The Hidden Job Market - that You Want
Posted on January 16, 2018 by Bob Britz, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Discover how to avoid the online post--and-wait syndrome that leads to so many unanswered applications. Why don't they call...
The Hidden Job Market
Many of you have come across them – those that are later in career and laid off. It feels crummy to be laid off for any reason, and it’s scary when you’re over 40 and have to approach a job market that often discriminates on age.
I had one job seeker proudly announce they had been posting online to 3 jobs a day, 5 days a week since January; it was August at the time. Einstein is credited with the saying that “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.” Yet the job boards would have us posting all the time in hope of a response.
There is a solution called Sphere of Influence. Most people working will tell you that their job was obtained by someone passing their resume into a company. I even had one client passed up for a juicy directorship position because the winning candidate, all other things equal, was introduced from the outside by an employee. People like hiring people that can be vouched for.
So how do you use your sphere of influence? You make a list of everyone you know – perhaps 150 is a good number. Rank them 1-5 for how well they know you, and how ‘influential’ they may be. Add the two columns and sort by the total (that’s EXCEL talk). The people who know you the best and have influence are at the top and you begin working from the top down.
Have a coffee with them, do a skype call if they’re out of the area, grab lunch in the cafeteria, or grab a beer after work- it’s all easy-going and informal. You never ask for a job, only share with them your vision about the career change you’re considering. When the time is right, ask them whom they know who could help you advance in your search for a great job. Most people are more than happy to help you in your endeavors.
If you want more detailed information on the Sphere of Influence Process you can find it in Hire Me! 28 Days to a New Job – at Amazon Kindle – search Bob Britz, or at the CareerCoachSVC website.
Bob Britz
925-984-6960
robertbritz@careercoachsvc.com
