The hidden job market
Most vacancies are not advertised via media form and therefore it is important to find opportunities in the 'hidden job market' through other means, an effective method being networking.
Networking
What is it
Networking provides a means of accessing the hidden job market. It involves making connections with people who may have knowledge about available positions that are not advertised. Networking at its simplest is just talking to people. Most of us know more people than we realise but do not realise how valuable our contacts could be to gaining employment.
Why it is useful
Employers often rely on the advice of friends or recommendations. This means if you know someone who can recommend you to an employer, you have an advantage. Any contact can be valuable – do not discount those with lower positions in an organisation.
How to network
Get started by drawing up a list of people you know, which can include:
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Business contacts:
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Secretaries, clerks, assistants
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Former customers, clients
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Professional societies
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Chamber of Commerce members
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Former employers
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Former co-workers
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Your employed (and unemployed) friends
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Personal contacts:
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Religious, clergy
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Tradespeople (plumbers, carpenters, painters)
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Store owners (dry cleaner, barber, hairdresser)
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Students, former classmates, alumni
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Staff or editor of local newspaper
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Current/ former guidance or career counselors
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Fraternity/ sorority members
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Family:
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Local
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Out of town/ out of state
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In-laws and "exes"
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Friends:
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Neighbors (old and new)
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Spouse's friends
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Parents of your children's friends
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Your children's friends
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Hobby groups
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Professional:
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Doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance agents
Making contact with who you know
You must then start to make contact with people. You may have priorities, such as those with the closest link to the type of work you are looking for. However, as stated above, you do not necessarily need to make contact with those who have high positions in organisations. Anyone connected with an organisation can have valuable information about its current operations.
Keeping contacts alive
Networking involves maintaining relationships with people who can provide information on your chosen field, advice on your resume or skills, referrals to other people who may be able to provide advice or job leads and assistance in keeping an eye out for job openings. However, it also involves returning favours if anyone in your network asks for help. This ensures that it is a two-way relationship and acquaintances will be happier to help you if you are also willing to help them.
Expanding your network
Ways to expand your network include joining professional associations and clubs and being an active member of your community. You should be prepared when making contact with someone and know exactly what type of information you wish to gain. Upon making a relevant contact, you may wish to gain variety of information which can be done through information interviewing.
Information interviews
Information Interviewing (*PDF 36 k) involve gaining information from potential employers about the job and any expected vacancies. Upon interviewing you may discover that there is not a job currently available at that particular organisation. However, the person could refer you to someone else or keep your name on file.
The task allows you to develop interview skills, knowledge about your industry, what would be expected of you in the position and the kinds of jobs available with your experience. Conducting an information interview involves:
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arranging to meet with the contact at a time which is appropriate for the employer, when they are not busy and have the time to answer your questions properly
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asking open-ended questions during the interview and making sure you leave the door open for further contact. For example, you could offer to leave your name and telephone number in case the person hears about any job vacancies. It is also valuable to ask if you can use their name when making contact with the employers they suggest. This will help give you credibility with the next employer you contact.
*This file is in Portable Document Format (PDF) which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe. Users who are unable to access information in PDF should contact Nicole Burke, telephone +61 4531 1823 to obtain this information in an alternative format.