Download YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET

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READY2wORK
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
TO THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET
wHAT IS THE
HIDDEN
JOB
MARKET?
---------------------------------------------------------------------Up to 80% of vacancies are never advertised and instead are filled internally, through networks, refer a friend schemes, or a willing waiting list.
If you’re spending all your time on job websites (good as they are) you’re potentially missing out!
By dedicating some of your time to unearthing unadvertised vacancies you will find a wider range of opportunities than traditional advertised vacancies
alone. There are even more options if you are willing to consider potential work trials, apprenticeships, or placements.
WHY DON’T EMPLOYERS ADVERTISE
THEIR VACANCIES?
The majority of ‘hidden’ opportunities are
concentrated within the SME sector (small or
medium sized enterprise), which accounts for
99% of all British businesses. SME’s employ fewer
than 250 employees and don’t have the finances
or infrastructure to compete with the big recruiters,
so they’re often invisible to jobseekers as a source
of jobs or work placements.
THEY DON’T NEED TO!
LIMITING FACTORS
When a vacancy becomes available, employers
can fill these pretty quickly from direct approaches,
or internal networks. If you’re the lucky apprentice
or volunteer who is doing an impressive job, why
would they bother to advertise a vacancy? They
already have you, so no need to spend time and
money on a recruitment campaign and selection
process. It’s a win-win.
These include time or money. Many small
employers, across a range of sectors –simply
don’t have the resources to process the volume of
applications generated by job ads. Factor in the
cost of ads and they may just decide that an extra
pair of hands is not worth the additional expense.
But a direct approach from someone who
understands the organisation, and can persuasively
plead their case, may be viewed more positively.
Some companies and organisations don’t know
what they’re missing…..until you tell them!
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TAP INTO THE HIDDEN JOBS MARKET?
TOP TIPS:
NETworking
---------------------------------------------------------------------Essentially, networking is getting to know people who can help you develop your employment prospects. You don’t need to be a big shot or the
most outgoing person in the world to network effectively. Begin with people you know, worked with previously, or are in your social network.
Keep your ears open and listen for information that could work to your advantage.
Like any other form of social behaviour, networking follows certain rules:
• FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
– both face-to-face and via the phone or
email. Always stay sharp and be professional.
• DON’T ASK DIRECTLY
for a job – networking is not a job fair; it’s an
opportunity to gather useful information.
• GIVE AND TAKE
- networking is a two-way exchange; there’s
no such thing as a free lunch. It may mean you
volunteer with a desired employer or sector.
• DO THE GROUNDWORK
Even if you’re new to the game, you may have
lots of worthwhile contacts you hadn’t seen in
that way before:
• THINK LATERALLY
• Old school, college or university classmates
• Your friends’ family
• Your doctor or other support roles
• Former colleagues or bosses
• Club members or anyone else you meet socially
– research your contacts before meeting them
and always follow up good leads they pass on.
– try to expand your network outwards, beyond
your comfort zone or usual circle of operation.
• PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
– getting involved in networking is being in there
for the long haul; don’t expect to land a plum job
at your first meeting.
Networking events and conferences are good
ways to build a network if you’re not sure where to
start. Make sure you know why you are there and
what you want out of it, and have a few copies
of your CV or business cards for the important
contacts you meet.
TOP TIPS:
Research
---------------------------------------------------------------------Research is vital in the hidden market to get ahead of the competition by acquiring key information on your target employers. Just as in the open
job market, a targeted approach is more likely to bear fruit. Don’t send out 100 generic CVs hoping to strike it lucky. Draw up a list of potential
organisations and work out who is the best person to contact. Tailor your CV considering the company and employee information you find out.
INTERNET
PHONE
Use websites to find out company ethos, potential expansion plans,
mission statements, employee profiles, existing job adverts in other regions
and anything else that may be useful for you to know. A website may
also tell you who does the recruiting, or the names of the owner(s) and
heads of departments.
