Sure fire ways to triumph in your job search

How do you triumph in your job search?

If you continue to look in the same places everyone else is looking, you will get the same results.

It is crowded in the online job search market. You think online search is the newest and the best way to look for a job, but it isn’t. The best way is the hard way. Look in the hidden job market, be innovative, and prove you can do the job.

What is the hidden job market?

In an article on Job-hunt.org entitled, “Penetrating the hidden job market,” Recruiter Jeff Lipschultz says

How do I leverage the hidden job market?

At least half of all hiring? That’s incredible! Jeff goes on to say that companies may be conducting a confidential search. (The company needs to replace a current worker and don’t want to broadcast the opening.)

You learn about hidden job market positions if you list right attributes (hint: LinkedIn) as a passive candidate.

In addition to LinkedIn, if one of your network contacts is aware of the opening and you match the needs for the role, then the contact can recommend you.

Remember people who know you don’t know your specific talents.

It is important for you to let your network know by connecting with them on LinkedIn or asking them to be a reference.

Find hidden jobs by watching the newspaper for companies who are expanding or coming to your target area. Career Cloud has a handy list for you: Hidden Jobs Leads.

The description states: “Described as ‘radar for jobs’ our site and mobile app tracks company hiring announcements from newspapers, online media and company press releases.”

I call this using the back door in your job search.

What is the back door?

It is the opposite of the way most people job search.

• Most people look for posted positions.
• Consider informational interviews with people who are in the department (preferably in management) you want to target.
• Be brave. Make those phone calls.
• Job seekers often play shy. The “NO” is scary, but it is only a no.
• If you make yourself do the hard things to set up informational interviews or call your network, you may find roles you would never have known existed.

Many of my clients found consulting or contracting work leads to full-time.

Don’t discount the many fields that use contract employees. Networking is a good way to find out about these opportunities. If you check in regularly with your connections, you learn new initiatives a company launches. Can you offer the leadership and help they need to get the initiative off the ground and land a permanent role?

What will make me a better job seeker?

Don’t stay stuck in the same old job search. Use the hidden job market!

Be innovative and let people know what you look for in their search. If employed, you should be discreet but you have network connections you trust to help you move forward.

If you are not employed, you need to let people know. I emphasize LinkedIn because never in job search history have job seekers been able to position themselves for the type of work they want.

Your LinkedIn profile needs to be complete — add information to showcase your resume stories.

Whatever method you decide to use, results improve if you stop the point and click method that characterizes most people’s job search.

All of the above suggestions assume you are starting with a value-packed resume, a fully optimized LinkedIn, and skills in talking points. Make sure you have all of these ready before you venture out.