Networking and the "Hidden Job Market"

Recent statistics seem to agree that 80 to 85 percent of jobs are never posted; they are filled because somebody knows somebody else who fits the requirements. The 10 to 15 percent of jobs that are posted result in an overwhelming number of applicants, and Human Resources people may only spend 20 seconds scanning each resume during the initial sorting process. Of the resumes that are kept for a second look, only top contenders remain. Competition is stiff because of the number of qualified applicants from a wide geographic area.

The "Hidden Job Market" is available through people who know you, your capabilities and your performance. Matches are often made based on personal recommendations, bypassing the traditional routine. My challenge over the past few weeks has been to build my network in Nova Scotia.

In the past month I have:

• volunteered at a political campaign office
• attended a three-day Career Choices workshop
• met with a career counselor
  
• joined the Chamber of Commerce
• written an article for the Chamber of Commerce quarterly magazine and 3 newsletters
  
• advertised Delcourt House Web Design in the magazine and newsletters
• met with the Career Adviser at Nova Scotia Community College - Kingstech
  
• talked with a corporate recruiter about my career search
• created this blog to document my career search
• updated my blogs and webpages
• improved and rewritten resumes and cover letters
  
• talked with the HR manager at an Atlantic property development firm
• applied for a few, specific, advertised jobs
• continued to explore possibilities with network contacts

Am I done yet? Not yet.