Hidden job market

There are many reasons for the hidden job market. Some types of jobs and sectors are so popular they get enough speculative applications they don’t need to spend money on expensive advertising. Some companies, particularly small firms, may want to recruit someone who has been recommended to make the recruitment process less risky.

Where to start?

Talk to people

Networking is a good way to find a job. Think about how many people you know and how many people they know (once you start thinking like this the list is endless!). Start with family, friends, lecturers, previous employers, and look at our Hot Tips sheet  on Networking.

If you can’t think of anyone who has a direct personal contact in the field you are interested in, make a contact yourself. Look up the appropriate person in the organisation you are interested in. Write to them and ask if you can interview them about the job they do and the industry they are in. Many people are happy to give a little of their time talking about their job, their career and how they got to where they are now.

Tips:

• Be clear that you are not asking for a job, just information about the company, industry, a particular role.
• Talk to someone who is doing the type of job that you're interested in.
• Find out as much as you can about the company before you arrive.
• Arrange an appointment and keep it brief – no more than 30 minutes of someone’s time is enough to ask for.
• Dress appropriately for your meeting - first impressions count, you want them to remember you positively.
• Follow up any leads the person you speak to recommends.
• Write down any information you get, it will be useful in the future.
• Follow up the meeting by thanking them.
• Keep in touch with how you are getting on from time to time and make sure they remember you – but don't contact them so regularly that you become irritating!

Do some research

Read the national newspapers and journals to find out who is expanding and diversifying.

Look at company websites to see what’s going on in particular companies and industries.

Look at Professional Body websites. They may have contact, jobs or networking events.

Make speculative applications. The Applying for a job section shows you how to produce an effective CV and covering letter to apply speculatively.

Use directories to find employers: Prospects Directories; DoctorJob; the White Book; Who owns Whom. Many of these are available in the Careers & Employment Centre or in the Library.

Other sources of information:
http://www.grb.uk.com/hidden_job_market.0.html
http://www.careers4graduates.org/vacancies/vfempl.phtml