5 almost unknown ways to get considered for un-posted job opportunities
Is your traditional job seeking not providing results? Then perhaps it's time that you conduct your job seeking in a different way. Here are 5 rarely used advices on finding the “hidden” jobs.
Know your goal
Be clear and specific about what you would like to do, where you would like to work, which assignments you wish to solve, how you are able to assist companies. A clear goal makes it much easier for you to narrow down your job search. Makes it easier for your network to know how they can help and on top of that makes it easier to assess which companies and positions you could contact.
Use Google alerts to stay up to date
Google alerts makes it possible for you to arrange specific search criteria and get notifications in your inbox every time Google finds something relevant. Search for keywords, companies and job descriptions that interests you. The method can provide you with knowledge about non-posted jobs or jobs that are only posted on the company’s website. It also reveals if a company is expanding, moving into new markets or lining up new products. You can use this knowledge when approaching the company.
Subscribe to RSS feed on companies’ job-sites
If your preferred workplace post jobs online, find out if they have an RSS-feed you can subscribe to. Then you will immediately get notified when something new is posted.
A good way of engaging job seeking is by being at the forefront of your potential employer's mind. It's no secret that we hire people that we know and trust. The way to do this is by becoming a known face in the companies that you are interested in even before your dream-position emerges. This way you are already an obvious choice when the position (finally!) opens.
Two rarely applied methods for this are:
Arrange informal meetings (coffee meetings) with people who hold a position similar to one you are interested in
Make sure that you use your contact’s time effectively. Don't ask for a job, but ask for advice or guidance. For instance ask how this person ended up in her position and what competences that are required. Your final question should always be: “Who should I also talk to, who is able to help me?” This way you will create a continuous flowing stream of interesting people in your network.
Participate in relevant conferences
This may be an expensive solution but conferences are nonetheless a good place to hand out your business card, because everybody is expecting that this is what you do. If you do not know which conferences are relevant to you, you can also ask about this at your coffee meetings.