Decide if calling the organisation would benefit you, who you are going to
call, and what you are going to say. Recruitment departments are normally
happy to discuss the requirements for potential staff and give indications
on when they might need to recruit. Other people who may give you
information are receptionists, P.A’s, marketing staff or managers.
SOCIAL MEDIA
NEWSPAPERS
Networking is where social media, and especially LinkedIn, come in to their
own. Use the company info to help you identify key personnel. Employee
profiles will tell you what skills and experience existing staff have, and their
individual wider network.
Local newspapers can be a goldmine of information on local recruiters.
The job section would usually give a name, contact number or e-mail address
for a decision maker. Local press will also run stories on upcoming events,
expansion plans, news items or publicity items with useful information in.
TOP TIPS:
Social media networking
Social media can be hugely beneficial when searching for a new job, and has grown in importance in
recent years. It’s essential to understand how to build a professional and up to date profile, as this will
how influence how other individuals, and potential employers, perceive you. Rather than replacing
formal networking, an excellent social media profile compliments the more traditional methods.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network
with 300 million members in over 200 countries
and territories around the globe. LinkedIn has
thousands of recruitment agencies as members,
live job vacancies and can play a vital part in
providing key information to benefit your career.
Twitter and Facebook are also good platforms
for finding out key information, or speaking to
companies direct which could mean you could
hear about vacancies before others.
Along with the benefits of social media, a poor
profile can hinder your chances of positive career
moves. Employers will regularly check social media
when seeking potential recruits, or as an addition in
the traditional recruitment process to find out more
about you. Profiles become a sales document to
show you are employable, and a good fit for the
employer. Basic rules apply with profiles;
•
•
•
•
Check spelling throughout
Ensure all information is up to date
Use a suitable profile photo
Avoid negative, confidential or controversial
information on current or previous employers
• Well written and relevant posts/comments/likes
Many people may ‘let their guard down’ when
using social media, but the information they like,
share and post can easily been seen by those in
and out of their network. If you are unemployed,
or hoping for a new job or promotion, take the
necessary steps to make profiles private where
possible. Consider what you put out in the big wide
world as once you share it‘s out there forever!
TOP TIPS:
speculative emails
THIS IS A GREAT WAY OF INTRODUCING YOURSELF TO A
PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER. E-MAILS CAN ALSO BE USED TO FOLLOW
UP ON SPECULATIVE LETTERS, PHONE CALLS OR FACE-TO-FACE
INTERACTION WITH POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS.
Speculative e-mails should have a basic clear structure, start and finish professionally, and have your
tailored CV attached. It is a common mistake for people to write an e-mail without a basic structure,
but e-mail communication speaks volumes about you as a person. Don’t forget to read through your
e-mail and use the spell check facility before you send it!
SPECULATIVE EMAIL
EXAMPLES:
Good morning
Dear Sir or Madam:
I recently read with much interest about your
company’s plans for expansion. Since the
__________ industry has been an integral
part of my past work experience, I was very
enthusiastic to learn of your new developments.
If __________ (company) requires a high-energy
individual with a no-excuses attitude and is up to
any task, then I’m the person you’re seeking. My
qualifications and experience will enable me to
fulfil your expectations.
As you will note on the enclosed CV, the
breadth of my expertise covers a wide area of
responsibilities. I am a hard working, ambitious
leader and motivator of people, recognised for
flexibility, adaptability, and for a high degree of
expertise in the __________ field.
I am conscientious in my personal and
professional life. I take pride in myself and my
work, and derive considerable satisfaction from
completing an assignment well. I cope well with
high-stress situations and can manage a variety
of projects simultaneously. My specific skills
include __________. I am seeking a position
that offers challenge and opportunity.
I feel confident that an interview with you would
affirm that I would be an excellent team member
and an asset to __________ (company). When
could we meet?
Many thanks,
__________
I believe my background provides the skills you
require for this position. I would welcome the
opportunity for a personal interview to further
discuss my qualifications.
