The Invisible Job Market

A common misconception about job hunting is that all vacancies will be either advertised or visibly accessible to the job hunter - WRONG! A vast and largely untapped invisible job market has emerged in recent years - jobs that are never advertised and are filled by one of three methods:

• Direct Approach: Companies often source people through their networks of contacts or use specialist headhunters to do this for them.
• Recruitment Consultants: Recruitment consultants are often asked to search their files for suitable candidates.
• Previous applicants: Previous applicants are often revisited, including applicants who have sent in unsolicited CVs.

Up to 70% of vacancies are classed as hidden, resulting in job seekers spending the majority of their time chasing the 30% of visible vacancies, where thousands of others are also concentrating their time. This makes the visible vacancies more competitive than hidden vacancies, leaving you with less chance of getting the post.

However, now that you know about this invisible job market, you will be able to devote the right ratio of time between hidden and visible vacancies, spending more time on the hidden and less competitive vacancies that do exist. In some cases, you may even be the only applicant.

So where are these hidden jobs and how do you get to them?

1. Contacting Employers

Many employers may not be advertising, but still have work available. Or they may even be prepared to create a post for the right applicant.

It's often worthwhile contacting companies to ask if they have work. It is usually a good idea to ask to speak to the Personnel Manager, Recruitment Manager or Human Resources Department.

You can either phone them or visit them in person. If you do the latter, dress as if you were going to an interview. Sometimes going in person can be the best way of doing this as you can make a good impression and show that you are keen to make an effort.

You can also write 'on spec' rather than phoning or visiting. If you do this, remember to include a copy of your CV and a covering letter. If they don't have any vacancies, ask them to keep your details in case they have any positions in the future.

Don't forget past employers. They know a great deal about your record as an employee and are often more willing to take on someone whose work record they know than someone that they don't know.

2. Graduate Recruitment Sources

Many vacancies for graduates are advertised through the usual visible means, but a significant number are not. Graduate recruiters target universities, in some instances specific universities, or specific graduate press or media. Common examples are careers fairs and the annual 'Milk Round'. In addition, university vacancy bulletins often receive vacancies the press does not.

So university careers offices are useful sources of information, and can often continue to send vacancy information after you've graduated. If you move away from the university where you graduated, you can often arrange to receive support from your local university.

The moral of the story however, is to make the best use of your university's careers facilities while you are there, no matter how distant the idea of getting a job appears. Don't leave it until you graduate.

3. Networking

The wider your network, and the more often you use it, the better it works. At a low and broad level, friends, relatives or people you meet may know where there are jobs that are not advertised. Always ask them, as their employer may be looking for staff. This search method cannot be undervalued.

On another level, your network may include fellow professionals, past employers or similar people. Networks need to be maintained regularly (even when you're in employment) to get them to work effectively for you.

For further information on accessing the hidden job market, take a look at our articles on contacting employers, networking, working with recruitment consultants and dealing with headhunters.