Unadvertised positions
A significant amount of work available at any given time is not formally advertised. Professional recruiters estimate that approximately 60-80% of employment vacancies fall into this category. This hidden market exists in both the private and public sectors of employment.
You can only gain access to the unadvertised positions through personal contacts, or referral by others – in other words through networking and word of mouth.
Many people tend to overlook these opportunities because they are either too shy, or feel uncomfortable networking. Some people simply do not know how to network with other people when it comes to finding work.
Networking is a skill – this means anyone can learn how to do it. Go to the networking pages on our website if you want to develop this skill.
We highly recommend that you include networking in your job search activity. This will enable you to maintain very high levels of activity in finding work while you are waiting for responses to your applications for advertised positions.
It will also help you to learn about employment opportunities that you will not find out about any other way.
Tip: Networking means less competition from others who are seeking similar work to you. In some cases it might also mean that you will not have to endure a formal interview in order to get the position.
Dealing with recruitment Agencies
Recruitment Agencies are organisations which match job candidates to vacant jobs. They often have a shop front. There are agencies for specific professions, such as computing, engineering, and nursing.
You do not have to pay to use their services as the Agencies receive money from the employers.
You will need to register your details with the agency. It is advisable to register with 3 or 4 agencies. Registration can take up to an hour. The agency will ask you questions about your previous employment. They will also ask for a copy of your CV. You will be contacted when suitable positions arise. It is beneficial to phone the agency every fortnight to remind them that you are looking for work.