I read a very good article the other day by Robert Mandelberg on the Hidden Job Market which I totally endorse and recommend.  It rings true.  I hope it gets you thinking about why you just have to start being proactive when looking for another position and not resort to job boards along with the other millions. Here is what he says:

“When you learn how to tap into the unadvertised job market, your job-search will be much more productive and rewarding.  

In the career-services community, it is a well accepted fact that approximately 80% of job openings are unadvertised. When I mentioned this to a colleague recently, she said this number is way off: It’s closer to 85-90%. One thing is for sure: More than ever, it is essential to be “at the right place at the right time” to achieve success in this increasingly competitive job market. 

When you look at how companies seek candidates, this high figure makes complete sense. Think about how hiring is done where you work. When a position becomes available, does the company rush out to post the vacancy on Monster.com? Not likely. Most companies will first look internally for candidates and referrals. Additionally, company recruiters will use their sources, contacts, and databases long before they give up and offer the posting to a big job board. 

And when a posting does make its way to a large job board, it can generate hundreds – or even thousands – of responses. How can anyone expect to stand out when their resume is among three or four thousand others? In fact, there is a good chance that your resume will never even be read if it not among the first few hundred received. 

This is true across the board – from entry-level jobs through to senior executive positions. If your job search strategy consists mainly of combing through big job boards for advertised positions, then you are missing out on four out of five openings. And it is highly likely that about 80% of job seekers are battling over those 20% of advertised positions. Does this mean that you should ignore the job boards? No, not at all. But let’s stop using them as the primary or only source of job seeking. 

There is a much better way. But it entails more effort and commitment than simply scanning openings on Careerbuilders.com or Monster.com. By taking a proactive approach, you can bypass your competition and get your resume into the hands of the actual decision makers. Here is one strategy you can use to access the hidden job market:

Step 1: Identify your target position. The only way you capitalize on unadvertised job opportunities is by knowing what you are seeking in the first place. You must narrow down your focus to a specific position, level, and industry.

Step 2: Identify target companies. I realize that this is easier said than done, but once you narrow your job focus, you can then begin to make a wish list of companies where you would like to work. Through networking and online research (LinkedIn.com is a good source), you can then locate the hiring managers for the position you are seeking.

Step 3: Build your expert status by enhancing your credentials and increasing your online presence. Social networking, blogging, and article writing are three great ways to increase your online visibility and position yourself as a strong candidate once you begin to make contacts with hiring managers.

Step 4: Leverage your network of contacts to get an introduction into the company. Once you focus on your energies on contacting hiring managers on your list of ideal companies, you will be surprised how quickly you are able to gain introductions.

By switching your job-search strategy from passively combing job boards to proactively pursuing your ideal contacts, you will be in a much better position to be “at the right place at the right time” and take advantage of the unadvertised job market.”

With almost 10 percent of the population unemployed as of August 2011, the competition for top-paying jobs is higher than ever. Despite this, many people still neglect to involve recruitment agencies in their job searches. Some worry that a recruiter will put a strain on their budgets. Others think it’s a useless extra step.

The truth is that recruitment agencies, when approached in the right way for success,  are a valuable partner for anyone’s job search for a number of reasons.

1. Decreasing your research time Recruiters scour newspapers and online postings on your behalf, eliminating a step that can take hours.
2. The power of a network Reputable recruiting agencies know the big players at companies in their respective cities. Often, they receive phone calls from human resource departments long before jobs are even posted to the general public.
3. Positive feedback If you’ve been searching for a job for a while, your resume or interview skills may be partly to blame. Recruitment agencies will help you improve your CV and coach you for your meetings with prospective employers.
4. Having a built-in negotiator Once you find a job, your recruiter will negotiate your salary and benefits package, often resulting in higher wages than you would receive on your own.
5. Free service Recruiters aren’t paid by job seekers at all. Companies pay them to fill the openings on their job boards. Recruitment agencies don’t receive a penny until they fill those jobs either, giving them a sense of urgency to work hard on your behalf.

For help to make sure your job search is successful, contact Gateway for advice.

Finding a credible, experienced recruitment agency with connections to the biggest names in your field is only part of the process. Recruiters then have to match your skills and experience to available positions and “sell” you to employers. Ultimately, how successful your recruiter is depends on your level of openness and honesty during the process.

Recruitment agencies need to know the whole truth about your employment history, experience and abilities to find the best job for you. Avoid the temptation of embellishing, even if you think it may lead you to increased opportunities. Stretching the truth can come back to haunt you in an interview or even lead to your dismissal after you get your new job.

Also, be open with your recruitment agency about the types of schedules that you wish to work and what your long term goals are; don’t just tell them what you think employers want to hear. The goal of any job search should be long-term employment in a job that challenges you, but is ultimately satisfying. Only through complete honesty will you have the best chance of finding and keeping a job that you enjoy.

Find out how Gateway Career Management consultants can help you to succeed with recruitment agencies.

With so many recruiting agencies advertising their services online, in newspapers and on billboards and fliers, selecting one to represent you may seem as difficult as finding a job. Fortunately, you can make the process less overwhelming just by following a few simple tips.

1. Do some research before you call. People who have extremely positive or negative experiences with recruiting agencies love to tell their stories. Conduct a general Internet search of the names of the prospective agencies. Look for and read message board discussions, blog posts and articles about the firms that you are considering.
2. Ask questions. When you’re meeting with a prospective recruiting agency, pretend you’re interviewing them for a job. Inquire about their success rates and experience in the field in which you are looking for work. Also, request a list of references from each agency.
3. Trust your gut. Remember that recruiting agencies will be contacting employers on your behalf. If someone seems dishonest, rude or has another trait that is unattractive to you, prospective employers are likely to perceive them the same way, hurting your chances of getting your foot in the door.

For tailored help managing your career, including help with recruitment agencies, contact Gateway today.

Although recruitment agencies represent you, their clients are the prospective employers who pay fees to the agencies to find qualified workers. Recruitment agencies stake their reputations on the candidates that they provide to companies, meaning that top firms are selective about whom they choose to represent.

An interview with a recruitment agency is your opportunity to prove that you are a top candidate in your field. Keeping some simple tips in mind will help you have the best interview possible.

Review your CV

Even if your CV is up to date, read over it prior to your interview. Look for errors in spelling, grammar and formatting that could make you seem less professional to recruiters.

Dress Appropriately

The appointment with a recruiting agency is just like a job interview, so choose the same style of clothing you would for meeting with an employer. Steer clear of jeans, tank tops, flip-flops and other apparel and accessories that are inappropriate for business attire.

Interview Practice

Enlist the help of a friend or family member to prepare for your interview. Role-playing a mock interview allows you to formulate answers for common questions and feel more relaxed when meeting with recruiters. Better still, take advantage of Gateway’s unqiue interview offering.

Prepare yourself for Criticism

Some recruiters will evaluate your CV during your interview. Go into the meeting expecting some constructive feeback. Be receptive to suggestions and avoid becoming defensive or making excuses, even if you disagree with some of their opinions.

Gateway Career Management can help you to succeed with recruitment agencies. Contact us for more details.