4 Ways to Tap Into the Hidden Job Market

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I do agree Carol that looking for a job online is tough and frustrating. I can't agree that it is a waste of time. The last three jobs I've held all were found online. However, I am entering a new field now, so I have to come up with new and creative ways to land the job I want to work. I really don't think you can ever have too many "hooks in the water." Good luck to you and everyone else in here looking for a job. I hope you succeed!

Heath of FL 11:31PM August 14, 2011

I'm empathetic to those looking for a job in this climate, I was one of these folks with a family to support and no full time job. I'm sorry to the person who commented the internet is a complete waste of time. To be honest, it depends on what type of advertisement you're dealing with. You do have to take the time to be extremely detail oriented when it comes to the advertisements. There are a great number of fraudulent ads floating around out there. In order to seek these out, I literally took a few lines and used Google or other Dogpile to search the internet for similar ads elsewhere. If I found duplicates in multiple states, pretty much I skipped over the ad and discounted it as a fake ad. If an ad mentioned a specific company's name, I went to the actual company website to see if the position really existed on their website or called the HR department and explained I was verifying whether or not they had an opening based on an internet ad. If it truly existed, I applied at the company website. I also did the networking thing with professionals I knew in the local area. To be honest, it was a combination of networking and the internet application which lead me to my current position. I used to live in California L.A. County (11.7% unemployment in Dec 2010) and moved to Florida (11.6% unemployment in Dec 2010). So with the support of family, many revisions of my resume, a lot of effort, willingness to flex income negotiations due to the economy, and willing to take a nontraditional industry role, I'm at work. I hope this helps others do the same...

IIP of FL 11:42PM August 09, 2011

I happen to catch a show on tapping the hidden job market and decided to do a google search on it. And here I am. I am looking for work. I am a truck driver. I have been in the industry for almost 7 years. But, early last year I hurt my back on the job leaving me permanently disabled. I am in constant pain. Even driving puts me in severe pain. But, as I have told others. Sure I have qualifications to work a desk job. I fail to see the difference between sitting in a truck or behind a desk. Either is going to hurt me. So, after a year and half of looking for something outside my regular work. In all my years as a truck driver it has been mostly labor intensive positions. I delivered everything from beer to pastries. Hand unloaded and delivered to multiple stops everyday. Unfortunately, I find that these types of jobs are a dime a dozen. If I was physically able to still do the work I would be working. Now, the jobs that don't require the physical aspect of driving are few and far between. So, this article definitely puts some perspective on it. I have applied and sent out 8-10 resumes a day. No bites. Nada nothing. I do get former co-workers call me with leads and usually those are the best leads. But, I am not qualified for those position as of yet. That being said. I am attaining the qualifications so I can follow up on those leads and possibly starting my own business outside of regular work. You have to be open and willing to adjust to changes in industry as well as disability. I may have a handicap that prevents me from getting alot of jobs. But. I am willing to do all that I can to move forward and keep the money flowing.

Pat of CA 1:10AM June 06, 2011

I can personally vouch that looking for a job on an internet website IS A COMPLETE WASTE of YOUR TIME. i.e. Monster.com, Jobs.com, etc. Your time would be much better spent copying off your resume and going business-to-business handing them out to someone in the HR dept. of a business. Leaving it with a receptionist is also a waste of time. Good luck to anyone looking.

Carol of MI 7:12PM January 19, 2011

Thank you for posting your incredible journey to success. I am inspired by your perseverance and hardworking. Thank you again.

THNgn of CA 3:19PM December 12, 2010

I struggled to go back to school in the 70's with little/no support from my ex who I sent through 7 years of graduate school working as an x-ray tech - a fine occupation & needing people to go into that field; however, it didn't pay even as much as a nurse, yet the demands were as great & one was exposed to radiation (even with good shielding), started taking science courses to go to med school, got the divorce and had 3 children to care for. I struggled through finishing my 4 year degree changing my major then to Bus. Adm. with the hopes of getting into graduate school with grants/loans, etc. which I did successfully but worked very hard to get those grants/loans and ended up with a Masters in Health Care Adm. After that, ran several hospitals, etc., but then hospitals seemed to think nurses needed to be in most top jobs so moved around over the years and now work in nursing home mgt (out-of-state of where my home is) dragging my kids with me and am by myself but my point is this: If you really want to do it, you can, you can get grants/scholarships as I practically went around the world to get mine, you can work 2 jobs if you have to (I did), you may have to move (I did several times) and you can still have a happy, well adjusted family (mine is). Too many people don't want to make the effort to do anything, not get any education to prepare them, not go the extra mile to find several jobs if needed (even at McDonalds if they have to), not seek out grants, etc, or move. I've given this advise to people I work with and they just "moan" and won't make any efforts to get out there and "work at getting educated, a job, etc". They don't have the desire and they are at fault (I've been laid off and fired too in my many years in this business & still working into my late 60's); you (unless disabled) must make the effort and quit just complaining about it......You have to do it yourself & do believe that God helps those who help themselves...........

Delores Moyer of NC 11:01AM December 05, 2010

I'm a job seeker from Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. I had over ten years as being a Homecare Provider for Oregon Senior and Disabled People. I have attended the Oregon Homecare Commission Training Sessions and received a certificate for each Homecare Training Session that I have attended. I was put on the Registry and Referral System and updating my Registry and Referral System everyday for available clients who need a caregiver. I would like to find out more about your business and see if we might be able to business together.

Anne A. Odone of OR 7:13PM November 07, 2010