Discover the Secret Job Market and Land an Awesome Job

When searching for a job, most of us will start by applying to all the positions posted online. After all, if you send out enough resumes, you’ll secure a job sooner or later.

Right?

Not necessarily!

Unfortunately, the jobs that are easy to find often receive hundreds or even thousands of applicants. The odds of beating out all of them for the position may be against you. Infact, approximately 50% of all available positions are filled before even making it to the public posting process.

Someone gets the job before the rest of the world knows about it.

Sometimes these jobs go to someone already employed at the company or to a “friend of a friend.” But if you know how to work the system, you can tap into this secret job market and reap the benefits!

Use these strategies and become a pro at finding these off the record jobs:

1. Networking is the key. Many of these jobs aren’t posted anywhere, and only a few individuals even know they exist. It might be a manager who knows he’s expanding his department in a few months or the sales representative whose boss told her they’re hiring more reps next quarter.

• Meet as many people as possible within your industry, job category, or even a related career. Share your career goals with these individuals so they keep you in mind when an opportunity arises.

• The larger your network, the more inside information and opportunities you may have.

2. Make contact with someone on the inside. You’re looking for the person in charge of hiring or someone who can make effective recommendations. For example, if you’re a teacher, that might be the school board or principal.

• It might take a little digging to find the name of the contact person you’re looking for. Check out the company website or call the establishment and ask.

• When you find that contact person, get in touch and let them know you’re looking for a position. Solicit advice rather than directly asking for a job because that could put them on the defensive.

• You might end up with a great referral or be at the top of the list when the next position becomes available.

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3. Leverage LinkedIn. This is a great website for tracking down other professionals. Look up your high school friends and college roommates. One of your contacts might be able to help you out. For example, your high school pal might be a CEO, and she could pull some strings.

• Getting a reference from someone who knows you well can make all the difference.

4. Contact everyone you know. Take the time to drop a line to everyone you know just to say hello. After the pleasantries are out of the way, let them know you’re looking for a job. The more people you talk to, the better your odds of finding something.

5. Contact people you don’t know. After you’ve contacted those you know, the only people left are the random ones whose paths you cross each day. The person in line in front of you at the grocery store might know the perfect job.

• Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. You might hear a conversation at the bank about someone hiring for a position you’d be perfect for.

• Let everyone you encounter know that you’re looking for a job.

There are many more jobs than just those you see posted on Monster.com. Take the time to reach out to others and make as many job-related contacts as you can. Leave no stone unturned!

Many people have stated that looking for a job is hard work and perhaps the toughest job you’ll ever have. But it’s work that pays off. Finding a well-paying job that you love is a very worthwhile pursuit because it can change your life for the better.