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How did I find my position here at Solving IT? Through the Hidden Job Market…the name almost makes it sound like a bad thing.
The hidden job market describes roles that are not advertised or posted. In my case, I texted a former co-worker and asked if there were any upcoming positions. I had not worked with my former co-worker for three years, but we had stayed in touch on and off. He always said positive things about Solving IT. He responded that they were just about to post a role and engage an agency. Less than 48 hours later I had an interview scheduled, and in less than a week I had an offer, which I accepted.
According to a 2019 Jobvite Job Seek Survey, 37% of respondents indicated that they learned about jobs from their professional networks. Having someone that can vouch for your background and be an advocate to help you get into the company will help companies feel confident that they are making a sound hiring decision. While many articles suggest that companies do not want to post a position to save money, it misses the fact that employers prefer to bring in referrals. Why? Hiring managers like to hire through a trusted source. Having an employee not work out is costly, both on the budget and team morale.
Knowing that your network is a great source and actively using your network are two different things. As I speak with candidates, there is often a hesitation to ask for help. This stems from a fear of rejection or being a burden. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
Remember that your network does want to help:
Just because a contact may not have a role at the time, or might not respond initially, does not mean that they do not want to help. If you do not hear back, make sure to send an additional follow up in case the first message was missed. Just like applying to job boards, networking is a numbers and timing game.
Be specific in your ask:
Be clear about what you would like help with. Sometimes it may be tempting to send a message to “catch up,” but keep in mind that your contacts do want to help if they can. While that person may not have time for a catch-up meeting, they may be able to easily forward your information onto the right person.
Have an elevator pitch:
Know the types of roles you are targeting and what you can bring to the table. It is hard to help someone who does not have a detailed pitch that paints a picture of their experience. Would it be easier to send along someone who has “5 years of recruiting experience and reduced time to fill in their last organization by 20%,” or “a recruiter looking for new opportunities.” If someone cannot easily repeat your pitch, how will they sell your background?
Make it easy to get to know you:
Is your resume updated? Is your LinkedIn profile up to date? Are you actively posting relevant content to position you as an expert in your field? Did you create a quick overview of yourself for your referral to easily forward? Make it easy for your contacts to help you.
Stay in touch:
If you are sent as a referral and do not hear back from the company, it is okay to follow back up with the contact that referred you. Better yet, after your contact refers you, ask how often you should check back in. If you are contacted by the company and the position ends up not being a fit, keep your contact informed. They vouched for you, so they are a stakeholder in your search. Communication on your part is key.
In closing, in your job search, you must use your network. And remember, networking has the word “work” in it for a reason…it takes time, effort, and in reality, rejection, but it is your most reliable source for finding a job.
WRITTEN BY SARAH FRANK
