Article 11– How to find hidden unadvertised jobs 

Most people think that to secure their next role they have to go through a job agency or apply for an advertised job. Well there is another way. The above job hunting scenario is just part of the picture. There are many vacancies which are just not advertised.  

First of all using job agencies or advertising can be very expensive. It also adds to unwanted pressure to act once the candidates’ CV’s come pouring in. Often employers look to fill vacancies in other ways The main ways they do this are either by going out and seeking suitable applicants themselves, sometimes by word of mouth internally and externally and also asking internally within the organisation. 

Most employers will offer rewards for people internally who recommend candidates who are ultimately recruited. 

So how should you approach this? 
Start networking for unadvertised positions. If you think of all the people you know in the same line of work you can draw up a large list. Then consider them to be potential recruiters because they know circles of other people. This extends your potential network of contacts far and wide. The list should include past and present colleagues. Try using friends to see who and what they know. Also try targeting current and previous employers. There are often  vacancies in your current organisation that you are unaware of. 

The great thing is if that if you apply for a job through someone you know or a past or present employer you will come with a recommendation. You are not cold or unknown to the recruiter. You have a connection and of course that connection will be accompanied by a recommendation. You are already half way there! 

Another source of contacts is teachers or maybe lecturers at your school or college. They always hear of opportunities or know people who hear of opportunities. You see you are networking again. Again the vacancies will often be unadvertised. 

Use the careers advice groups for the same reason. Believe me, there are employers out there who are reluctant to use the traditional advertisement / agency route for fulfilling vacancies. They just do not want to be inundated with applicants and have to sort out the good from the bad. Once they start the interview process with a number of people then this has to be fair and equal to all candidates. This apart from anything else is time consuming. 

This is a numbers game. In most cases the employer or colleague will not have a vacancy. However they will recall you situation if a vacancy arises. They will retain your details and may have something suitable in the future or hear of something suitable. Effectively you are still networking for those hidden vacancies even though your initial contact has passed. 

Make sure that your contacts have a copy of your CV, even if it is a colleague. First of all everyone you give your CV to will open it and read it. It is just human nature to be curious. Secondly they will not delete it because a CV is considered personal. You have made a connection, you are trusting the colleague or organisation with your personal information. Thirdly any individual will sympathise with your situation and try to help. Lastly they may be motivated by any reward for placing the candidate. 

It is important to continue to apply for advertised vacancies at the same time. This keeps your knowledge current and allows you to see what employers are looking for. Tailor your CV to meet the job descriptions as they are always changing in small ways. 

Good luck with your job hunting.