Employment

How Do You Land the Jobs That Aren’t Advertised?

Have you ever looked for job listings and thought to yourself that none of these openings is that enticing? Not one posting that is even worth a second look, and of course all those years of hard work gaining that qualification looks like it could be about to go to waste.

It’s a simple fact that the jobs you do want to apply for simply aren’t advertised, at least not widely, anyway. These are the jobs that are shared in closed circles and circulated via word of mouth. You are never going to find these on your run of the mill ‘click here to apply now’ website.

Why Many Top Jobs are ‘Secret’

There could be all manner of reasons why an opening isn’t openly advertised. It could be because the company doesn’t want to have timewasters applying with CVs that fall way short of expectations and that they have a shortlist of potentials already in mind.

Such top jobs are usually reserved for people in the know. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know and in the world of business that certainly rings true. If you aren’t in, the first you will hear of an opening is when the appointment has been made.

So How Do You Get ‘In’?

There are a number of ways to get in the know, all of which stem from networking and meeting new people. If a recruiter doesn’t know who you are, how do you expect them to think of you? Secondly, you should be approaching a recruiter before an opening has already arisen, otherwise they will think you are only using them for one thing.

Networking with people in your industry is a powerful tool. Not only do you make good relationships that can lead to fruitful partnerships, but you tap into the grapevine and hear about industry news before it even becomes news.

Once You’re In, Stay In

Getting in is only the easy part, the trick is to stay in. Maintain contacts and the relationships you have with them even if it is just to say hello and make small talk. Sooner or later something may come up and, as someone who they enjoy a positive relationship with; you may just get a heads up about a potential opportunity before anyone else does.

The mistake that many make is to bin off contact they make because there is nothing to be had instantly. Good things come to those who wait, as well as the fact that it takes time to build trust and a rapport. Just because you are not immediately invited to an interview upon first meeting doesn’t mean you are wasting your time.

Speak to Recruitment Agencies

Many recruitment agencies earn a bad rap because they mislead not only prospective candidates, but also the companies they are recruiting for. Some, though, work very closely with businesses on the account of their good track record of finding the perfect candidate for a position that may already be on their books.

It certainly works speaking to a recruitment agency if you are looking for a new challenge as they will work to match you up with an opportunity that is most suitable for both you and the prospective employer. You can click here to learn more about some of the services that are offered to help candidates.

By getting and speaking to new people within your industry, or even by attending seminars aimed at those in an industry you are looking to break into, this will help to open the door to those top jobs that you didn’t even know were out there.

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