The Hidden Job Market

The Hidden Job Market

Just because you cant see something, doesnt mean it isnt there.

1

I check the classified ads - no job openings for meI find ads, send in a great resume & cover letter but never hear from themI am overqualified for the openings I findI lack a degree or years of experience requiredNo one in my area needs anyone who does what I doI havent been through a job search in yearsI know I could do the job if I could get an interviewI am willing to conduct my job search with skill, persistence and creativity (same as what I bring to work)I dont know many people, Im new in the area, Im shy, I cant handle hearing noIs this YOU?

2

3

Secrets from theHidden Job Market

4

5

I check the classified ads - no job openings for meI find ads, send in a great resume & cover letter but never hear from themI am overqualified for the openings I findI lack a degree or years of experience requiredNo one in my area needs anyone who does what I doI havent been through a job search in yearsI know I could do the job if I could get an interviewI am willing to conduct my job search with skill, persistence and creativity (same as what I bring to work)I dont know many people, Im new in the area, Im shy, I cant handle hearing no

Lets Talk About That List Again

6

I check the classified ads No job openings for me70-85% OF ALL POSITIONS ARE FILLED WITHOUT EMPLOYER ADVERTISING

Only a small number of employers ever use the news 70-85% paper classified ads! They are expensive, time-consuming and slow. 7

Think like an employer

Say you're a hiring manager, and you have a stack of resumes on your desk from people you don't know. Then your door opens and a co-worker walks in with resume in hand, saying, 'I know someone who's interested in applying, and I can vouch for her.' Guess whose resume will make it to the top of the pile?

"Let's be open and look at who we can get," VS."Who can we get, quickly, with minimum risk.

Many employers rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from their employees or colleagues. Resumes that come through someone they know have a good chance of being considered first.

8

Employers prefer to hiresomeone THEY KNOW.

If they have met you before, liked what you had to offer,and they need someone,they will prefer to hire YOU.

Informational Interviewing --- coming up. 9

Approximately 9 million 1.4 people/1 opening*nationally Dec 2015*

14 million people looking for work right now There are 5 people for every opening 10

I have looked though the help wanted ads. There is nothing in there.

If this is what your job search consists of, you are not doing enoughEmployers like to hire assertive go-getters!

SO ACT LIKE ONE!!

11

I find ads, send in a great resume& cover letter never hear from them!

Newspaper ads are mass marketing. They get tons of resumes. Someone scans through them and weeds and keeps only those that exactly meet the requirements. If you can get the employers attention when they are NOT weighed down with tons of resumes, youll be the first considered. 12

Something to think aboutJob coaches recommend that job seekers should spend no more than 20% of their time answering ads

What?!

13

Four Stages of a Job Opening

People get jobs where none are open.As time passes, people who become known to employers get hired which is why most jobs are never advertised!

---------------------Fourth StageAd is in the paper. The thundering horde appears!-----------------------Third StageJob now open, in house posting. Referral desired, applications being accepted. -----------------------Second StageThe need is clear, the insiders know, but no action is taken.Time Variable

-----------------------First StageNo job opening, but employers always looking for good workers.

14

I am overqualified for the job openings I findI lack a degree or experience for the openings

This could very well be true. Job ads work best for entry-level jobs. If you are an experienced workers you may NEVER see a job ad that is appropriate for you. Why? Once established in an occupations, the assumption is: if youre any good the employer will know about you. Of course this isnt entirely true but employers manage to hear about enough established workers to make the connections on their own.

Again, they would rather ask around to see if anyone knows of someone to fit the position they are looking to fill interview 2 and hire one then post ads, review endless resumes, etc.

If you can get to the employer BEFORE the ad is written up, youll stand a much better chance. How come? Here is how an opening usually comes about there is a problem that needs to be solved. We need to speed up accounts receivable, maybe we need a new computer system, maybe we need better inventory controls At this stage the focus is on the problem and possible solutions. The employer will look for easy solutions transfer someone, hire someone, change processesIf you can hook up with an employer at the problem stage or the thinking about hiring someone stage you stand a better chanceYour degree or experience may not be an obstacle if you can solve their problem and you are in front of them you will be considered.

15

No one in my area needs someone who does what I doI havent done a job searchIn YEARS!

