As an executive resume writer, it’s always insightful to speak with someone with experience on the other side of the hiring table — which is why I was delighted to have the opportunity recently to interview Executive Recruiter and Guerrilla Job Search Coach David Perry, co-author of Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0.
We discussed what he believes is really occurring in the hidden job market and shared some proven outside-the-box methods for job search that may just surprise you!
A Recruiter’s Take on the Hidden Job Market
“The hidden job market means 1000 things to 1000 different people,” David says. Acknowledging that the term can be confusing, he added, “It’s called the hidden job market, but this doesn’t mean that anyone is actively hiding jobs.”
Instead, 1 of 3 things are likely happening:
#1 There’s an opportunity, but it may exist now within the hiring managers‘ head — and they haven’t had time to sit down and articulate it. In essence, it exists, but it’s also hidden because it hasn’t escaped the mind of the hiring manager.
#2 Job boards cost money – a lot of money. The price tag goes up based on how many markets or locations where each posting gets published. While this poses no problem to companies with big budgets, those with smaller ones often spread the word in other ways.
#3 So much of hiring is knee-jerk because someone leaves or retires – and THEN the hiring manager must think about it. They tend to turn to who they know or ask others who they might know.
The bottom line? Much of hiring happens below the surface. It’s not necessarily hidden, but you must know where to look.
Networking with the Newly Departed
This approach doesn’t require you to speak to spirits, but rather people who have recently left a company that you have included as part of your target list.
Why would you do this? You can save yourself a great deal of pain by gaining invaluable intel regarding what it was really like to work somewhere.
While everyone is certain to have opinions, if 3 of 5 people share similar horror stories, there’s probably some truth to it. LinkedIn search filters are a great tool to find these people!
Email Chain Letter
Most people don’t like chain letters – but Perry promises that this one works – in part because it makes people laugh. Here’s how to proceed:
1) Make a list of 10 companies
2) Send this email to 10 friends:
Dear Sam,
I’ve left XYZ company am looking for my next opportunity. My top 3 accomplishments are:
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
If you could help me with 2 big asks, I’d appreciate it!
– Review this list of companies (attached) to see if you might know someone and could make an introduction.
– Please share this email with 5 others.
Many thanks!
Jane
<insert link to LinkedIn profile>
P.S., I promise nothing bad will happen to you if you break this chain letter! 😂
Digital Breadcrumbs
Remember the story of Hansel and Gretel? Were it not for breadcrumbs, the story might have ended very differently.
Job seekers can and should leave digital breadcrumbs by making sure the terms used by a decision-maker to search for someone like them appears across their social media pages (this includes personal and professional platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
Recruiters are looking! Make it easy for them to find you as the owner of the skills they are looking to source.
The Amazon Technique
David suggests job seekers harness Amazon to advance their search – particularly if their skill set is rare. Here’s how:
- Based on your job search target, identify the Top 3 to 5 popular books on the topic listed on Amazon.
- Read them (or at get the highlights) and make an insightful comment in the reviews that reads,
My name is and I do XXX for a living. I found this book insightful because of X, Y and Z.”
David noted that he and other recruiters he speaks with have been known to search for hard-to-find candidates on Amazon.
Outside-the-Box Job Search Techniques
As an executive resume writer, I get that these unconventional job search strategies might not be in your comfort zone. Heck – they may be waaaaay outside yours. If you’re eager to make a bold move, however, and are willing to take a risk – why not give it a shot?
This off-the-beaten-path approach to job search won’t be nearly as competitive as the traditional route!
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