Many companies and employers have confidential positions that are not advertised. These are positions that are held by someone who is either on probation, on the verge of being fired, or don’t have the skills and expertise currently needed by their employer. These can also be new positions that are created by a new contract, new technology, or project. As some jobs have been eliminated, new ones are being created and some of them could be virtual or remote opportunities.
So, how do you uncover unadvertised job opportunities? Executives often confide to their leadership team that they have confidential opportunities they want to fill with top talent. You could hear about these opportunities during discussions with members of your personal or professional network.
Join groups that represent your profession, comment on post or blogs written by influencers in your profession, and post information on your LinkedIn feed at least once a week sharing relevant information. You need to be visible on social media, so position yourself as an expert in your field or profession.
Staying connected is more important than ever whether you are currently employed or in an active job search. Past employers, supervisors, peers, and subordinates often hear about opportunities that could represent your next career move. They will only think of referring you if they know you are involved in a current job search or open to hearing about an opportunity that represents your next career move. According to LinkedIn, over 80% of individuals finding opportunities in today’s job market are the result of networking.
Also, identify staffing and recruiting firms who specialize in your field. Employers often utilize the services of third-party recruiters to help fill their confidential positions. Contract staffing or temporary staffing firms are often utilized to handle special projects or an influx or work. Many of those positions end up being a “working interview” and often the person is hired on full-time.
Once an executive recruiter understands what is most important to you, they become your eyes and ears in the job market. You can also let them know if you want them to confidentially take a proactive approach and market you to their best clients, or if you want them to call you when they have an opportunity that is a fit for what you described. Great recruiters take their direction from you and will inform you of jobs that are not being advertised.
To consistently advance in your career, take a more proactive approach and utilize your connections and resources to hear about opportunities before they are made public. Also conduct research looking for hiring triggers with companies you most prefer. A proactive approach is the foundation for continual career advancement.
Start out by identify 50 potential employers who employ individuals with your experience and skills. These should be employers you have identified as your preferred companies. Review their websites and read the press and media which often announces special projects, mergers, acquisitions, promotions, and contracts. Review what others are saying about your targeted companies, which is information not normally found on their website.
Join the professional association that represents your industry and subscribe to the trade publications. The websites of professional associations keep their members informed of trends and they often share hiring triggers. Don’t be tempted to go directly to the job listings at the end of most trade publications. Read the articles which are filled with potential job leads.
Next, set up Google Alerts to track online information for the companies you are targeting.
To accomplish this, follow these steps: Go to www.google.com/alerts, insert search query, choose options, enter email, click on create alert. Then create a rule in your email provided so you can set up a folder for each company. This will automatically put the incoming email in the company folder vs. filling up your inbox.
Before you reach out to one of your targets, read the most recent Google Alerts to sound like an insider and to prepare yourself for the conversation. If you state that you have targeted a specific company has a preferred target, the person you’re addressing will want to know why? Your research can help you effectively answer that question.
The most effective way to advance in your career is to have someone make an introduction or open a door for you. The second most effective way to find a job is to directly market yourself to companies you have targeted. Send your resume to the person who would be your bosses’ boss. Handwrite the envelope and write personal and confidential in the lower left-hand corner, so it is only opened by the individual you have targeted.
There is a tremendous lack of top talent in the workforce and many positions are going unfilled for weeks or for executive level positions, months. Now is the perfect time to directly market yourself to companies so you don’t get lost in the hundreds of resumes that are submitted when a company posts a job on their website or on a job board.
Often employers are not happy with individuals in their department but have not launched a formal job search. They may have employees on probation or have a major project needing coverage, but have not even told HR. Imagine how perfect the timing would be if a CEO was not pleased with the performance of one of the executives and the next day your resume ends up on their desk?
If you want to work for the best companies and constantly grow your career, you must do things that make you uncomfortable. Don’t wait for opportunity to knock on your door, proactively position yourself to be at the right place and the right time! Uncovering unadvertised job opportunities is one of the most effective ways to advance your career.
You Might Also Like: Private Notes of a Recruiter: Insider Tips for Job Search
