Hunting the hidden positions
David Denny

1 Introduction

A common misconception about job hunting is that all vacancies will be either advertised or visibly accessible to the job hunter - WRONG!

As much as 70% of vacancies are not advertised, visible. These vacancies are known as hidden (believe it or not). Instead of advertising, employers will traditionally fill these vacancies by word of mouth, head hunt or have potential candidates on file.......candidates who are switched on to the fact that these vacancies exist, like you should be.

The result of this misconception is that job seekers spend the majority of their time chasing the 30% of visible vacancies, where thousands of others are also concentrating their time. This makes the visible vacancies more competitive than hidden vacancies, leaving you with less chance of getting the post.

In a nutshell, the serious job hunter gets the ratio of time spent chasing hidden and visible vacancies right, spending more time on the hidden and less competitive vacancies that do exist. In some cases you may even be the only applicant.

So where are all these jobs? How do I get to them?

2. Employers

Many employers may not be advertising, but still have work available. Or they may even create a post for the right applicant.

It's often worthwhile contacting companies to ask if they have work. It is usually a good idea to ask to speak to the Personnel Manager, Recruitment Manager or Human Resources Department.

You can either phone them or visit them in person. If you do the latter, dress as if you were going to an interview. Sometimes going in person can be the best way of doing this as you can make a good impression and show that you are keen to make an effort.

You can also write 'on spec' rather than phoning or visiting. If you do this remember to include a copy of your CV and a covering letter. If they don't have work, ask them to keep your details in case they have vacancies in the future.

Don't forget past employers. They know a lot about your record as an employee and are often more willing to take on someone whose work record they know than someone that they don't know.

Some companies still advertise vacancies outside their premises. Many big stores have notice boards inside e.g. DIY Warehouses, Supermarkets or any big stores.

3.Graduate Recruitment Sources

Many vacancies for graduates are advertised through the usual visible means, but a significant number are not. Graduate recruiters target universities, in some instances specific universities, or specific graduate press or media.

Common examples are careers fairs and the annual 'Milkround'. In addition university vacancy bulletins often receive vacancies the press does not.

So university careers offices are useful sources of information, and can often continue to send vacancy information after you've graduated. If you move away from the University where you graduated, you can often arrange to receive support from your local university.

The moral of the story however is to make the best use of your universities careers facilities while your are there, no matter how distant the idea of getting a job appears. Don't leave it until you graduate.

4.Networking

The wider you network, the more often you use it, the better it works. At a low and broad level friends, relatives or people you meet may know where there are jobs that are not advertised. Always ask them, as their employer may be looking for staff. This search method cannot be under valued.

On another level your network may include fellow professionals, past employers or similar people. Networks need to be maintained regularly (even when you're in employment) to get them to work effectively for you.