During our last blog post, we mentioned that only 20% of available jobs ever become advertised, meaning the other 80% are "hidden". It is our duty to de-mystify these jobs and provide you with tips on contacting "hidden employers"; in other words employers who don't appear to be hiring.

Imagine the following scenario; you are searching for a job in your field, you've exhausted all of the internet job boards and the newspapers...a loss of hope inevitably follows. You start to think that you will never find a job. It may not take any creativity at all to imagine this scenario as it is very common, and may have already happened to you. Okay, I'll get to the point; a great way to find hidden job opportunities is to contact employers in your field directly, whether they are hiring or not. Contact them often, once every few weeks should be sufficient. Ask them if they are hiring or if they anticipate hiring in the near future. We recommend preparing and keeping a list of of employers in your field handy, and write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. Speaking with decision makers is key, so be sure to ask to speak with a Human Resources Manager, or another hiring manager if at all possible. Try to initiate small talk, although remain professional, and build rapport with the people you speak with, this will help them remember you. Think of it as if you are "putting yourself on their radar".

That may seem like common sense to some, although others may argue that such a tactic would annoy employers. The fact of the matter is that generally employers appreciate that kind of initiative. They want 'go-getters' to work for them, and who wouldn't? It also makes their recruiting task easier if prospective employees find them! After all, employers like to save time and money just like everyone else.

Good luck!