Kind regards
__________
TOP TIPS:
JOB
FAIRS
---------------------------------------------------------------------Job fairs are multi-employer events that allow you to meet employers at a convenient location, usually a large hotel, conference facility or
community centre. It will give you the chance to meet with a variety of companies providing information about general career opportunities and
specific details on current or future openings.
They can be overwhelming with many people waiting to see the same employer, on-the-spot interviewing, loud noise, and sometimes mass confusion. Before you
go, review our tips to help make your experience a positive one. Then take a look at some upcoming fairs in your local area and give it a try!
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
– Avoid
uncomfortable high heels or brand new shoes
that haven’t been broken in. Consider interview
appropriate shoes that you know are comfortable.
DRESS PROFESSIONALLY – Jobs fairs are like
interviews, so make sure your attire is interview
appropriate. Wear professional clothes, style your
hair conservatively, and wear minimal makeup.
TAKE CV’S – Take a supply of CV’s to hand out to
the companies. Take a portfolio or a folder to hold
them and any company literature you gather.
PREPARE A “ONE MINUTE PITCH” – Think about
your strong points, your goals, the sector, and
where you want to go within your career.
you reach the table. Show interest in the company
and their job opportunities.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC – One of the most important
ARRIVE EARLY – Plan time for registering,
personal attributes candidates can bring to a new
position is enthusiasm and a nice big smile!
NETWORKING – While you are waiting around or
– A wide variety of companies
will normally participate. This is an excellent
opportunity to browse and indulge your curiosity.
travelling and getting orientated with the layout.
having a break, talk to other job seekers. You may
hear about opportunities of which you were unaware.
BE ASSERTIVE AND SHOW INITIATIVE – Shake
hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when
EXPLORE OPTIONS
FOLLOW UP – Contact people you spoke to
with a tailored LinkedIn invite, a follow up e-mail
requesting more information, or even a coffee!
TOP TIPS:
VOLUNTEERING
---------------------------------------------------------------------Even if you’re looking for a paid job, volunteering is well worth considering. Along with the feel good factor from giving your time to a worthy
cause, there can be some real benefits for your career.
If you know what you’re looking for but you don’t have the experience, or perhaps you just want to try something new, giving time to volunteer is an
excellent way to learn new skills and gain useful experience.
CHOICE
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Charities and not-for-profit organisations recruit
hundreds of thousands of volunteers every year
throughout the UK and the range of opportunities
on offer is endless. From sports coaching to
fundraising, eBay trading to mentoring, volunteering
is a great way to hone your career skills.
As well as helping to equip you with the ‘soft’
skills that many companies look for in staff,
volunteering as part of a structured volunteer
programme can expose you to a range of core
workplace activities, including: communication, line
management, teamwork, and using your initiative.
Local Volunteer Centres and online services, such
as do-it.org.uk, will help match your requirements
with the opportunities on offer. And whilst you
won’t get paid (apart from expenses), you will
have the opportunity to get involved in activities
you may later want to pursue as a career.
From writing newsletters to maintaining computer
networks, the best way to get a new job is often
through experience and the right volunteering
opportunity is a rewarding way to achieve this.
In fact, in certain sectors, such as health and
social care or charities, volunteering can almost
be a pre-requisite.
Organisations are well aware that many people
volunteer to gain experience for their careers, so as
long as you can show some commitment, don’t be
afraid to let them know your motives.
CV’S AND INTERVIEWS
Establishing what experience you want to add to your
CV will help you identify the right voluntary opportunity.
Once your CV looks more complete, you’ll find it easier
to reach the interview stage for the jobs you apply for.
Employers are well aware of the benefits of
volunteering and recognise the initiative and
commitment that can be required by volunteers.
A job interview is the perfect opportunity to impress
interviewers with your experiences.
For further support please
call Guideline: 0300 100 0303
email [email protected]
visit www.affinitysutton.com/R2W