In part one of this article, we looked at the facts and fallacies of the hidden job market including why you should consider tapping into it.
In part two, we explored precisely how to tap into hidden jobs.
In our final look at the unadvertised market, I would like to share with you three real-life stories of professionals who utilized the unadvertised market to land amazing jobs.
Success #1: Kay moved from Wisconsin to Memphis, TN for family reasons. She didn’t know a soul except for her relatives. Instead of asking them if they knew of any available jobs, Kay inquired about very specific industries and only asked her relatives if they had any contacts in those industries – with whom she might call for mentoring. She quickly got the name of a professional in the education market whom she called to share she was new in town, looking into two industries and his was one of them. Kay’s contact was happy to talk with her and offer her guidance. At the end of the call, Kay asked him if he knew of any one else in the industries she was exploring and he readily gave her a contact. She contacted him (a local government official) who that next week, interviewed her for a position that had not been advertised. She landed the job, received a 5k raise; securing a position in her new industry of choice. Kay achieved her goals AND a raise in less than 30 days.
*Tip: notice Kay never asked for a job – she really was in “gathering research mode” exploring her two target markets. Her contacts reached out to her by asking Kay if she would be interested in interviewing!
Success #2: Jeff had his sights on commercial real estate site selection and project management for international franchises. He located companies that fit his parameters and qualifications and put those companies that were growing fastest at the top of the list. Without getting discouraged, he left multiple messages for one of his company key contacts. When he finally connected with him, his contact praised Jeff for his professional yet tenacious follow up. Jeff secured an interview and landed the exact position he wanted as well as a $15k increase in his base salary.
Success #3: Kevin found an article about a growing biotech firm he was really excited about. He contacted the VP quoted in the article by sending a letter, a copy of the article he was referencing and his resume. When Kevin called to follow up the VP stated that he was flattered by Kevin’s approach and he had kept Kevin’s letter and resume on his desk in anticipation of his call. Kevin was brought in to interview for a position they created specifically for him after he impressed the VP with a marketing idea for increasing revenue. Kevin was offered a position and a lucrative commission and bonus plan.
In today’s competitive job market, non-traditional job search methods are more important to your success than ever before. Don’t wait for positions to be advertised on job boards so you can play the “job auction game” where companies bid for the lowest price help and people are moved through job screenings like cattle!
Honor your commitment to obtaining the best opportunity that fits you! Show off your value, worthiness to be interviewed and your professional tenacity by taking the initiative to focus on what you want and then elegantly, easily and confidently take a position of leadership and control to get it! I promise you are going to be inspired by the feeling you get of actually controlling your job search and definitely sweetening the outcome in your favor.
