5 Tips to Access the Hidden Job Market

Did you know that as many as 80% of all available jobs are never advertised? That staggering number is one of the biggest obstacles that job seekers face when searching for employment. Understanding how to access this hidden job market can give you an advantage over your competition.

Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Network. Network. Network. The most important first step in accessing the hidden job market is to network. Get out there and talk to anyone and everyone who may be able to give you insight into where there are jobs.

Start by making a list of everyone you can talk to. These people do not have to be friends, or even acquaintances, just anyone with whom you have enough of a common thread to initiate a conversation. Great potential networking contacts include friends, acquaintances, neighbors, relatives, church members, classmates, teachers, club members, employers, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, clients, customers and fellow association members.

Help these people to help you by making it easy for them. Instead of asking specifically if they know of any job openings, ask them for tips, leads and suggestions. If they know of a job, they