How do you know? Because you arent seeing ads? Not convincingDo some research to find out who/what companies are in your target industryYou have to get off the beaten path

If you havent been through this process in years the hidden job market is even more important! 16

I know I could do the job if I could get an interviewI am willing to conduct myjob search with skill, persistenceand creativity (just like my work)

Here is a big advantage to the Hidden job market tactic from your first contact with the employer, the interview has begun!

Good because it does take effort! Most people prefer to use the easiest method for accomplishing a task (job search) your advantage will be that those people arent going to get to the employer until it is too late you will have networked your way to the job already! 17

I dont know many people

Im new in the area

Im shy

I cant handle hearing no

You can use these as excuses or motivationAgain, many will use excuses which is good for you because the competition is immediately decreased! Start small lets talk about networking more now and the how tos to doing it. 18

Networking:Its who you know!

The bigger the net, the safer the bet

19Have you heard the saying, Its who you know, not what you know? What you know is still important, but who you know may help you get your foot in the door.

Network = Net WorthFancy word forThe right peopleOutside your circleMost wont help if you if you dont ask!

Start your list!! Hidden job market source list

Fancy word for connecting -- talking with people, forming relationships, asking the right questions, and getting the information you need basically interacting to exchange information and advice

Those that you connect with will in turn connect with more individuals

Talking with and knowing the right people is important

Must be willing to talk with those outside your circle of friends and family

No one can help you if you dont ask

20

Where Should I ?

Any job worth having is worth pursuing!

It is very important to let people knowLet them help you do the searching!

Anywhere!

21

Where and Who??RelativesFriendsAlumni organizations Children's contactsClassmates Community job clubsFormer employersHobby groupsMembers of clubsMembers of your church

Relatives

FriendsLocal and out-of-town

Alumni organizations

Children's contactsPTA, Little League, Scouts, parents of their friends

Classmates (any grade or school)

Community job clubs

Former employers, including supervisors and coworkers

Hobby groupsBridge clubs, gardening, model trains, quilting, etc.

Members of clubs: Health club, softball team, hiking club

Members of your church, temple, synagogue or mosquesome religious organizations also sponsor job search groups

22

Where else? Who else?Military connectionsNeighborsTrade shows, seminars or workshopsPolitical groupsProfessional associations ProfessionalsRelativesService or fraternal organizationsServicesVolunteer associations

Military chums

Neighbors: Current and past

Participants in trade shows, seminars or workshops you've attended

Political groups

Professional associations

ProfessionalsAttorneys, accountants, doctors, dentists, insurance agents, pharmacists, veterinarians

Relatives: Local and out-of-town

Service or fraternal organizations and groups: Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks

ServicesTravel agents, stockbrokers, Realtors

Volunteer associations: Past and present

23

Make a list!

Finding EmployersEmployer Locator ToolFollow up search on internetNot intended to display job openings

25

Track Your ProgressEmployer namesWebsitesAction TakenExpand your comfort zoneRecord datesFollow up

26

I dont want to come off as demanding or rude. What is an employer going to do?? Not hire you???Showing a great deal of interest and desire to work for a company is what they wantHardworking, driven and determined...It all says the perfect employee

27

Networking MistakesWaitingBeing CluelessBeing UnpreparedForgetting Business CardsUsing a Silly-Sounding Email NameBeing Pompous

Monopolizing Someones TimeDressing DownBeing a WallflowerBeing PassiveBeing UnpreparedLyingTreating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term FlingsForgetting Where You Came From

Waiting: Many people start networking only after they've lost their jobs. Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships while you're still employed.

Being clueless: If you're heading to a networking event, make sure you know why you're going. Do you want a job? If so, are you seeking something specific, or will anything do? As soon as someone starts talking with you, you have to hold up your end of the conversation. If you don't know what you want, you can't do that.

Being unprepared: Thinking you know what you want is not the same as knowing it. Treat networking the same way you would an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Practice your pitch as well as your answers to questions about your career goals that might arise.

Forgetting Business Cards: There is nothing more embarrassing than establishing a good relationship with someone, extracting a pledge of help and then searching around for a cocktail napkin to write on. Spend a few extra bucks to print professional-looking cards on good-quality paper.

Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name: Sure, your friends know you as "SexyMama4U" or "TimeForHemp," but when looking for work, stick to a serious email address, such as your real name.

Being Pompous: While you're networking, you need to listen to what everyone else is saying. People help by offering advice. They are not interested in hearing how much you already know.

Monopolizing Someone's Time: At a networking event, everyone wants to mingle. And if you're networking over the phone or by email, understand that the person you're speaking with has a life that extends beyond you.

