How do I find the Hidden Job Market

The iceberg is a great example of the hidden job market.  According to statistics, 80% of all jobs are not posted.  You know the story, your co-worker is extremely under qualified for their position yet they knew someone who knew someone and now they’re your cube-mate.  It’s so frustrating, you went through a tough interview process and stressed over your presentation only to hear your cube-mate was a shoe-in from the beginning.  Every job I’ve applied to through Applicant Tracking Systems, I’ve loathed.  Every job I’ve gained through networking, I’ve loved.  So here are 6 ways to tap into the hidden job market:

1. Join a professional organization.   Industry specific professional organizations are a great place to meet individuals with similar interests.  If you’re an engineer and you’re interested in non-profit work, joining associations for non-profit orgs is a great place to get your foot in the door.  Meetings, events, and speakers are great ways to increase your network and knowledge about the industry.
2. Be a sponge.  Whether you’re looking for a career change or upward mobility in your field, being on top of articles, mergers, issues, important player, theories can really help boost your credibility; thus increasing your network possibilities.  Know where the industry is going, where it came, hiring trends anything you can get your hands on is valuable information
3. Informational Interviews.  This is another way to gather information.  Plan out about 5-10 informational interview questions to ask experts of all stages.  This will give you a full scope of the industry as well as being able to ask for more people to be connected with.
4. Alumni Associations.  College pride!  There’s nothing like it.  In my experience, alumni associations are the least utilized networking opportunities by young professionals.  It’s not just for students to connect to alum, it’s for alum to connect to each other.  If you’re moving to another state, why not tap into the local alum?  Remember people are more likely to help people they share a commonality with; ie School Pride
5.  LinkedIN Groups.  LinkedIn has hundreds of thousands of industry- and interest- specific groups.  Don’t just join, be a participant.  Read articles, comment, post articles, connect.  You’re profile is a great place to list all the great skills you have making it easier for people to see your transferable skills, compared to a tailored resume
6. Volunteer/Freelance.  In a day when companies want to convert interns, volunteers, and part-time workers, this a great way to tap into the hidden job market.  You can learn the ins and outs of a specific company, as well as the industry.  This is a great way to decide if you want to continue to pursue the path you’re on.

The hidden job market takes time and patience.  Networking=Relationships.  Keep in mind, you’re more willing to try the mystery meat if someone you know offers it to you, versus the man on the street.