Many Job Openings Not Advertised

August 5, 2020

You’ve been working hard to find new employment but not making much headway. Are you accessing the hidden job market?

The Internet has made it easier to conduct a thorough job search and online sites are a popular way to find openings. Larger organizations have structured hiring processes. However, many employers continue to prefer getting candidates through employee referrals that can avoid lengthy hiring processes and advertising.

The hidden job market refers to jobs not advertised or posted online. The actual percentage varies – figures between 40 and 80 per cent are used. Suffice to say a significant number of vacancies still get filled without being promoted publicly. This article discusses this in greater detail https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-the-hidden-job-market-2062004

In our July 15 blog, we stressed the importance of having a job search strategy, rather than taking a “spray and pray” approach. This article acknowledges that a balance is needed between waiting on opportunities to appear and taking steps to put your own best foot forward: https://www.jogreencoaching.com/blog/2018/3/20/80-nonsense-busting-the-hidden-job-market-myth

At The Work Place in Grande Prairie, we are not yet able to welcome clients into our office. In light of COVID-19, we are monitoring Provincial Government Relaunch phasing and developing measures to ensure the health and safety of our staff and individuals looking for assistance.

However, we can support job seekers using technology in many ways, including questions about accessing the hidden job market. This includes assistance with your resume and cover letter via phone, email or video-based consultation via video technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.

Staff can help unemployed and underemployed individuals assess how they can address career decision making, including new skills and training they may want to consider.

Enquiries can be made by calling 780-539-5477. Catherine, our Employment Advisor, will be happy to provide you information on our services. You can also email us at info@gpworkplace.ca. Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

Here are some further resources that address the hidden job market:

https://www.epcjobs.ca/?view=article&id=65:10-strategies-for-finding-jobs-in-the-hidden-market

https://metaservices.ca/why-you-should-never-discount-the-hidden-job-market/

https://www.geraldwalsh.com/blog?c=is-there-really-a-hidden-job-market-2

https://careerfoundation.com/2019/07/accessing-the-hidden-job-market-step-1/

https://prepcan.ca/unlocking-the-hidden-job-market-5-tips-to-success/

These two links are geared more specifically to individuals newer to the workforce:

https://guides.vpl.ca/c.php?g=698557&p=4959723

https://news.umanitoba.ca/six-ways-to-uncover-the-hidden-job-market-2/

Ultimately, seeking employment in today’s job market is much more than applying for jobs online. What efforts will you make to stand out from the competition? Will you try new things?

The likelihood of you finding a fulfilling position is increased if your approach leaves no stone unturned.

If you’re looking for a job right now, we wish you the best. Good luck!