Comments on: Job Search Help: The Hidden Job Market

By: Duncan Mathison

Duncan Mathison — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:12:23 +0000

Every time I see an HR person I ask them how the recruiting is going. Their response is always the same, “Great, we are finding good people without heavy recruiting”. This is why when the economy is soft, informal recruiting actually increases. Hidden job search is essential.

By: Duncan Mathison

Duncan Mathison — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:12:23 +0000

By: carol_stamos

carol_stamos — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:17:31 +0000

ok, my job isn't this bad, but I'm so ready to be a cubicle warrior!!

Diane Garnick, lead me to a better way!!! 2010 here I come!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Garnick/188...

By: ewatson

ewatson — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:19:17 +0000

It looks like you took the right route in that particular situation because you spoke about something from your previous job that clearly applies to the new position. The key is definitely looking for something that is applicable then selling them on it.

To really convince them that the skills you learned are transferable, it is important to understand before hand the types of questions they may ask to poke a hole in the connection your making. Even if you do all of that right, there's always the chance the person just isn't going to like you for whatever reason, and in that case, there's not much you can do!

By: ewatson

ewatson — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:01:32 +0000

By: lesbryant

lesbryant — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:16:46 +0000

Thanks Trace! Any ideas on how to better convince persective employers of those applicable skills after you've convinced yourself. By way of example, after 16 semesters teaching Composition and other Communications courses on the college level I applied for a position as an editor in a PR department. The interviewer couldn't understand how corrrecting 120 five page papers a week for eight years was applicable. I later convinced myself that perhaps he just did not want me for some other reason(s).

By: Trace Cohen

Trace Cohen — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:53:06 +0000

The key aspect is that it *connects* professionals with one another. So your point about a stranger or a classmate from years ago is definitely relevant as you have more of a connection with them, no matter how distant it is. People want to work with other people that they know and trust.

To your point about applying your skills to different areas of work, most people have tunnel vision when it comes how to apply their skills. You can apply almost any skill to any situation, it's just up to you to find out how which is were most people fail. So the moral of the story is to be proactive, make a connection and reconnect with other ones as you will never know were the opportunities are hidden.

By: lesbryant

lesbryant — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:04 +0000

Putting the whole resume industry aside… Employers still do what they have always done. They hire those they find a connection with. -Those (however remotely) that they are connected with. A classmate you really did not know from 20 years ago probably has a better chance than a stranger with you. Social media helps to make connections and reconnect. I have also found so many people from the past who are in areas, companies and careers that I have never thought of pursuing. As has been said it takes time but, is well worth it. I also think that it should be said that to make social medis work for you, you need to be open minded. You will be surprised how applicable your skill set is to positions and situations you never thought of.

By: Trace Cohen

Trace Cohen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:41:57 +0000

Networking is the most powerful tool that you have when looking for a job. Whether it's through social media or face to face interaction, you need to utilize it the best you can.

By: Trace Cohen

Trace Cohen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:25:18 +0000

Building up your online presence is the best job board out there as it represents you based on your efforts 24/7. Get out there and network, meet everyone in your industry and let them know that you're looking for a job. Having a blog is a great way to prove your expertise, gain exposure and a great conversation topic in an interview.

There are so many ways to go out and find a job beyond the traditional job boards. You need to treat your job search as a full time JOB.