Dressing Down: Look sharp at networking events. Mind your manners, shake hands firmly, stand up straight, make eye contact and show respect in any way you can. A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview, but no one will help you get your foot in the door if you give the impression that you'll slouch through it once it's open.

Being a Wallflower: Men and women with contacts and power meet many people; they remember only those who stand out from the crowd. Be assertive, and act like a leader. But don't go overboard. You want to convey self-assurance, not obnoxiousness.

Being Passive: If someone says, "Sorry, we don't have anything right now," take a minute or two to ask follow-up questions: "Well, what's the outlook for future possibilities? Do you know anyone else in the industry who might have something? Any thoughts on what my next step should be?" Persistence shows true interest on your part and may help the person you're networking with come up with ideas he might otherwise overlook.

Lying: It's tempting to say, "So-and-So gave me your name and told me to call." It might even get you a meeting. But eventually Such-and-Such will learn that So-and-So did not tell you to call. And you'll have burned not one, but two bridges.

Treating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term Flings: No one likes to be used. Follow up every conversation with a thank-you note, email or call. Let your contact know whether his suggestions panned out or not. When your job search ends -- for whatever reason -- inform the person who has helped you. You may think your networking is over, but your paths may cross again.

Forgetting Where You Came From: Anyone who has ever networked, whether successfully or not, owes an obligation to all those who will network in the future. Return the favor and help someone else.

28

Cold CallResumes first Phone employersHave a 30 second commercial plannedMake yourself stand outThe squeaky wheel

29

Spice it up - catch attentionGet to the right personGive them what they wantAsk how they hire

30 second commercial30

Informational interviewing!

32

Purpose: to obtain information, not a jobHowever, they do help generate referrals and occasionally may lead to a job offerEvery time you talk with someone on the phone or in person, you remind them of you

Purpose: to obtain information, not a jobHowever, they do help generate referrals and occasionally may lead to a job offerDont rely on informational interviews for finding a job, but do recognize the value of conducting them and in connecting with othersEvery time you talk with someone on the phone or in person, you remind them of you, increasing the chance that they will think of you when opportunities arise

33

Can help you:Make valuable connections and expand your networkPractice your interviewing skills and increase your confidenceGrasp the reality of what a particular job entailsGain knowledge and insight about a company or industryAsk questionsUncover additional resources and opportunities available to youMake important decisions about your futureEnable you to talk about industry-specific issues

Make valuable connections and expand your networkPractice your interviewing skills and increase your confidenceGrasp the reality of what a particular job entailsGain knowledge and insight about a company or industryAsk questions you might not feel comfortable asking in a typical interviewUncover additional resources and opportunities available to youMake important decisions about your futureEnable you to talk about industry-specific issues, and better prepare you for a job interview

34

Call/email and ask for an informational interviewStart with HR departmentOr the department you are interested in working with

Treat it like any other interviewWear appropriate attireArrive on timeBe preparedKeep it brief

If you are connected with someone who works in your desired field, call and ask for an informational interviewIf not, call the HR department of a company in that field and ask to be connected with someone who can help youThere is a chance you can be turned down, but you would be surprised how many are willing to help you

Ask for 20-30 minutesBe flexible about when to meetCome up with questions to ask 35

Sample QuestionsHow did you get into this line of work?What experience and requirements are needed to work in and be successful in this field?When hiring, what do you look for in job candidates?Whats the best way to break into this field or industry?What is a typical day like?What sets your company apart from the competition?What can you tell me about the corporate culture?How do you typically post job openings or find people to work here?

36

Leave your resume or card and get their cardMake notes, schedule follow up, send a thank you

Dont ask for a jobDont ask personal questionsBe careful about asking about salary and benefits

Its ok to ask them to take a brief look at your resume or portfolioCan you give me 3 names of people in the field I might also be able to talk with Can I get your card and is it ok for me to check back with you in a few months37

Gain career-related experienceGet your foot in the door at a company, possibly leading to future employmentUnderstand the dynamics of a work environmentGenerate work-related references

38

This is not just about finding a jobNETWORK!Learn about companies and positionsBe careful to rule out or not consider companies before you really know about them

Good strategy start at the back of the room and work forward (you wont have to wait in long lines at the front of the room)

Communication skills are critical: Need a good elevator speech, good conversational skills, and the ability to be genuinely engaging

39

SOCIAL NETWORKINGWhat is it?Who can use it?What are the benefits?Concerns?How do you start?

