Further your career by accessing the hidden job market

Sydney March 2, 2004 - Scoring the job you want can be as simple as being proactive and approaching employers and people you know to access the 'hidden job market' says a leading employment services provider .

"By going beyond traditional methods of job hunting, networking creates job opportunities rarely seen by other job hunters because they aren't advertised", said Chief Executive Officer of Jobfind Centres Mr Con Kittos .

"The networker relies on initiating contact with someone who will be able to provide help, advice or referrals that lead them in the right direction. The key is to be persistent and follow up every lead you get", Mr Kittos said.

People you may consider as part of your network can vary, from family and friends to professional contacts. To increase your chances, don't screen anyone out of your list of possible contacts.

"Even if a person may seem irrelevant to your job search at the start, they may know someone else who can help you. People are often surprised at how even the most unlikely contacts can bring success.

"Cold calling or sending out your resume to carefully targeted employers can also open doors, but make sure you do your research to find out the right person to approach", Mr Kittos said.

To be a successful networker, be ready for your first point of contact by preparing a list of relevant and well researched questions on topics including the industry, the company and role you're interested in.

"After a meeting or conversation, try to ask for referrals or the names of other people you can contact for more information, and then follow up with a thank you letter which also emphasises the benefits you can bring to the organisation.

Jobfind's tips for successful networking include:

• Don't be shy - businesses often get approached in this way
• Mention names - if you have a mutual contact, ask if you can refer to them
• Be polite - even if there's no work now, they may remember you
• Make an impression - plan what you will say, and how you'll sell yourself

Finally, it is important that you reach outside of your comfort zone and contact people you have not met face to face before.

"There is a tendency to give priority to those people we know best and are most comfortable with, rather than the ones who are most relevant to our job search", said Mr Kittos.

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au