What is the hidden job market?

[The Imp]

I keep hearing about the hidden job market but have no idea how to access it. What exactly is it and how do I get in on it to get a job?

[Mark M]

80% of all positions are filled without employer advertising. These positions are filled by--or created for--candidates who come to an employer's attention through employee recommendations, referrals from trusted associates, recruiters, or direct contact with the candidate.
Successful Hidden Job Market candidates are able to connect with the employer's network. Does this mean the employer knows them? Not necessarily. But the candidate comes "pre-recommended" by someone the employer trusts. Networking, using your contacts to connect with the employer's contacts, is the key to the Hidden Job Market.
There are many jobs out there but they never advertise it. The reality, I suspect, is that you're more likely to have a job search breakthrough by chatting with the person next to you at the supermarket checkout than by spending all day registering on job boards. Use the standard electronic tools; use them thoughtfully, and frequently enough to maintain your visibility. But remember that job connections start by being human connections.

[Jonathon]

It’s widely reported that 80% of all roles are filled by people through networking which infers that the vast majority of jobs are not advertised. Advertising is expensive, extremely time consuming and largely inefficient. The adverts you see online or in the job centre are just the tip of the iceberg and though you should explore all avenues you really shouldn’t limit yourself to applying to only them.

The best way to tap into the hidden job market is through networking, old colleagues are always an excellent source since they are probably still in the same field as you in similar companies who covet your skills. Although you should speak to everybody you know and find out who they know, who may be able to help. Then develop those relationships. Excellent additions to traditional networking are social networking sites, with Linkedin being the clear favourite in the English speaking countries. Networking either online or face to face not only opens up new opportunities for you it also gives you much greater social value and means you come without any expensive recruitment fees all of which add value to a candidate which means more opportunities and higher pay for you.

You can find out how to network, use social media and other tips and tricks to unlock all of the hidden job market at http://www.howdoigetajobuk.com

[Johnny]

I have to agree with Jonathan and Charles the hidden job market is huge! I spent 6 months applying the 'normal' way and got nowhere! Thankfully I decided to network via LinkedIn and it paid dividends.

Jonathan I have checked out your site looks good, ill send some of my unemployed buddy's the link, thanks for that. Out of interest I this the facebook fan page?
http://www.facebook.com/HowDoIGetAJobUK