Even if you reply to every relevant job posting in your field, you could still be missing out on a lot of opportunities. Unposted jobs account for a large proportion of the job market today, so you need to reach out to employers to find out whether they have opportunities that could be suitable for you.
According to Forbes, some sources put the fraction of vacancies that are never formally posted as high as 80 percent. Employers save time and money if they manage to fill a job without having to formally advertise it and interview candidates. Hiring managers therefore often rely on referrals to find suitable people for their unposted jobs.
Breaking into this hidden job market can be tough, but it can be very worthwhile. The first step is to turn networking into a regular habit, rather than something you only do occasionally. Stay in touch with former colleagues and old friends so that you are more likely to hear about available opportunities that might be suitable for you.
Networking is easier than ever these days, thanks to the popularity of sites like LinkedIn. It is a good idea to add all your contacts as LinkedIn connections so you can keep up to date with what is happening in their companies and get in touch when you need to. It is easier to reach out to companies to inquire about unposted jobs when you have a connection who can introduce you.
Networking is about building relationships, not just asking for help when you need it. You must be prepared to give to your contacts as well as taking. Pass on unposted job leads whenever you have them, and post articles that you think are likely to interest your connections. If you build strong relationships with your connections, they are more likely to be prepared to introduce you to an employer when you need a referral.
Even if you don't have a connection at a particular company, don't hesitate to reach out to inquire about unposted jobs. Search online to find out who the hiring manager is, and call or email to briefly introduce yourself. Focus on explaining how your experience and skills could be useful to the company. Even if the company currently has no vacancies, you can ask that they keep you in mind for future opportunities.
The best way to reach out to employers to inquire about unposted jobs is to use one of your contacts. However, getting in touch with the hiring manager directly can also be effective. The job of your dreams could be within reach if you learn how to make and keep useful connections and know how to sell yourself to hiring managers.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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