A winning job hunting strategy-don't follow the crowd but develop a proactive job hunting strategy!
The average job search, according to most experts takes up to five months or longer to find a job. The higher the salary or a career in a very narrow niche, normally, the longer the search. Being out of work five months or longer is a long time to be working at a job hunt.
There are a number of reasons the job hunt takes so long. One of the main reasons is because most job seekers are using the almost identical job search strategy. It is a "wait and wish" strategy. First they search for jobs that are advertised, in the local newspaper or the internet. Second, they select a job that they may be qualified for and send in a resume. Finally, they "wait and wish" for a positive response.
Most job hunters are not aware that about 25% of all jobs that are being filled are through advertising-the visible job market. When told about this many job hunters are surprised. This means there is a less visible or hidden job market where about 75% or more jobs are filled without advertising. This is positive news for the job applicant who is willing to develop a strategy to tap into this hidden job market.
Here are five steps, which are easy to implement, to tap into this out of sight job market.
1. Identify where you want to work, the type of job you would qualify for and if possible the employers you would be interested in working for. Build a list of potential employers that you call your career prospect list. This list should be as long as possible, don't overlook any possible opportunities.
2. Now you need to do some research on each potential employer on your career prospect list. Use the internet if the organization has a web site. Otherwise, your local library has information on many companies. Look for current company news (events over the past year; people promoted, new products, etc.) in the local newspaper or a local business journal.
Look for a directory of company officers and managers. Use this information to send your employment package directly to the appropriate company official.
3. Don't overlook the advertised positions. Budget your job hunting time wisely. If the advertised jobs are 25% of available jobs, keep your job hunting time in balance. One tip: If you see an employer looking for employees in an area that you may not be qualified chances are since they are growing they may have now or in the future openings to which you may be qualified.
4. You have the name of the company official in the department or area that you would be working. Now is the time to do something that many job hunters do not do. Make direct contact with the organization, personalize your cover letter and resume.
5. Just sending a resume and cover letter to a prospective employer, without proper follow-up, will drop you back in the "wait and wish" category. Develop a tight follow-up system. Be persistent and determined to follow-up on the information sent the company. If you can't get through on the phone send a follow-up letter. If you can get an email address us this avenue.
If you get through and the answer is "no," find out if there might be something in the future. Thank them for their time and ask if they know of anyone that might be interested in your qualifications. If they give you a referral be sure to send them a thank you note.
This system does work. Often when your resume and cover letter gets to an official or manager, they may have been thinking about adding a function, or someone just quit or got fired and now you are the only applicant. This process will put you ahead of the majority of job hunters, you'll get a job quicker and the job will likely be a better fit for your career.
John Groth
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