I am ready for a job, now how do I find one? The Hidden Job Market I am ready for a job, now how do I find one?

How do you find a Job then?? 80% of jobs are not advertised How do you find a Job then??

Classified Ads Work Searcher Perspective – inexpensive, readily available and categorized, as classified ads are typically used by the entire general public, it offers the greatest possible competition. Employer Perspective – least effective way of finding a suitable candidate, receive lots of ill-qualified applicants, often employers are obligated to post positions that they fill from within, employers who do not post their company name may not be reputable, employers may assess candidates as lazy, highly reputable employers seldom have to advertise as skilled work searchers approach them regularly. CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH – 3-7%

Online Job Posting (eg. monster.ca) Work Searcher Perspective – easily available from home, able to put out many resumes, some positions may not be close to home. Employer Perspective – broad access to work searchers, can be as many as 100 to 1000 work searchers for every position posted. CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH – 1-3%

Agencies or Placement Services Work Searcher Perspective – help in preparing self-marketing tools, assistance with evaluating employers and employment opportunities, may be fees. Employer Perspective – can alleviate some hiring time and concerns, agency may provide screening, may be fees.

Responding to News or Current Events (when a news item indicates a new project or opportunity, approaching employer) Work Searcher Perspective – takes more time – typically up to 12 weeks, requires research, opportunity to apply before the rest of the applicants, less competition and greater opportunity. Employer Perspective – shows initiative, demonstrates critical thinking skills, addresses staffing needs before the become acute. CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH – >40%

Direct, Unsolicited Contact Work Searcher Perspective – chance of face to face rejection is difficult, unsure of process and proper behaviour, fear of the secretarial blockade, wants considerable research. Employer Perspective – shows initiative, follow- through and courage. CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH – >50%

Word of Mouth (referral from friend or family member) Work Searcher Perspective – may value doing it “alone”, unsure if able to live up to expectations. Employer Perspective – if the referral source is reputable, employers will often “create” a position, shows accountability. CHANCE OF FINDING A MATCH – >67%

The Dilemma The method that work searchers use most, the newspapers, is the method that employers use least. The method that employers use most, word of mouth and direct contact, is the method that work searchers use least.