It is estimated that between 50%-70% of all jobs are found through word of mouth.  If you are serious about finding a job, you should be spending a lot of your time meeting and talking to people.  “Networking” is the key to entering a world of opportunities known as the "hidden job market.”  In the last Career Tip, we discussed networking through friends and family, volunteering, networking groups, and alumni associations. Here are some additional places where you can find your hidden job market:  

 

Hobbies, interest groups, courses 

Two key qualities that will inspire people to share their contacts with you are likeability and commonality.  Take a break from talking about searching for a job, and share common interests and activities with other people.  Or talk about your hobbies at a social event.  Even that is networking  -- without beating someone over the head with your need for a job. 

 

If you have a profession consider joining its organization.  The newsletters will list who's who and may offer meetings, events and other networking events to attend.

 

Research the employers in attendance beforehand so you understand more about their needs and can ask more intelligent questions. You should have your “elevator speech” and resume handy, but consider this time as an opportunity to gather information and connect with the recruiter.  Leaving the impression of being likeable will serve you well when you follow up.  You may even get ideas about other, similar companies (“Who’s your competition?”) and job openings, if the one you apply to does not pan out.   (See JCS Career Tips archives for “How to Make the Most of Job Fairs.”)

 

As part of your career exploration and search for people in the know, consider conducting at least 3 informational interviews.  These interviews are designed to help you learn more about a selected field of interest and the people who are in it.  You can ask how your interviewee got into the business, what a typical day is like, and what advice he or she would pass on to someone interested in the field. For lists of good interview questions, see: Roadtrip Nation: Define Your Own Road in Life and The Everything Get A Job Book.  Remember, your goal is to learn and to make a good impression --NOT to ask for a job. 

When you are a job seeker, everyone you meet is a potential lead. Keep a list at the end of the day of the people you met and where they work, and a personal comment about your meeting. When possible, get their business cards.  Allow yourself times when you are not talking about jobs but connecting with people on a social level.  Be professional, kind and upbeat everywhere you go, and, of course, do not gossip or complain. Even at the gym or supermarket, your upbeat attitude will inspire people to think of you positively if a job should arise -- assuming you have told them you are looking.

 

It is not just who you know but who knows you, so get out there and get known!