Job Search 101: The “Hidden Job Market”
More than 85% of jobs are never advertised despite the best efforts of college career services and online job boards like monster.com or careerbuilder.com.

The problem with most online services is that employers quickly get frustrated filling out job description forms that don’t reflect the most important attributes they want in an employee. Employers are looking for how a person presents themselves, a person’s passion for the industry, and the commitment they are willing to make. But employers can’t see that in a cover letter and a resume. So students are using video to show how they are unique, different and special. Because anyone can network, even the shy and easily intimidated.

Below is an easy “how to” list of tips to discover the “hidden job” market.  The hardest part is just getting started.
  • Start with people you know.
  • Ask for 5 minutes to talk.
  • Seek informational interviews.
  • Ask to learn about an industry.
  • Do 1 hr. of industry homework.
  • Prepare 3 key questions.
  • Show up (or call) on time.
  • Thank the person for the time.
  • Ask for 15 minutes.
  • Drop names of mutual interest.
  • Ask your first question.
  • Listen. Listen. Listen.
  • Follow up with next questions.
  • Summarize advice succinctly.
  • Thank them for their time.
  • Ask for 3 additional leads.
  • Collect new lead contact info.
  • Ask for any other leads.
  • Collect their business card.
  • Formally thank them in 24 hrs