Landing your dream job: uncovering the hidden job market
In a day of selection criteria and transparent recruiting you might be surprised to learn that somewhere between 75 – 80% of jobs are never advertised. This 'hidden job market' is primarily filled through internal promotions and professional networks.
So how can you apply for a job that's never advertised?
In this month's "landing your dream job" article we peel back the covers to show how you can tap into this hidden job market, and increase your chances of finding landing that perfect role.
Network to get the inside running
Have you ever heard the saying "it's not what you know, but who you know"?
Having a strong network of current and past work colleagues, as well as people you may know through friends, sport and social clubs can open up many doors you never knew existed.
Networking can be done at formal events like conferences, or generally through your professional and personal lives.
You can also expand your network by joining a community or social group, volunteering in your area of interest, or by joining a relevant industry association or professional networking group.
"I don't network for the sake of networking, there always needs to be a purpose. It's about making a mutually beneficial outcome" explains master networker Inga Davis.
"There are lots of great people around, but it's about understanding how you can add value in a service type way. That's the quickest way to form a network and get a reputation as a person who helps."
According to Adjunct Professor Lauren Williams, one of your most valuable networks will be the people you studied with at University.
"Stay in touch with the people that you studied with, they will be a valuable network for you in your chosen professional career. You have all been through an important experience together and you now have a ready-made support group."
Social media is for more than keeping in touch
For most of us social media is used as a way to keep in touch with our friends and family, to follow our favourite celebrities, or as the perfect way to fill in boring down time. But social media can also be a powerful job seeking tool when used correctly.
In 2015, 14.4 million people used social media to find a job, while 55% of vacancies were posted on two or more social media platforms. Of these platforms, 98% of recruiters used LinkedIn to post jobs or look for candidates, 42% used Twitter, and 33% used Facebook.
Once thought of as 'Facebook for business', LinkedIn is the undisputed champion for those looking for a job online. Now with over 250 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is used extensively by recruiters to uncover new talent for their business.
LinkedIn is also a simple and convenient place to formalise your professional network. Keeping your profile up-to-date is a great way to keep you front of mind with people you have made connections with. As is sharing your latest professional achievements so people can see how your skills and career are developing.
Another great networking feature of LinkedIn is the ability to be 'endorsed' for skills by people you know. This can come in handy when any potential employers are searching your profile looking for specific skills.
A word of warning
Using social media to look for a new job can be a double edged sword.
While your LinkedIn profile may look slick and professional, potential employers will also inevitably search your personal accounts to learn more about you.
Nigel Phair from the University of Canberra's Centre for Internet Safety has some simple advice for all job seekers.
"I would recommend two things; remove all the pictures of you being drunk at parties, or lock it down so people can't see all that sort of stuff."
Get on the front foot by cold calling
No one enjoys reaching out and contacting potential employers to ask if they have any vacancies, but it can be a surprisingly effective method.
A simple phone call or email to managers within an organisation you wish to work for can show initiative and put you on the radar for any future job openings they may have.
But before making contact, do your research to make sure you are reaching the correct person within the organisation and to show you have done your homework.
If you are calling, it is also a good idea to write a script beforehand including who you are, why you are calling, your relevant experience and why you're interested in a job or the organisation.
Remember that not every organisation is hiring, so don't get down about being rejected. Your dream job might only be one phone call or email away. And according to Adjunct Professor Andrzej Killian, the combination of a dream job with a great employer is the perfect combination for job satisfaction.
"Use your mind but trust your heart, you will not excel in anything if your heart is not aligned with your work.
You should also do some due diligence on potential employers, do not get into work environments that are unlikely to help you grow or not provide you with a sense of fun and fulfilment."
If you are a recent grad of the University of Canberra and would like to get some help in polishing your resume, applying for jobs or improving your interview skills you can access our Career Services.
For up to two years after you graduate you can not only access our online portal, but also drop in to visit a career advisor, or attend one of our career development seminars.
Also be sure to stay tuned to Canvas each month as we post more tips to help you land your dream job.
Words by Daniel Murphy, graphic designed by Freepik