How To Take Advantage Of The So Called Unadvertised Job Market For Free

Let’s use the example of a sales manager who has worked for a food manufacturer selling to the UK retail sector in the South East of England. When looking for a role, one of the first things this person should do is to make sure their CV is up to date and works for them. When this has been done, we advise starting to draw up a list of companies that the sales manager would like to work for. This could include competitor businesses, other manufacturers in the sector and the like. The more companies that you can find from which a hit list can be drawn up, the better the chances of your success in the long run will be. Get the name of the Chief Executive, Managing Director or Chief Recruiting Officer, the higher up in the business, the better.
There are several research tools that you can use; for example, your own diary and network of contacts is something that people need to use and very often fail to make proper use of. It is not in any way a negative thing to be out of work. Most people will have several career changes throughout the course of their lives and if asked, most people will help you along the way. The internet is another tool that is used properly can find you huge lists of companies from which you can draw up a shortlist of those you may wish to target. Social networking website like LinkedIn can be invaluable as they combine the power of your own personal network with that of the Internet and that can pay huge dividends. Also, register the CV with as many job boards as you can and also target recruiters specialising in your target sector as well as more local recruitment agencies. Don't overlook the possibilities within your personal network (LinkedIn is a good tool if used properly)
The real magic however is the method you actually use to target and contact these businesses. When you have a list of about 100 target companies, the important thing with the CV now is to get it out there- target the companies you would like to work for, get the name of the MD and send a personal letter to them with your CV printed out on excellent quality stationery (like Conqueror). Writing a physical letter is the key as so many people ignore emails and everyone does like a letter- more importantly, they get read.
The answer to your unasked question of why write to the Chief Executive or the most senior person that you can unearth is given here as follows. Firstly, they will be less likely to ignore or reject your letter without doing something first to check if there actually are any vacancies. If managers lower down the scale get a note from their Managing Director, they are highly unlikely to ignore it. The other reason is that it is often the case that the MD actually wants to make a change and sack someone or try a project for which you may have the right skill set. The chances are that this will be unadvertised and that is what you are tapping in to.
The unadvertised job market therefore really does not exist but you will find by adopting the methods I have outlined above, you will succeed in the end. It may take you some time and indeed a degree of effort and perhaps some rejection. The main advantage though is that your CV is not competing against a massive pile of job applications and your diligence and initiative will get rewarded in the end by your being interviewed when others who just email will get rejected.
Glenn Hughes runs a successful Curriculum Vitae service and is a professional CV writer
Glenn Hughes is an expert for Jobs in Wales.