number of people competing for | | | | Be prepared to spend as much time searching for |
| jobs, employers do not need to advertise as much. | | | | work as you would at a job. Think of your job search |
| This is especially true for better paying positions which | | | | as your full time job right now. Stay positive and be |
| will be found mostly in this "hidden job market". | | | | persistent. The more you put yourself out there, the |
| Networking is the key. As soon as you know you will | | | | faster your search will gain momentum. Keep focused |
| be looking for work, you should be cultivating your | | | | on your goal. |
| contacts. | | | | Joining a job finding club. A job search can be lonely |
| If you do find an opening advertised, wait a day or two | | | | and frustrating to do on your own. A group enforces |
| before applying. The hiring manager will be deluged | | | | the discipline you need and the positive support is an |
| with resumes within the first couple of days of running | | | | enormous help to keep you going. They assist with |
| their ad. This is when you are likely to be lost in the | | | | resumes, interview techniques, networking and any |
| shuffle. Your resume is more likely to be seen once | | | | other problems job seekers face. In many cases |
| the initial rush has dwindled. Write your cover letter to | | | | people find work within two or three weeks. Most |
| the exact specifications in the ad to show why you | | | | large cities have job finding clubs and they are usually |
| are the candidate they want. | | | | free. Check your phone book or look on the net for |
| Start "advertising" yourself to your family and friends | | | | one in your area. |
| and get them looking for you. You never know who | | | | Consider part time, temp work or freelancing. It is an |
| knows of an opening. Tell everyone you talk to you | | | | immediate cash flow and could lead to a full time job. |
| are looking work and be as specific as possible about | | | | There is no shame in accepting something temporary |
| what you want. Tell them briefly what your skills are | | | | to keep money coming in or to get your foot in the |
| and ask them to let you know if they hear of an | | | | door. |
| opening. Write yourself a "15 second commercial" and | | | | If you need to upgrade your skills, do it. Many |
| rehearse it so you will never be caught off guard. | | | | employment agencies provide free instruction on |
| Make a list of contacts in the industry you want to | | | | software programs to candidates they feel they can |
| enter and call them to let them know you are available. | | | | place. Check colleges in your area for programs to fit |
| Ask if you can use them for a reference. Don't be shy. | | | | your needs. Career counselors and government |
| Your friends want to help you. Make sure you give | | | | agencies can provide valuable information as to what |
| them your current contact information. | | | | is available. Check for government funded training |
| If you left your job on good terms, get a letter of | | | | programs. |
| recommendation. Make sure your references are lined | | | | The largest challenge a job seeker faces in a weak |
| up as you may need them on a moment's notice. Ask | | | | market is the temptation to give up. Despite the news |
| your former employer if he knows of anyone who is | | | | reports there are always jobs available. Never accept |
| hiring. | | | | that "nobody is hiring". Your success will depend on |
| Go through the phone book and make a list of | | | | your attitude and initiative. That be said at any time, not |
| companies where you would like to work. Research | | | | just in a recession. The economy will always go up |
| them on the Internet to see where you fit. Call the | | | | and down. Searching for work is a skill that you will |
| Human Resources department and do an information | | | | use repeatedly throughout your career. You will |
| interview with the HR director. Be professional. You | | | | increase your chances once you take charge of your |
| don't want to inconvenience them if they are busy, but | | | | job search, plan it professionally, and sell yourself |
| you will be amazed at how helpful they can be if you | | | | effectively. |
| are not directly asking for a job. Once you find out | | | | |