The Hidden Job Market

Developing solid, career-related networking skills is one of the most important life skills you can master. It will help you in any career you choose. Networking is a way to seek out jobs through contacts with friends, relatives, college faculty, professionals, and alumni in the field, former or current employers, community organization members, and a host of other personal contacts. Meeting with professionals in the field is one of the best ways to explore career options, gather information, and better understand how your strengths can be used in the job market.

There are several reasons to network, including to:

• Let as many people as possible know that you are looking for a job.
• Gather information and leads that can help you in your job search.
• Obtain referrals to other people in your career field so that you can extend your personal contacts more widely.
• Inform people that you have a specific career objective and that they can help you.
• Emphasize that you have a positive mental attitude about who you are and what you are capable of doing.

Nearly 75 percent of available jobs in a given occupational field are not advertised through employment agencies or placement offices, newspapers, or via trade associations. The hidden job market is built on one principal - familiarity.

There are several steps to becoming a part of the hidden job pool.

1. Make a list of all the people who you already know can play a role in your job search. You start building your network by listing the appropriate individuals. Below are some individuals to include on your list.
   
   • Parents
   • Friends of parents
   • Current and former co-workers
   • Acquaintances in professional/social organizations
   • Relatives
   • Friends of relatives
   • People with whom you do business
   • Friends
   • Friends of friends
   • Friends' parents
   • Neighbors
   • Real estate and insurance agents
   • Bankers and accountants
   • Merchants
   • Teachers and placement officers
   • Sports partners
   • Coaches
   • Current and former faculty
   • Team members
   • Clergy
   • College and high school classmates
   • School leaders
   • Scouting and youth leaders
   • Employers
   • Doctors and dentists
2. Let as many people know specifically what type of work you are seeking. These people will be your list of primary contacts and can prove valuable to expanding your network.
   
3. Start a personal contacts log using whatever format you wish, such as index cards or on your computer. The log should contain each contact's:
   
   • Name
   • Title
   • Phone number
   • Address
   • Date of initial contact
   • Date of follow-up contact
   • When and where last seen
   • Comments
   • Referred by
4. Interview employers for information. Concentrate on employers associated with your field of interest who would have large networks of their own. Ask for the names of other employers to contact. Learn to distinguish between people who can provide you information and people who have the power to hire you.
5. Circulate your resume. Once you get an interview through a primary contact, the next step is to secure at least one or two secondary contacts. You (not your primary contact) should send your resume to a secondary contact.
6. Send thank you notes for information, for interviews, for referrals whenever deemed appropriate.
7. Stay enthusiastic and follow up on all leads. Be sensitive to other people's needs. Do not alienate anybody. If your contacts disappoint you, search out new contacts -  perseverance will lead to success.
8. Consider having cards printed with your name, address and telephone number. When you are introduced to a business person, talk a few minutes, then offer your card and ask for their card.
9. When you complete your networking search, reconnect with all of your contacts to say thanks and to let them know of your search results. You may need these contacts again in the future so it's best to nurture them.