What is it?The way the 21st century communicates today

Who can use it?Anyone! You just need some computer skills and practice!

What are the benefits?Social media has made it easier to find like-minded groups

Concerns?Despite its growing popularity and image as a must for professionals, there is still resistance to using it because some people dont want to be seen as on the market or identified as unemployed or underemployed. Other concerns related to privacy.

How do you start?Lets first talk about the options.

40

41

85% of employers use social networking to find information on potential employees43% of candidates are eliminated based on recruiter findingsClean up your online imageGoogle search yourselfBad is badNothing is also bad

If you are not on social media sites the perception could be that you dont exist and that could send a negative messageNot only can employers check you out, you can check them out too

42

43

What employers are finding:

44

414 million usersSpecifically geared toward professional networkingwww.linkedin.com

Is simpler to use, because its strictly professional and doesn't have as many bells and whistles that Facebook does.Builds online visibility and engage with network contacts

Write in the 1st person (not 3rd) and give insight into your personality and character as well as professional qualificationsShort punchy stories that support the personal brand can help one profile (and one candidate) stand apart from others

Once you link with people on LinkedIn you typically have access to all of the connections of your connections (1st, 2nd generation)

Guidelines: Include a professional headshotEmphasize keywords and specialtiesInclude accomplishmentsEnrich your profile with recommendations (5 is a good number to shoot for to start)Use groups to build visibility and as a resource for posting questions45

46

What can you do on ?Create an online portfolio (resume)Join groups think networking/learningFollow/learn about companies Search the company - pagesFind people who are connected to other people you knowAsk your personal contact to connect youJobs are often posted on the siteUsually professional jobs

Can also exchange private mail, seek introductions to 3rd parties through your connections

47

Linking with othersYou might have something in common with whom youre trying to connect. Hi Susan, Ive been following your updates and feel that we have a great deal in common. Would you accept an invitation to be in my LinkedIn network?Maybe youre the bold type.Hey, Bob. You and I are in career development. Isnt that cool? Lets link up!

48

Inviting someone to linkInviting someone to be part of your LinkedIn network is a perfect way to follow up with that person after a face-to-face meeting.Sam, it was great meeting with you at the Friends of Kevin networking event. I looked you up on LinkedIn and thought we could stay in touch.Boost the persons ego. Bob, I read one of your posts and thought it was spot on. Id like to connect with you. Or Jason, I saw you speak at the Arena and what you said really resonated with me. Id like to follow up with you.

49

1.591 billion active users Increasingly recommended as a visibility and brand-building venuewww.facebook.com

Fastest growth activity in the Over-30 demographic

Where else can you get access to 175 million people and their associated 350 million eyeballs? Unless you plan to buy a Superbowl ad, the answer is nowhere!

50

What can you do on ?Connect with friends or people you know currently and reconnect with people from your pastJoin groups Follow companiesStatus UpdatesPost updates relating to your job searchI had a great interview this morning keep your fingers crossed!I have a networking meeting later today with a company Im really interested in!Mix it up not all job search related

51

52

Other Sites100 million usersCurate topics that show expertiseFollow companiesLearn

1 billion users300 hours of new content uploaded to YouTube every minuteJob search tipsSubscribe to companies

53

Things to think about360 degree viewBe consistent with your image throughout all online platformsComputers and smart phones -- not the only way to networkBALANCE!

Be consistent = info, details, contact pages should all be the same, correct and up to date on each site. Matching screen names. Be online, but get offlineThere is value in these sites but no one is going to hire an online profile they are still looking for a real person behind the profileBe a Hub Branding: position yourself as THE resource for information in a niche that ties in with the end state you have in mind. Provide information for others and be a resource. 54

55

Think outside the boxAnything that sets you apart from the crowd! PortfolioOnline portfolioVisual resumeSelf-ImprovementContinuing EducationMake yourself memorable!

Update your resumeThere is always room for improvement or adjustmentsPerhaps a different formatUpdate your resumeAnything that sets you apart from the crowd! Visual resumePortfolioE-portfolioMake yourself memorable!Interviewing Bring resume copies, portfolio, job requirements match upSelf-ImprovementContinuing Education

56

You can do this!Confidence is contagiousShow employers confidence and let them feel your energyRemain positiveYou are not the first person to be in this situationPush yourselfStay connected and involved with othersWhat WONT work!!!

57